MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

Christmas morning and we had a nice breakfast with the Despains and then headed north to prepare for the family party at 4:30.  A quick stop to see what Santa delivered to Heather and Sam.  Oh! so much fun and so cute.  Heather's doll house is all made of wood.  Even the furniture.  It will definitely be a family keepsake.  Sam ---- yep he got a basketball stand.  That little boy does love to play with balls.  His dad says that he will be a kicker someday as good as he does it now for just being a year and a half.  They have so much fun and loves it when dad teases ad mom plays with them.

A stop at the Soria's on our way home ---- so much excitement



Brad and I were very excited about Christmas.  Every member of our family would be coming to the dinner this year.  We had prepared and shopped earlier in the week so that we would just have to put the food in the oven to cook when we got home. (Ham and Cheese Potatoes with rolls) We had rented the Senior Center's big room since all fifty of us would be there.  Brad had also invited his mother to come if she would like.  At 96 we wondered if she would want to be with so many but she said yes. I had made brownies and an orange fluff salad and had asked each family to please bring their favorite salad or deseret to share.  (So much good food)  Thanks

Brad and I headed to the Center at three to set everything up.  It is so nice to be able to seat everyone and still have a nice space for our tradional games and present exchange.

OK Lets Party

OK MacKenzie ---- yes it was grandpa and Grandma --- DUH

The boys have their turn

The girls ---- just a bit easier

RED LETTER DAY

We received one of the nicest gifts this year.  We have waited some time for it to come put when Ryan and Jordi arrived at the Christmas party she was wearing a very beautiful new engagement ring.  We are so very happy for them.  They have worked hard at completing their educations and have settled into some pretty good jobs.  We pray that the will continue to be blessed and find great happiness as they prepare for their marriage.  Jordi says that the big day will come in late summer or early fall. 

Tyson was also sporting some fancy sunglasses ----- major eye hurt.  He had lasik surgery on Wednesday and was miserable.  We really appreciate him coming.  Hopefully each day will become a bit better.

For several years I have selected a book to give each family that they could enjoy together.  Inside of each book was a written message or a letter of love and testimony.  After much thought and a great deal of indicision we finally decided to make a change this year.  This year the gift would be an emergency battery powered light for each married family.  So it was on line to the Coleman store to make the purchase.  I am sure that when the UPS gentleman delivered four big boxes of lights from Coleman he thought we were crazy.  Well when it came to getting them all wrapped we thought we were crazy.  But oh it was fun.  This was the inspiration and feelings that would be given in the annual Christmas letter. 

December 25, 2010

Dear Family,

As we have planned for this Christmas we have been very much aware of your joys, your successes, your struggles and the daily hectic pace that you live. We have often wondered how we could be of the best support to each one of you without being in the way. You are always in our hearts and in our prayers. We pray that you will continue to be blessed by your loving Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ.

So this year our thoughts have been on “LIGHT”. “LIGHT” can come in so many different ways. The flip of a switch and a room can turn from dark to light and we are able to find our way. To live in a world without Electricity is indeed rather frightening. We so depend on the “LIGHT” and other benefits that it provides. But, so often it is just a wonderful utility that we take for granted day to day. However, when that power is gone we come to realize how much easier it makes our lives.

Our Savior Jesus Christ came into the world to provide us the most important “LIGHT”. It far surpasses any other “LIGHT”. Are we taking His “LIGHT” for granted each day without realizing the wonderful benefits that it can bring to our lives. If we will but let his “LIGHT” glow within us and upon us life will be filled with such wonder and peace.

In knowing this and having a sure testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ that He is our Redeemer, our Leader, our Example, but above all our greatest Friend we want to bring some “LIGHT” into your lives. This “LIGHT” is for emergency purposes when that great power switch decides to go of. You will be able to flip the switch and have a “LIGHT” to find your way. But most of all we hope that it will remind you of our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the only begotten of the Father, His atonement is the most wonderful gift that we have been given. He is the ultimate gift of “LIGHT” from our Father in Heaven to help us “Return with Honor”.

We share with you the testimony of The First Presidency. They are men of God, chosen to lead us today. Their words echo in our hearts and in our Christmas wish for you.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following 2010 Christmas message:

In celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ our thoughts turn to that sacred occasion when He was born “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He promised: “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Truly, Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer who was “wounded for our transgressions … and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Our prayer this Christmas season is that the light and testimony of the Savior's divine mission will come into our hearts and be reflected in our lives and in our homes.

May each of us be blessed, not only at this Christmas season, but also throughout the coming year. May our faith in Jesus Christ increase as we follow His example in all we do and say.

We are so very grateful for each one of you and the love and support that you give to us. Thank You seems so small for such great acts of love and kindness. As we look around our home and see all of the wonderful improvements that you helped us with whether by action or by great words of encouragement we are so grateful. As the days come and go and you realize that you are “Aging” and that your capabilities are not quite what they used to be it is good to know that family is there for you. We Love You.