1 January 2017 - Happy New Year!

Monday after Christmas was a whirl of activity. The rental car needed to be picked up, the bags packed and put in the car, the house cleaned, etc. Stephen was driving the Subaru Outback with Samuel in the back and Kathleen in the front.  Leaving an hour later than planned, snow wasn't seen until Tiger Mountain. Highway 18 was very busy and SLOW... making it to Boise late.

The rental car....

While in Meridian Stephen helped Cory and Susan work on the flooring in their family room. It was a beautiful dark brown and went well with the gray color on the walls and the white kitchen cabinets. Both Cory and Susan seemed very pleased with their work and Jarom helped too.

Siblings that made the funeral. L to R
Mayrene, Kathleen, Leonard, Michael, Larry, Richard

Program cover

Tuesday morning put the car back on the snowy road. Light snow was falling as the car made it's way to the highway. After leaving Boise, the weather mostly cleared up with only some drifting snow at Sweetzer pass. The drive to Provo was uneventful with the roads clear and only the city streets crusted with a thick blanket of snow. Samuel's Christmas was a suit so there was a stop at the Missionary Mall where a suit was found, measured for alterations and paid for. Samuel seemed pleased. Next stop was Jessica and Juan's place. Ben and Carli stopped in and plans were made to continue the journey to St. George for Francene's funeral. Kathleen rode with Ben and Carli, Stephen took Jessica with Samuel. On the way down, the rental car overheated and the signal light came on to indicate the oil level was too low. They stopped and Ben and Carli and Kathleen made it to the Comfort Inn in St. George first where the family was staying. Michael and Catherine, Larry and Teverly and Richard were next door at the Wendy's restaurant so when Stephen arrived the whole group joined them for dinner. After a quick bite, everyone went back to the hotel where they let us gather in the breakfast room to discuss what was happening for the funeral and what else needed to be done. Catherine showed us the program and Leonard discussed the finances. Most of the men were to be pall bearers or honorary pall bearers. Kathleen was asked to give the opening prayer, Stephen was to speak after Richard gave the eulogy. Catherine would finish up giving the memories of Francene's nieces and nephews. After planning there was some time to try out the pool and sauna before going to bed. Jessica slept with Stephen and Kathleen but couldn't sleep well due to the snoring.

Sisters Mayrene and Kathleen

Ben, Jessica and Carli at the viewing.

   Wednesday was the funeral. After breakfast and packing the cars up, everyone headed for the church where Francene had spent most of her years attending while in Washington City. A family viewing was an hour prior to the funeral and many family members close by were able to come. The funeral went as planned. There was a musical number by the ward members and some of the Care Center's employees came. Stephen did an excellent job incorporating our belief in the Plan of Salvation and the fact that Francene will now be able to have an eternal companion. Part of Catherine's talk included a poem that she asked Jessica to read about being "home for Christmas". The Bishop finished up the service and reiterated much of what Stephen said. This was his 4th funeral in just a few weeks but he was able to individualize each one to the needs of the family and friends of the deceased. The spirit was strongly felt.

Ian, Mayrene, Emily, Michael
Stewart

Sheila and Marty Mayne

Jeanette Raisor & family

Mindy and children

Carl and Julia and family

Jay and his mom, Helena
Langford

Karen and Doug
Stoddard

Jimmy Jo and Harmony
Langford

Aaron and friend Alicia (?)

Mayrene and Wayne Stewart

Helena and Leonard and Camille
Langford

Ben Selfie with Carli, Samuel, Stephen,
Kathleen Ralph and Jessica Salcedo.

Shauna Tyler

   After the funeral, family gathered at the Washington City Cemetery where the gravesite was purchased not too far from Floyd and Irene Langford. Leonard dedicated the grave site and the bishop said a few words then everyone started to leave. A luncheon was prepared back at the church but it was hard to leave. Stephen and Kathleen were the last ones to leave the cemetery after visiting at the parent's gravesite. The luncheon was nice and after cleaning up everyone headed their separate directions.

Luncheon at the church.

