It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Love

Once again, I have the temporary calling of doing the ward program. I like to find the quotes and pictures, not so much rounding up the music, talks, announcements, etc.

This is this weeks pic and quote... I loved it.

“Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 21

2010 can be the year of LOVE

We all need more love in our life.

The Lamanite

Riley had his big debut in theater. For a seminary devotional, he was asked to play Samuel the Lamanite. Here he is:

And this is what he told the people:

"Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born. And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you."

(Helaman 14:2-5)

Pictures of the Cute Missionary...

We are missing the cute boy....

we love his pictures, we love his smile!

But we are grateful that he has the wonderful blessing

of serving the Lord this Christmas Season.

The Real Spirit of Christmas...

...Caught in the frenzy of Christmas...

Our tree tripped over twice fully decorated

and then Mike decided we should shake out the dead needles,

which meant undecorating (lights & ornaments)

and then HE redocorated the tree.

Riley & I were done with the tree....

Busy with Addressing Cards, Packages... Long list of to do's.....

Then my Cousin sent me this.

It brought the season into perspective,

The season of Christ.

Last Week...

I had a preview of retired life...

My dad moved to a retirement home and I was able to enjoy the retired life with him.

It was a bit cold to enjoy all the rocking chairs on the porch, but

I did like walking down to the dining room for all our meals.

Eating Breakfast with my Dad in the Dining Room

My dad relaxing in his new Living Room.

We were lucky to find a wonderful place for him to live,
with great staff to take care of my dad.
This past year my dad has totally lost his eyesight
but he still has his sense of humor.
We had a wonderful time helping my dad move in
and I spent the week so he could find his way around his new home.
Parents truly are a blessing in our lives.
I love you Dad.

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving a time for...

Gratitude - every year we make our Grateful Tree,

Good Food - we have the same menu and it is always delicious

Family - that is what life is all about,

Games - Riley learned a new game and beat his cousins,

Sales - we hit the sales mid day,

Tradition - Of course we start the day with Pumpkin Waffles

Movie - we loved "Blind Side"

It was a wonderful relaxing long weekend