HOORAY FOR: portugal hats--are just the hit for this cold weather

cold weather _plus warm portugal hats= a BIG SUCCESS
THANKS FOR SENDING THESE HAYLEY --EVERYONE IS ENJOYING THEM LOTS
ps the kid ones aren't from the island but I had a few 'wanna be type hats" and then I added mayley wearing her hat too cause it was a cute pic that went good with the Hooray for hats blog

Its a Wonderful Life--Especially when you read the Christmas story each year

dressing up to feel the spirit of the story as we read from the Bible (Luke 2) and Book of Mormon (nephi 3)

of all the Christmas traditions--I'm glad that years ago we started dressing up in Nativity clothes and reading the Christmas story--now it seems so natural and actually--so wonderful to do this
and to read in 3 nephi as well. pondering upon what the signs of his birth was to the people of both continents and having the opportunity to bear testimony that he came then and he will come again to us. And we like those in that day need to watch and prepare--The time of reading the Christmas story and feeling those feelings is my favorite part of the year...
an angel with her halo-- (pictured above)

getting the scenery set up by the fireplace for the Nativity story to be read

some together times- of the holidays

eating together

snow play

hot chocolate with friends

new Pj's

oh Christmas tree oh Christmas tree

(adding a few of her dad's ornaments to the tree that he had when he was little)

those feelings that Christmas stirs within me--and help me reflect on what is important is just a neat time.

reflecting--on some of the holidays activities

spending time --doing all sorts of things was just the main thing that made the Holiday season so wonderful for dad and I and then talking to Hayley on Christmas eve day--was a wonderful part of bringing so much joy to our hearts --our cup runneth over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it was good

happy Anniversary

*(I know this pic with the girls is outdated but for some odd reason I don't have your wedding picture folder on my computer)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY -Stephen and Nancy -woo woo

what a fun day Dec 27 was 9 years ago--we love you guys and we are so proud of the powerful team that you make together--

*you are wonderful to each other and to your children

*you set your goals and reach them together

*you are the wind beneath each others wings & help each do what needs done

* you are good at including us in your lives and make your extended families more fun

*congratulations on being an example to us and to the youth in your ward that

Marriage is great--just like the proclamation outlines it to be.....love ya

all sort of fun times

lights, fondue, time together, that's what its all about...

what gets me through the year is....

What gets me through the years the the 'ups ' and 'down's of life is knowing that after all my work and my families hard work--that around Christmas time we can be together and relax and enjoy each others company--and that is a bright spot in my year--and a good note to end on

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH OF YOU MY FAMILY

(& TO ANY OTHER FRIENDS WHO HAVE SHARED IN THE BLOG-DIRECTED TO FAMILY)

I just put under my tree--a gift to ourselves (from ourselves) and from Nancy (who spent hours and hours formating the book )

tah da!!!! the gift: --Our first publication of our blog book-

-such a fun trip down memory lane from past posts and it is a fun treasure--

below is a picture of the family away from home (Hayley) and the family gathered together this holiday season--