   Wednesday night Stephen and Kathleen spent at Jessica's place and Samuel stayed with Ben and Carli. There was a quick stop by Sarah's apartment to check it out and she was sorely missed.
   Thursday was when the suit was ready to be picked up. Stephen and Juan took Samuel and visited with Lisa and Tom where they saw Brandon and Demarae and their kids.  Jessica and Kathleen dropped Ben off at his apartment so he could wait for Carli to finish her dance instructions. They had Hadlie and Christian with them so they started off and had to stop in Layton at Leonard's house where they picked up some DVD's that he had from Francene that Kathleen had purchased for her. The only stop after that was in Burley for gas and a potty break for the kids. Meridian Idaho was covered in snow on the city roads and Kathleen only navigated wrong once. Otherwise the trip was uneventful. Stephen and Juan were able to pick up Rebekah at the airport in Boise before making it to Susan and Cory's place.
   Friday was quiet at the house. Susan had prepared a breakfast casserole of eggs and vegetables. It was so delicious. After a nice lunch, Kathleen had an appointment scheduled at her clinic for a PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatment for her knee and hip. After several (10+) injections in various sites, Kathleen was pretty sore but hopeful that her knee will get better as she follow directions with exactness. That evening was a movie night at the dollar theater. We saw "Doctor Strange" with Benedict ???

Game Time

   Saturday was a fun breakfast of eggnog and pumpkin pancakes with buttermilk syrup and sausage. Then the decisions were to be made. Whether people wanted outdoor activities in the cold (that was shot down), to go to the movies again or visit a fun center. The fun center was selected but it had a sale that started at 5:00 and it was only 1:30. Most people didn't want to stay for the sale but the guys and Rebekah wanted to stay for the football game of Ohio State. Jessica stayed so her kids could play and Susan, Cory, Jarom and Kathleen went home and played Jokers and Pegs.

Breakfast buddies....
Kimball and Hadlie

    That night Susan had prepared a game in which you rolled the dice to get doubles while someone put on gloves and tried to unwrap and ball of gifts wrapped in cellophane wrap. It was quite the fun game and Ben and Jessica got the most stuff.... Midnight was celebrated with a toast of sparkling cider.
   Sunday was 9:00 church for the New Year. The Speakers spoke about the important goals to be made in the year to come. The sister that spoke talked about seeing the gifts (valentines) from God that we receive daily and how we can develop charity by looking for those opportunities to serve others. The brother who spoke mentioned the regrets that people have on their death beds. #1- Not spending more time with their loved ones.  #2 Not living by the spirit and #3 Not living up to the potential to BE HAPPY.  There was some good messages in the words spoken and the spirit was felt very strong. After church, clothes were changed and everyone headed off to their destinations. Ben and Carli and Jessica and Juan made it back to Provo before the big storm hit. Stephen and Kathleen saw 10 cars slid off the road during their travel back to Kent but theirs was uneventful thankfully.
   With the New Year begun, we say goodbye to the old. Hopefully we can have fond memories of all that went before but if not may we all strive to do worthwhile activities that have potential to bring happiness and joy to others so there will be many good memories ahead.

A New Year's picture at Cory and Susan's ward after church. What a beautiful Day!!!

25 December 2016 - Merry Christmas

   The week before Christmas started out with Kathleen feeling sick and going home after Sacrament meeting. She had had the flu vaccine so it wasn't suppose to be flu but it felt like it. Stephen had been sick earlier so it may have mutated and passed on.
   Monday she continued to feel sick and she was suppose to work but she called in sick. Bed was the best place for her in her slow recovery.
   Tuesday morning, Kathleen got a call from the Red Hills Rehab facility where Francene was staying. They said that her oxygen levels were low and she probably wouldn't make it through the week. It was a difficult call to receive. More calls were made to all the siblings that would take them. Catherine called Nancy, Larry and Teverly. Kathleen called Ron, Richard and Mayrene and both Cathy and Kathleen tried to get ahold of Leonard, who was working in the Bountiful temple until 9:00. A decision was made here to keep with the original plan and wait until after Christmas to see Francene since Kathleen had seen her less than two weeks previous. Leonard planned on going to see her on Thursday and Catherine and Michael planned to fly to Las Vegas on Thursday and drive the remaining way to St. George. Ron was not able to go at all since his health/weight prevented him from travel and any stairs. Richard had plans until after Christmas as did Larry and Teverly. Kathleen spoke to Wayne and he was to let Mayrene know what was happening.
   Wednesday was lost in Christmas preparations and Stephen having meetings. Samuel took a plate of cookies to YM so they could divide them with other cookies and pass them out to people in the ward. After the activity they all went to Pres. Stroud's home to watch the BYU football game. Thankfully BYU beat Wyoming so it was a positive end of the day.
   Thursday morning Sarah called from the Care Center where Francene was. Sarah and Michael were on their way back from Disneyland, where they had been taken by his boss as a bonus for the company where Michael works. She was very upset and stated that she had tried to speak with the Hospice nurse who was taking care of Francene and she felt that she was rude. Sarah was startled at the condition Francene was in because she had just seen her on Sunday but she didn't try to wake her up from a nap.

