HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN

53 GREAT AND WONDERFUL YEARS FOR BRYAN--HAPPY BIRTHDAY--YOU ARE SUCH AN INFLUENCE FOR GOOD ON ALL OF US--AND YOU ARE 'FUN' TOO-HOPE ITS A GREAT DAY!!

Congratulations Hayley on being a missionary 1 year

What Great experiences Irma Call has had since entering the Mission Training home one year ago today--CONGRATULATIONS HAYLEY

new year-new theme for Young Women and Young Men

Jan 7th

Dear family

Last night --and I attended YW and YM activity on a stake level they showed a video put out by the church introducing this years theme --Be strong (found in Joshua) and know that God is with thee where ever thou goest. The kids really seemed to grasp it and were so reverent. Pres Hunter talked about the fact that being raised in an active family is so wonderful --but for those who weren't they could be the example and choose for themselves to be active--so they the good be good parents one day and give their kids the advantage of an active family.

Sister Bryan talked about the strenghth the Book of Mormon reading had given her--especially as their son was undergoing brain operation this past year..Brooke hunter told of being in China and how when comfronted with tea and alcohal--of course she refused--but really got hassled about it--by the time--she left and at the last dinner--those who hassled her--told the waiters to take it from her and a friend Sam--and that they didn't drink and wouldn't be needing it--they had gained the respect of the English teachers. she also told about feeling alone at times-- but the patriarcle blessing she recieved gave her courage as well as the scripture saying (In John) I will not leave you comfortless-

the youth have so many challenges day to day--I think the whole evening reminded them that they are part of a bigger whole --world wide and they have the strength to stand alone.

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