Julie's Family Nativity Program

Julie usually projects these wonderful posters on her Apple TV, but this year that isn't possible so we made big posters, printed at Costco.  The numbers are for the bells, we all take part.  So much fun and very meaningful.

Christmas This and That

Elder Spencer St. John sent a photo from Mexico.

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Kim wrote a program for her Ward Christmas Party as she was in charge.

I think it is terrific:

POLAR EXPRESS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Come gather all around now, and quickly find your seat

We're headed on a journey, that's sure to be a treat!

SONG:  SLEIGH RIDE

The train is heading down the tracks; we all know where it's going.

Look outside your window and you just might see it snowing.

Anticipation growing, you start to fear it's all a dream,

Until you hear the screeching metal, and the hissing of the steam.

"There," said the conductor, "we've finally reached our goal!

Take a look, and you will see it (SLIGHT PAUSE) At last -- The North Pole!"

SONG:  WINTER WONDERLAND

The lights are shining brightly; it is a wonder to behold!!

It seems it might be glowing, as if the streets are paved with gold.

The crowds have come from near and far to welcome us their way,

And right there in the center of town is Santa's magic sleigh.

The time is passing quickly as the crowd begins to cheer!!

We now know it is time to see the first gift of the year!

This gift from Santa's harness has an important tale to tell.

A special gift for each of us -- a bright and shiny bell.

SONG:  JINGLE BELLS/SILVER BELLS

Now listen closely friends, this is where the truth is found.

The REAL way for us to always hear the sweet bell's sound.

Believing is the secret, true believing is the way,

But believing in the reason we really celebrate this day.

It happened long ago, with a birth that changed all time.

A tiny little babe, whose birth was so sublime.

SONG:  WERE YOU THERE?

He came to earth, born in a town where he was just a stranger,

The only place to lay his head was in a simple manger.

He was born in such a humble place, there amongst the hay,

Could those around him really know, this baby was The Way.  

SONG:  MARY DID YOU KNOW?

When this season gets so hectic that you no longer hear the ringing,

Remember what you must believe in to keep the small bell singing.  

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On the 22nd Julie and Tom took us to dinner at Twig's at Farmington Station.

It was wonderful.  I love spending time with them.

Christmas Devotional at Melissa's

Is there anything quit like little children at Christmas.  Melissa was making treats for her neighbors and let Ellie and Madi help.  All of Jeff's family came too and we watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional together.  Family is the best!  

Julie, Kenzie and Jordan, Melissa, Ells

I was amazed at how well Madi did in making these.

 Julie with Abigail Elizabeth Holbrook, Jenn's baby.

Madi is a doer with no fear.

Relief Society Christmas

Our Relief Society Presidency wanted to give a small token to remind the sisters of the theme we had for 2014, "A Christ-centered Home".  So I made tiny houses that lifted to reveal a Hershey's chocolate nugget. 

Counterpoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville

Cherie decided that it would be good for her family to go to the theater and she also wanted to support our local talent.  She bought season tickets and Kari has generously continued the tradition and has bought tickets for his family and for us. We have enjoyed the productions, but most of all we love spending time with Kari, Hayden and Paige.  This Monday night we were lucky enough to have Katelyn with us too.  The production was "Scrouge".  I like that so much better than "A Christmas Carol".  

Katelyn's Homcoming

It is always so great when family gets together for special occasions and this one is such a happy one. Katelyn's talk was really good.  We are so proud of her.

Julie & Tom's New St. George Home

Julie and Tom wanted a nice gathering place type home in St. George with an eye to retirement there.

It is so very nice and I know they will enjoy it.

Our whole family is gravitating toward Southern Utah.

This is one of my very favorite pictures and it wasn't even posed.  

I just saw them sitting there.

Chantel with Cabo, Ciera with Bo and Cashaye with Audri. So cute!

A lovely way to end the day was to go to the St. George Temple for the 

Christmas lighting ceremony.