   Thursday evening Rebekah had a piano recital for her students. While driving to the recital with Stephen and Samuel, Kathleen got a call from Leonard. He had just gotten to the Care Center to visit Francene. He was pretty upset. He said Francene's breathing was fast and shallow, then it slowed down. He asked Kathleen if she wanted to talk to Francene. Of course, she did, so he put her on speaker phone. There was no two-way conversation but Kathleen told Francene that it was alright to go to the Light. She wanted Francene to say Hi to Mom and Dad and to give Nathan and Danielle a kiss and a hug. It was a difficult conversation. After saying goodbyes the car was parked at the church where the recital was and Kathleen was ready to get out of the car when the phone rang again. Leonard was crying and said that Francene had passed away. Helena said that it was about one minute after we had hung up from the last conversation. Francene had just stopped breathing and was gone. Michael and Catherine hadn't made it to Las Vegas yet but they came in later that night. Both Leonard and Catherine took care of funeral arrangements, flowers, obituaries, programs, etc.
   Friday was the last day that Kathleen had to prepare for Christmas. She had to deliver a package to Sheryl Sprague and wish her a Merry Christmas as a visiting teacher. Also our Home Teachers came by and delivered cookies, too. There were some last minute items to purchase and all the wrapping had to be done, but with only 4 people sharing Christmas day there wasn't a lot of presents to be wrapped. Stephen was out and about with his activities and Samuel had a date with friends going to the movie. He saw Rogue One and liked it. Not everyone did.
   Saturday, Kathleen went to the hospital for her shift on Christmas Eve. It wasn't super busy and she had 3 couplets to care for all of whom wanted to go home. By the time she got home there was just small things left to do. We gave Vinay his gifts that evening since he wasn't going to spend Christmas day with us. Wrapping gifts and taking them over to Rebekah's home. Reading the Nativity story was part of the tradition that was kept. There was no dressing up since the costumes were in Texas for the kids there to share for their advent. It was a quiet evening and Rebekah had a nice tree lit up with lights and lots of decorations. It was so nice to visit in her home.

Stockings to open on Christmas

Dressed for church with a stocking full of goodies.

   Sunday was Christmas! The Sabbath makes Christmas special. Everyone awoke a little late but were dressed by the time Rebekah came by at 9:00 to open stockings. She had to be a the church to practice a song with two other people by 9:30 so it was a quick visit before everyone jumped into the car and drove to the church. Samuel and Kathleen sat in the choir seats with Rebekah at the piano and Stephen in the front as part of the Stake Presidency. There was a large congregation, more than usual since the Young Adult ward was not meeting that day. There was only Sacrament meeting which lasted a little longer than usual. The choir had 4 numbers, one with the primary children and one with the congregation. There were also two other numbers. A piano solo by Br. Woodhouse and a mother/son (10 yr old) cello and violin duet by the Warner's that Rebekah accompanied without any practice. It was very beautiful. The bishop spoke also which made everything last longer. After the meeting and the visiting after of people home for the holidays, there was a stop to deliver a birthday gift to Kappy since Christmas is her birthday. After the delivery the family went to Brian and  Ruth's home (after finding the church empty of their presence) for Christmas breakfast. The scrambled eggs and bacon along with grapefruit, kiwi, Orange juice, cranberry juice, eggnog made a delicious beginning followed by Cinnamon rolls for dessert. What a lovely treat! The best part was when Kathleen found out she didn't have to go to work that day. What a wonderful Christmas present. Michelle and Alberto were there with their little girl, Lilah, and Daniel and Shawn were their with their little girl, Adeline. Shawn's parents were also there. It was a large group and plenty of food.

Rebekah dressed for Christmas.

Michelle showing her baby bump.

