It has been a wonderful week of spending time with family - whether in person, by phone, or by FaceTime/Zoom - nothing makes me happier than seeing your faces or hearing your voices.  

 We started the week with a Dr.'s appointment for Dad (an MRI), and then kept busy with house cleaning and gift wrapping.

 Tuesday, we went on a "double date" with Adam and Cory to the Temple. We hadn't been since September due to Dad's shoulder surgery, so it was great to get back and so nice to go during the Christmas season.  

  On the way home, we stopped at In-N-Out for a bite to eat (I do love In-N-Out) and a quick errand for Cory at the Outlets. 

 Once we got home, I baked a couple of batches of cranberry bread to take to our neighbors and friends in the Ward. 

 Wednesday, we joined Adam's family for their annual gingerbread house-building contest.  This is serious business!  I think Adam and Lily came out the winners this year - with their version of In-N-Out (must have been inspired by our visit the day before), complete with outside tables and a drive-through
.  

Cory and Jake did a fantastic job building a ski run - 

Paul had to work by himself in this adventure because Samantha wasn't feeling well, so he did his best to replicate the Space Needle

And Dad and I had a great plan, but struggled to execute 😂

This is what we were hoping it would look like 

Maybe next year . . . . 

Mike sent me this today and said it was their entry in this year's contest - 

 REALLY??? 😁  It doesn't count unless you are here in person, and up to your elbows in frosting and sugar!  

 Thank you Adam and Cory - it was such a fun evening!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THE CHRISTMAS PHOTOS!

Mike & Barbi in Hawaii

The Allen's in Iowa

an apple & cookies for Santa

Sendai was happy to see Emma

Paul & his mink blanket

Jake & his BB gun (yikes)

Yes, it was that warm outside.

Hollie helping Ben

Ellsworth family in Chicago

       

             ❤

 Several years ago, Chris gave me this VHS recording of Michael Flately, Lord of the Dance.  He is always so thoughtful, so I have been treasuring it, but when it showed up downstairs during our sorting and organizing, I thought the only kind thing to do was to send it back to him for Christmas.  

 AND. then he took it up a notch . . .

 Love it so much! 😂 (Thanks, Kim for your AI expertise)

  Adam livened up our Christmas day when I gave him a gift to open, and the tag on it said it was from me; however, I knew it wasn't from me, and I was soooo confused! See the video below.

Also, you'll notice Milo (looking like Tigger) walking around in this video.  

Apparently, Paul and Lily decided this would be a great gift for Adam. 😀😳

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK! 

to the Original Grammie on Dec. 26th

  

 My Mom left us with so many fun memories - her never-ending service to others, the time she ran over Francie, the way she loved my Dad, her love of Taco Bell, Burger King, Chinese food, and Mr. Goodbars.  She loved to play Rummikub, in fact, I think she taught all of my kids how to play.  She was smart, full of energy, and an amazing nurse, not only in the Dr.'s office but to anyone in the Ward who needed help.   

Adam shared a fun story - One of my favorite memories of Grammie is from when I was six and spent the summer with them. During the day, I’d be out at the ranch with Papa, and when we got home, I spent the rest of the time cooking with Grammie or going to the store with her. When it was time to head home, they drove me all the way from California to Washington. I remember being in the car for hours, stopping to see the redwoods, grabbing snacks at little convenience stores, and just spending time together. It was all pretty simple, but it’s one of my fondest memories and made me feel really special.

And to Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, or Liggett today, Dec. 28th

No one was more welcoming or friendly than Liggett. He knew everyone who lived on their street and never hesitated to lend a hand when someone was in need.  He treasured Grandma, and you rarely saw one without the other close by.  We loved how Grandpa would drive 10 miles out of the way just to save on a "good deal".  He and Ruth opened their home to numerous Japanese home-stay visitors, and became a 2nd family to many of them.  Their generosity was rewarded in the many trips they made to Japan and spent subsequent time with these students. He even talked Grandma into going to Okinawa, and later to Hawaii when we were stationed there.  We have so many fun memories of times spent together.  Grandpa was an avid hunter and fisherman - a love that he passed down to Kevin.  I know there are many days when he remembers and misses fishing with his Dad.

OTHER FAMILY NEWS ~

 Paul had his wisdom teeth removed this week - one of the last steps to take before turning in his mission paperwork.  Adam said he is doing great!

 

Kim and Chris are enjoying having Max home for his Christmas Break.  They were able to carve out some time to go to the Temple together.

 

Kevin and I got brave yesterday and took Sendai back to the dog park.  She did great and ran, and ran, and played with the other dogs - I don't think it even crossed her mind to jump over the fence. 

She loves it, and I hope we can take her there more often. 

 I visited with Shannon after Church today.  She seemed happy and was doing well socializing with some of the people living there.  She needs a haircut, so hopefully we can get that done this week. 

This coming week will be the beginning of another new year.  Every year seems to pass by more quickly than the previous one, and there are always new challenges, trials, accomplishments, and learning opportunities (educational and personal).  Please know you are always in our prayers. We think of you each day and hope you are finding fulfillment in your relationships, your work, school, and Church.  We love when you call us or stop in for a visit, and are always happy lend a hand or offer a listening ear.  

