Early December

Our December started with Addison's Shakespearean play "The Comedy of Errors." He played the part of Angelo. The costumes and acting were very good for a middle school. We loved the opportunity of being there for his performance. He is a good actor.

 

The winter weather hit early this year with snow and ice on Dec. 8th. We felt so badly to miss Bro. Wilford Stevenson's funeral, but we were grateful that we visited with him earlier in the week where he shared many experiences and memories of his life. What a great man of God. He was the first stake president in the Gresham area, and at one time was our Home Teacher who we loved and appreciated. He sealed Vivi & Brett in the Portland temple.

The roads finally cleared enough for us to get off our hill and on Saturday, December 10th to attend Julia & Bryson's piano recital in Vancouver and then Jackson and Addison's piano recital in Eugene that afternoon. Gratefully, there was enough time between them to make them both. Tiffany fixed a yummy dinner for us afterwards. Grandpa gave Addison some tips on building a fire, in their fireplace and we headed home that evening to prepare for Sunday. We enjoyed listening to an audio book as we drove. I love to read and so it was delightful for me to share a book together with Crismon.

Monday, Dec. 12th was our annual neighborhood Christmas gathering in our home. Each year the number gets larger and everyone seems to have such a good time. As Crismon had them go around the room and tell a little about themselves, everyone commented that this was the best neighborhood they had ever lived in. I know it has a lot to do with how Crismon has reached out to all of them and helped bring our neighborhood together. Everyone brought a treat to share, so that made it fun.

 

Then on Dec. 14th, we had more snow I called ahead and told my coordinator, Carol Buroker, that I wouldn't be able to come to the temple that day due to the predicted snow storm. I'm so grateful I did, as many temple workers had a great deal of problems getting home. One sister was on the road for 7 hours after the temple shift before making it back to her home in Eugene. The rest of the week we were pretty much stranded.