After the clean-up and conversation, the gifts had to be opened so Stephen and his family left and headed back to Rebekah's home. There were some  nice surprises for everyone. A phone for Rebekah, a massage package for Kathleen along with a beautiful Birthday remembrance board, Samuel got lots of Nike stuff and Stephen got the clamps he wanted and the Surface Pro 4 that he needed, along with other small items.

Before the gifts with open at Rebekah's house.

So Grandma can practice and maybe beat Andrew and Emeri.

After the last gifts were opened everyone piled into the car again to go to the Kozy home where a dinner invitation had been made. The prime rib was cooked to perfection and there was dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole and salad. Drinks were from a variety of sparkling ciders. Melissa and Jordan were there to celebrate Christmas and David expressed the finer techniques of cooking meat. It was fun and they wouldn't let us help with the clean up. It was a lovely evening and a very Merry Christmas.

18 December 2016 - Last week of School and Seminary

Ok, the last week of school and seminary for the year 2016 is over...Hooray. The end of the year is quickly coming and it presents a good time for refection of how the year has progressed and what has been accomplished. A look back to the past is nice but a forward glance brings with it an excitement for the upcoming year and the progress that can be made.
  This past week on Monday and Tuesday there was a light dusting of snow on the ground but it didn't shut down anything, such as school or seminary. Stephen substituted for the band class Monday at KentLake and surprised Samuel and a few others in our ward. He was a little disappointed that he didn't get to really teach anything but he did have some fun teasing some of the members of the band. He also subbed in a Spanish class but they had an assignment they were working on so he didn't get to do much there either. Eric Taylor and his wife Detzy were still with us but they spent the day in Seattle touring the life there. They did leave that night on the red eye back to Florida. It was nice to have them visit.
  Tuesday Stephen ran errands and Kathleen prepared her Seminary lesson. That night Samuel had a basketball game at Tahoma HS. He didn't get to play but they won so it was all good.

Best picture I could get of Samuel.

  Wednesday Samuel had another game at KL but he was able to leave early so he could go to the YM activity which was at the Hayward's house watching "Forever Strong" about the Rugby team. He enjoyed himself.
  Stephen picked up another substituting class of Spanish immersion for 5th graders at Scenic Hill. By the time he got home he looked tired and he mentioned that his head and tongue were very tired. There was a band concert on Thursday night where Samuel played the trumpet to the part of the "neighing horse" in the Sleigh Ride. He didn't mention his solo before the concert so it was a surprize to see his horn up for the part.

Cinnamon rolls a la Ralph.

  Friday was our last class in Seminary so Kathleen made cookies, coconut bread, cinnamon rolls and orange rolls and brought them with milk and orange juice to class. The lesson was on John 5 about the healing of the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda. Christ healed him without being asked to do so. The picture by Carl Bloch is gorgeous and the story is even better. It shows the Lord's compassion and his power over all things in creation, even our bodies. If you haven't seen the video in the Bible videos you should check them out. We also covered Jesus' witness that he was the Christ, the Son of God and that He was there to do the Father's will.
  Friday night was the annual High Council dinner with the Stake Presidency. Stephen was in charge of the White Elephant Game so he borrowed the ideas from the Heath family and made his own variety of the game. It was more entertaining than before so it was a big hit.
  Friday, Kathleen was coming down with a bad sore throat. By Saturday it was worse along with congestion, sinus headaches, coughs, sneezes, etc. She stayed in bed until 9:00. There was 10 pork roasts that had to be cooked up for the Ward Christmas Party so she managed to get them in a counter-top roaster and roasted to perfection so Stephen could take them to the party. The party was to the theme of Who-ville from Dr. Seuss. There was a grinch who stole Christmas in green and all. All the meat was eaten so it must have been a success.
  Today was a missionary farewell for the Bishop's son, Ben. He's going to the Sendai, Japan mission where Uncle Leonard served years ago. The gospel makes the world very small indeed.

