After Christmas activities

With the excitement of Christmas soon over, there was more fun around the corner. Dallin's family left in the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 28th (that wasn't fun!). Julia & Austin also left that day, too. It's always hard to say goodbye! Ondalynn brought her children over about noon for us to watch them for a couple of days. It was there 14th Wedding Anniversary and they had a chance to get away for just a day and a half. We were happy to have the cute Vance children in our home. We went to the "Peanuts Movie" at the Mt. Hood Theater and then saw the beautiful decorated tree in the center of Gresham. The children loved running along the sidewalk and open areas. The weather was amazingly warm. I appreciated the children doing some little projects for me around the house, like organizing my huge supply of colored pencils. Sydney was not feeling well, so it was a difficult time for her as she was flat out on the couch most of the time. We played games, did puzzles, and had a great time having them here. Of course, when their parents arrived, the boys nearly knocked their Mom down by running and hugging her.

Dad Crismon turned 67 on December 30th. He loves receiving a box of delicious canned peaches from Alice-Anne every year. I think that will be considered his all time favorite gift. I gave him a photo book of our year highlights, and Vivi gave him a computer pad with a picture of all the grandchildren on it. He doesn't want to use it as it is too nice.

While Dallin & Janelle were here for the holidays, they helped me clean out more stuff from our house, mostly the basement. We hauled out tons of books, bookshelves, got rid of bedding, etc., and many other things we don't use anymore. Some of our camping supplies went to Dallin's family. It feels wonderful to have things cleaned out. I want to keep moving through the house and do more! For Dad's birthday, he meet me at the temple after my shift and we did a session together and then went out for Mexican food to celebrate. I'm so grateful for my good husband! He is a joy to me. He enjoyed hearing from the children throughout the day. We are at the end of another great year. Life is wonderful!

Christmas 2015

Emily and Bronson were good to pull our Christmas decorations out before they headed back to Provo after Thanksgiving. Then Ondalynn came with Sydney and Julia and they decorated the tree and transformed our living room into a beautiful festive sight. I appreciated so much all they did as this is very exhausting for me.

A fun way to start the holiday vacation was going to the Vance's to watch the BYU vs Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. It was a disappointing loss, but a super fun time together. Julia & Austin arrived Thurs. afternoon, Dec. 17th, just in time for a quick lunch and then we took them to the airport to fly to SLC for Austin's sister, Cami's wedding. Dallin & Janelle and girls arrived the next evening about 9 pm, then Emily and Bronson arrived by 10:40 pm. So grateful when they make it safely. What a joyous time to gather and begin the holidays! Julia & Austin returned Sunday evening.

Dallin makes the best Artisan bread. He kept us supplied the entire holiday. Delicious! I loved going to church with my beautiful family. These precious girls bring me so much joy! Dorothy, Ruby, Norah and Gwendolyn warm my heart so much. Other pre-Christmas activities was all the grandchildren gathering at our house to make Christmas cookies. I was in quite a bit of pain and weakness that afternoon, so sadly, I was in my room the whole time, resting. I love having my family together, but it does drain me and with my Post-Polio I definitely need time to rest to be able to keep going. Crismon gave me a Priesthood Blessing Sunday evening that I would have the strength for this holiday season.

We had our usual tradition of making caramel corn popcorn for our friends and neighbors. I'm really done with all of that work, but Emily and the others pitched in and made it happen. Emily also prepared a number of very yummy treats for everyone to enjoy. Bronson was fighting a sickness the whole time, so unfortunately he was sick, but he still tried to be a part of things.

I served in the temple on Wed. and Julia & Austin came to do a session that morning, too. The temple devotional that day was especially beautiful. Although a busy Christmas season, my temple service two days before Christmas was a sweet experience.

Traditionally we gather at the Vance's for Christmas Eve. Ondalynn prepares a delicious spread of appetizers and treats. Everyone contributes some to the light meal. We played a few fun games with the children and adults. Then the children acted out the nativity scene. You want it to be a spiritual event, but the children are so cute and funny, its hard not to have a few smiles. They did such a cute job. Christmas is especially fun with children around to enjoy. I'm so thankful I have some of our grandchildren near by to brighten my life. 

How deeply grateful I am for our Savior. His humble birth, His perfect life, His Infinite Atonement make it possible for me to have joy in this life with my family and for the covenants and ordinances that make possible the gift of Eternal Life as families. I deeply love my family and desire that so much in my life.

Returning home from the Vance's, Dallin's girls received their traditional pajamas before going to bed. Soon the house was still and beautiful, a sweet Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning was magical, of course. What fun we had with everyone! I love being surrounded by my family. We received many nice gifts from family. Vivi and Ondalynn gave us their large family pictures, Meredith a cute picture of us with their children, Emily & Bronson a bluetooth for our car, Alice-Anne a tie and cashews for Dad, and the Melt Method Book, roller and ball for me. Dallin & Janelle gave me a rolling pin and closures for my bags. Crismon gave me a framed picture of our family at the wedding. It's beautiful, but we do miss Meredith's family. I gave Crismon an updated book from my blog. All the children surprised us with a nice suitcase for Dad and an exercise bike for me. I was so surprised and excited to receive it! I rarely get something "new." So this was fun. Austin put it together for me after Christmas. All the family came that afternoon for a big Christmas dinner. 

Early December events

Every December we like to host a Christmas gathering in our home for our neighbors. Each year it seems to get bigger, which is fun. They all bring goodies to share, so that is helpful. We've been blessed with good neighbors. Crismon usually signs up to host a table at the Gresham Chamber of Commerce Holiday Breakfast. They give out awards for the best decorated table. People go all out. We're not very good at that kind of thing, but we have fun participating anyway.

Ondalynn, Sydney, and Julia came and decorated our living room for Christmas. That was such a huge help for me. They did such a beautiful job. I greatly appreciated all of their hard work. I enjoyed listening to Bryson and Julia perform in their Christmas piano recital. We host the zone and district leaders in our home for breakfast once each month. It's a stretch for me physically to do it, but Crismon helps me a lot to prepare the home, and with the food as much as he can. I was so glad I could get the upstairs bedroom/office turned into a nice sitting room and office for me. The Vance's took our twin bed and dresser. We had a quick picture taken in Relief Society one Sunday. I love our ward and the wonderful sisters that I can associate with.