Christmas is a wonderful time of year. We are reminded of all the things in life that are so dear. Family, friends, and of course the birth of the Savior. We were fortunate enough to have most of the family with us for Christmas morning. What a joy to watch the faces of the little ones. They were so excited to get to bed so that Santa would arrive. We had seventeen around the Christmas tree as Grandpa passed out the presents. Amy Jo and her children came a couple of days later. We are enjoying their company now.

At noon we got a phone call from Michael. He talked for three hours. He hated to get off. We thought of all the things we could to talk to him about. He told us stories, both good and bad. It was a fun time. It was so good to hear him and find out that he was doing well. He is really enjoying his mission and doing a good job. They have him serving as the financial clerk in his branch. In addition to this, he is an interpreter for Elder McClellan (a senior missionary with his wife) serving with the branch presidency. It is a wonderful experience for him.

Ray worked so hard on the basement to get it ready for the Christmas holiday visit of everyone. He got all in place in the downstairs bathroom except the sink. He ran to the store several times to buy the supplies needed. It is still in progress. We had a toilet and a shower and that was great.

We have a busy week ahead of us with two weddings and Mark and Linda moving. We will make it through and probably be happy to return to work on the 5th for a needed rest.

Grateful for Many Things

We have had a wonderful month. Thanksgiving has come and gone; yet, we still are amazed at the blessings that we all have. We are grateful for our family that include children, spouses, and grandchildren. It is fun to see all of the blogs and realize what a blessing our family is to us.

Recently we have been looking at pictures from the past. It is nice to reminisce and remember old times. Then being around the grandchildren and watching each of them helps us remember how our children acted as they were growing up. It is like looking in the mirror both ways. We love it.

Christmas will soon be here. Time is going quickly. It is hard to believe that the year 2008 will soon be at an end. I remember when we were concerned about the year 2000 arriving. Isn't it funny the things that we worry about?

Ray worked real hard before Thanksgiving to finish the painting and carpet laying in the basement. He did a very good job. We are excited to have all of you see it during the Christmas holidays. We still have the bathroom and some wiring to finish. Hopefully Christmas Eve will find this all finished.

Hope you have a wonderful week and that you are that much closer to having your Christmas shopping finished!