11 December 2016 - Teaching, Trips & Temple

Stephen has been sick most of the week. After spending last Sunday in bed he was able to go to an to a few classes and substitute teach this week for several schools. He taught at Neely-O'Brian on Tuesday and Panther Lake on Thursday. Friday was at Sunrise Elementary and he was surprised at how messy the room was. Disorganization reigned and it was a wonder the kids could learn anything. He had to pick up the floor before the kids got into the classroom and then at the end of the day he had the kids pick up the room. It was that bad.
Kathleen taught Seminary twice on Monday and Wednesday and got a substitute for her class on  Friday so she could fly to Las Vegas, rent a car and drive with Susan up to St. George to visit Francene. They got there late but were warmly welcomed by Jay and Mindy that night and they were able to spend some nice time with Francene and Sarah, Jessica, Hadlie and Christian came later that morning. Susan checked Francene over and had the nurses put a dressing on a wound on her heel, reposition her and talk about what she has been doing. She was in tears at the first and said she didn't do anything for Thanksgiving but Mindy reminded her that they had taken her to the church where Leonard's family gathered for Thanksgiving and she played "Pie in the Face" with the others. She is emotional at times and then fades in and out of her surroundings. She complained a great deal when anyone would try to lift her arms or legs without getting her permission to do so. Susan explained that it was the only way that she had any control of her situation.  Jessica had to take Hadlie to the urgent care because she was complaining of an ear ache and was running a fever. Hadlie had an ear infection and  Christian had a barky cough. They did really well under the circumstances.

Decoration up in the room and on Christian

  Everyone decorated Francene's room with Christmas decor from the dollar store. She had a nativity that was put up on her night stand and wooden deer that Grandpa Langford had carved which went up with a nutcracker soldier on her armoire. Her cabinet drawers were decked out in wrapping paper and bows. It was festive.

Hadlie was not feeling well.

Two queen beds.

The sofa

View from the window....

  After a very late lunch at the Black Bear Diner, Susan and Kathleen headed back to Las Vegas and Jessica and Sarah made their way back to Provo. All arrived safely. Kathleen turned in the rental car after Susan had registered at the Venetian Hotel for the conference she was attending in Las Vegas. Kathleen got to spend the night with her for Thursday night before she flew home Friday morning. Rebekah picked her up at the airport and then went to her glass-blowing activity that her boss at the Dental office was providing for the staff. That evening she had her office Christmas Party which is an annual event.
  Thursday night Eric Taylor and his new wife Detsy (from Venezuela) came to stay for the weekend. Stephen was in charge of making the home ready for company. They are sleeping in Ben's old room and Samuel was to clean up the bathroom. Detsy had never seen snow before so Eric was taking her to Leavenworth but the snow was too thick on the road so they didn't make it all the way there. They went to visit Eric's kids and introduce Detsy to them. She is a missionary from his mission in Venezuela and he knew her from years ago. She was married to the Stake President but he left his family and the church and she has raised her children all by herself. All 3 kids went on missions and are active in the church. She has a strong testimony and they plan on being sealed next year.

Kappy, kneeling in front of Stephen.

  Kathleen made it home in time to change and get ready to go to the temple where she was the escort for Sister Kaprice Baranet-Hughes. She was getting her endowments out and there was such a wonderful group of supporters. The sister missionaries asked for a ride to the temple so they came early so that Kappy could go through the initiatory first. She was the only person going through for her own endowments which made it very special for her. Lots of people from the ward came and she was in tears. It was a spiritual high.

Kappy with the Spanish Sister Missionaries,
Yost and Jorgenson.

  Saturday was another opportunity to go to the temple. Kappy was sealed to her deceased husband by proxy with the missionary who found her. He came back from his home with his parents to tour Seattle and be with Kappy in the place of her husband. He seemed a little nervous about what his roll would be especially after the sealer pronounced "husband and wife". His father teased him prior to the sealing about having to give Kappy a kiss over the alter. Kappy was just pleased and seemed to really appreciate everything that she was doing. Her father is in the final stages of cancer and she was told he probably wouldn't make it through the weekend and he was scheduled to be in respite care for this weekend. She is hoping that he doesn't pass away in her home.
  A quick side-trip to the Bellevue Stake Nativity activity was such a blessing. They really made the whole building out to be a walk in Old Jerusalem. It was a lovely, spiritual experience with so many testimonies of Christ and His birth.

We filled clear bulbs with floor polish and
glitter. It made a nice christmas ornament
without all the glitter mess.

  Saturday night was a "craft night" at Rebekah's house. She has her little house decked out in Christmas cheer and she has invited Lisa Lewis and Kathleen over to make some decorations for Christmas or other holidays. It was a fun night.

Candy Cane snowflakes.