We love you and are so thankful for you all ❤

  MERRY CHRISTMAS WEEK!  

  Our family has been so richly blessed this year with good health, warm and comfortable homes, good jobs, the ability to keep our shelves and refrigerators well-stocked, great schools, and amazing friends.  We should never forget that these blessings are gifts from a loving (and patient) Heavenly Father.  And, of course, His greatest gift to us is the gift of our Savior, His Atonement, and for me, personally, the motivation to be better, to be more kind, and to do better, to take the time to serve and help others.  I am so thankful for each one of you! You are our greatest JOY❤

 SO MANY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS TO CELEBRATE! 

 MAX was born on December 19th, 23 years ago.  One thing I love to remember about Max is that initially, the doctor told Kim and Chris they were having a girl, so they decided they were going to name "her" Olivia.  Earlier, on the day he was born, I was doing some shopping at the Base Exchange (we lived in Tucson) and thinking to myself, "Wouldn't it be a fun surprise if Kim had a boy?" and "Wouldn't it be even better if she named him Max?"  So, I was really elated when Chris called later that evening to tell me "Max" had arrived!  The little outfit I bought for Olivia happened to be blue so it was perfect for Max.  We have loved him from Day 1.  He has brought endless smiles and laughter into our lives.  We are so blessed to have him in our family!   

 He spent his birthday with Amelia (whom I got to meet via Facetime this week).  The semester is over for him so he will be heading back to Chicago tomorrow.

  

     ❤  ❤  ❤

BLYTHE is celebrating her birthday TODAY!  I love to think about the time I was supposed to be babysitting the kids - I think Blythe was maybe 9 or 10ish, and I took her to her cheerleading practice, but then the car wouldn't start when it was time to come home.   

  I tried calling AAA, but they weren't very hopeful that they could help us anytime soon. We started to walk home, but then it got cold, and it was getting dark, and we weren't super close to their house, so we walked back to the car, and Blythe reminded me that we needed to say a prayer.  So, we did, and within minutes, a police car pulled up.  The officer was answering a call at a home we were parked in front of.  I explained our situation, and he apologized but said he didn't think he could help us.  A few seconds later, he came back and said he could take us home, and as I remember, Blythe was in Heaven - She talked to him the entire time we were in the car - he probably got a lot more information than he was ever hoping for.  

My Dad always loved when Blythe came to visit.  He nicknamed her "Trouble," and she reciprocated by calling him Trouble.  We definitely had double the trouble with those two.😁

 Blythe has given us so many fun moments (many of them recorded). She is an excellent student and an amazing daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend.  

  

 One of my favorite Blythe videos 😂

I had a really lovely birthday yesterday.  We had a lazy morning and then took Sendai to Scheels, which is always an adventure.  We went out to dinner last night, and I had the best Salmon in Colorado Springs.  I know most of you don't enjoy fish, but I had it often growing up and have always enjoyed it, and Bonefish Grill has the best - yes, Chris - it is maple butter bourbon glazed 😋.  Also, got phone calls from Max, Spencer, Adam, Kim, Kate, Mike, and Ruthie in the afternoon, and text messages from Grant, Blythe, and Josh.  THANKS!

  I can't leave this week behind and not think about my Mom.  Her birthday is December 26th, and we always celebrate with a piece of cherry pie because that was her favorite.  

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS 🎵

Monday, we were able to attend BEN'S 2nd Grade Christmas program at his school. Angella said he was really nervous about performing, and didn't think he wanted to go, but she talked him into it, and once he got to school, he was really excited to be with his friends.  He knew all of the songs and looked so cute in his winter scarf - 

JAKE also participated in his school's Holiday program.

  It seems our family is full of stars!  🌟🌟🌟

  

For the past couple of years, Adam and his family have participated in the Bob Telamosse Christmas Giveaway.  I had heard about it for years, but didn't know too much about how much was involved. In 1983, the event began as a hoax. Someone ran an ad in the Gazette Telegraph saying Bob's business was giving away free food. When people come to his business, Bob explained the mistake and had them come back the next day and provided them with food from his own resources.  The event grew the next year and the next and the next.  When it grew into the thousands, SafeChild took over.  The Giveaway has continued for 42 years, helping thousands of less fortunate people have good clothing, gifts, and toys for Christmas. 

Adam, Cory, and the kids are able to help those who come find just what they need for Christmas.  Love how you are "lighting the World" ❤

  I love all of the lights at Christmas and Kate, Jonathan, and Sayre were able to go to the Lights at the Lake in Iowa City this past week.  

I think my favorite is the corn stalk! 😀

SUNDAY SELFIES

Kate said Jonathan played a trombone solo of What Child is This, as part of their Christmas program in Church today. I wish we could have been there.  I'm sure it was beautiful!

Angella is excused from Sunday Selfies today because both she and Ben have not been feeling well - Ben had a fever all week, and Angella had some dental work done 😟 

However, we did get to see Eilis this afternoon.  I made some Christmas stockings for her and Jake (her boyfriend), and she came by after Church to pick them up.

 They both love playing the guitar, so she picked out some "musical" fabric.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK, AND A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! REMEMBER OUR SAVIOR AND ALL THAT HE HAS DONE FOR US. BE KIND, AND CONTINUE TO LIGHT THE WORLD! ❤