  Sunday was a wonderful treat. The talks were on the Light of Christ and brought out the church's message on giving service for 25 days before Christmas. There have been so many little opportunities to serve. Helping people reach something on a high shelf, saying "hello" with a smile to a stranger, picking up a gift that someone can't get. Lots of little things that make someone's day brighter. During church the choir practiced with the primary children for the Christmas Day Sacrament meeting. They will be singing one song with the choir and the children sang so beautifully it put most of the choir in tears.

4 December 2016 - Perot Museum, Home and Nativity.

Stephen sleeping on the bench.

Emeri about the brontosaurus fossil in the back
ground.

Monday was a lovely day and Liz and Jenna chose to go to the Perot Museum in Dallas. The kids loved going to the different floors and playing the games and chasing around. Joshua kept heading for the stairs so Jenna was always on the alert. Stephen sat down for a minute and was fast asleep until Kathleen came to wake him up. There was a ride in a "make-believe" oil fracking drill. There were displays of gems and fossils, stars and space. It was wonderful.

In the ride into the oil rig.

  It was dark and late when we got back to the homes. Jenna's mother, Susan had to leave that morning so she missed out on the fun but her sister Sarah was there helping with the kids and having fun of her own. There was a stop at Dallas Temple where pictures were taken before and after the sun set. There was a nativity set up at the temple and a new fountain in the front of the temple. The kids loved running around and posing for pictures.

Dallas Temple in full frontal view.

Seeing the Nativity at the Temple.

Moroni on the temple

Selfie

The whole gang with Sarah Furniss taking the pix.

Crotchet Nativity by Rebekah

 Tuesday was the flight back home to Seattle but it left at 7:00 so the whole day was spent finishing up the project Stephen was working on putting up shelves in the pantry/laundry area for Liz and Austin. The flight home was uneventful and Rebekah was there for a pick up.
  Wednesday was a late start day so there was no Seminary but there was an in-service meeting at 5:45 AM. That meant Kathleen could sleep for an extra 45 minutes. Samuel made it to school and stayed after for Basketball practice. That evening Stephen made his meetings and spent the night at the church. Samuel had missed the temple trip for Priests and Laurels so there was no activity for him. Rebekah had made a crotcheted Nativity set for her parents. Kathleen set it up in the house to start off the Christmas festivities.

Seahawks Tree.

  Thursday was a trial by fire for Stephen as he worked as a para-educator for special needs students at Cedar Heights Middle School. It was his first foray into teaching. It was an eye-opening experience with kids who would spit at anyone who came close, kids who tried to jump on other kids and students who would try to leave. Kathleen spent the evening sitting at the house of Kappy Baranet with her father who was in bed while she and another new convert sister went to the Maple Valley Nativity.

Maple Valley Nativity

  Friday, was Stephen's second teaching experience but this time it was with Kindergarten children at Meridian Elementary. The teacher had left a detailed schedule to follow but there was so mix up as to where everything was. One little girl hid under the desks so she couldn't be found. Stephen came home without a voice and got sicker as the evening went on. While he was busy at school, Kathleen had a special day with Rebekah. She and Rebekah went to the Victorian Christmas in the afternoon at the Puyallup Fair grounds. There were lots of things to look at but it was sooooo very cold that it was hard to get around. Stephen picked up Samuel at school after the BBall game at Kentlake for the JV and C team. Their team lost by 2 points and Samuel was disappointed but alright.

Rebekah wants to do this idea.

  Saturday Kathleen had to work during the day and in the evening she was able to go with Rebekah to the Maple Valley Nativity where Rebekah played the piano for two sisters who were singing as part of the program. We were able to stay for a little while to see the displays but Rebekah needed to get back to her place to finish some homework that was due. Stephen was sick and stayed in bed most of the day and most of Sunday. He has a bad cough but he was able to start a fire in the fireplace to warm up the house since it's suppose to snow this week. Jon did send a text about his adventures in the Wild Pig Hunt...it was history so it's being added here. Congrats Jon on your success.

Three pigs for the freezer.

  Sunday was Fast and Testimony meeting which is always nice even when the same people get up and say almost the same thing each time. The music chosen was the beginning of the Christmas hymns and after the meetings and choir practice it was nice to come home and catch up on the blog and listen to the Christmas devotional by the First Presidency. It was a beautiful message of Peace, Joy and Hope. A beautiful way to start off the season.