December Day by Day

I love journaling this way in December – so much to record and remember. We got the house decorated on Monday and Tuesday, November 27th and 28th. So great to have an early Thanksgiving and feel organized and ready for December to start.

So fun to get the kitchen ready. Love the Christmas mug tree and plaid mugs and plates I got last year:

Love our European santa’s, German pyramids. I got the snowglobe for my birthday last year from the kids. Nikole gave us the baby Jesus and manger. We are trying to be kind to each other to add straw to the manger.

Love our bedroom! We got this cute new plaid pillow new this year…

Friday, December 1st

Friday dad had the day off and we took the van into the shop to get the brakes worked on. There were some loud scraping sounds coming from the right back wheel especially when we put on the brakes. Since I was with Emily a lot this week in the van we joked about it being a demigorgan — which is the monster on stranger things, the TV series we just finished. Just $340 to get it fixed.
This afternoon dad took Katie and Luke to go get military ID cards, but after he checked them out of school and drove all the way down to base the computer system wasn’t working and he couldn’t do it. Such a bummer to waste all that time.
Meanwhile, I called Monae Starbuck and talked for 2 1/2 hours. It was so fun to reconnect and chat about what’s going on in each of our lives. I just love Monae. She such a diligent spiritual mother — And such a good friend, and it’s funny just how much we think alike.
Emily had her STUDENT VOICE RECITAL and CHRISTMAS PARTY at 4:00.
We are leftovers for dinner, Katie left on a date with Hunter, Emily stayed working on a science experiment lab for homework that was due at 12 midnight, and dad and I ran to target for a few things – including some ski socks for the girls.
Then we took Megan, Luke and Matthew over to the LIVE NATIVITY and Crèche at the Stake Center. It’s such a well done event. We wandered through the cultural hall looking at all of the different nativities and picking out our favorites. I got emotional quite a few times, especially as I explained something to Luke or Matt. It was a perfect way to start December.

On the way home we stopped at king super and grab some peppermint ice cream to eat while we watched STAR WARS – THE FORCE AWAKENS in preparation for the new Star Wars movie which comes out in two weeks. A happy day.

#Light the World – Matthew 10:8 “Freely ye have received, freely give.”

Dad pulled up the website of a charitable organization where you could purchase specific goods that are needed by people throughout the world. We counseled as a family and decided that we would buy a goat. We named him ‘Billy’. Very exciting.

Saturday, December 2nd

Saturday was such a great day. Dad and the kids left about 6 o’clock to go SKIING AT MONARCH for the day.
I slept in to a completely quiet house which only ever happens when they go skiing. Just blissful. Then I quickly moved to the computer where EDITED THANKSGIVING PICTURES AND BLOGGED almost the whole day. While editing, I listen to Ronald A. Rasband Conference talk that Ryan suggested. Of course it was so great. I had the distinct impression to text someone and tell her I was thinking of her. She texted back and then I called the temple to put her name on the prayer roll. The next talk that automatically turned on was a talk by President Monson entitled finding joy in the journey. Partway through that talk I was prompted to text a friend and share something. I was reminded once again that when you fill your life with spirit filled things, you receive more revelation and inspiration which brings so much joy and strengthens relationships.
My parents Skyped and I was able to talk to them for a bit. (My parents have both wanted to move to be closer to their kids but have not been able to see how that could work with their Canadian healthcare. On vacation with them in St. George, Mike talked to them about Christian healthcare, which is what Mike and Carly use as they travel around. My dad got pretty excited thinking that this really might be a way that they could move to the states. The day that they got home from the trip my dad got his passport picture taken, had called places and got working on a lot of different things. Yesterday, Day told me that they met with the realtor and should have their house up on the market in the next couple of days. I am super surprised with the speed of all of this, but then again I’m not. I know my dad has been anxious for this for years. Especially if one of them passes away it would be particularly hard for the other to be up in Canada alone. They are really excited! The realtor told them they can list their house for enough to give them money to buy a home in Utah and have a substantial amount to use for healthcare. I am so excited for them!!)
Dad and the kids got home from Monarch about 4:00 and said they had a great time. I cut the boys hair and then got ready for my date with my husband. We went OUT TO DINNER TO MARIGOLDS with the JACKSONS and THEURERS. It was really fun to enjoy our meal and talk together.

When we got home, we watched the rest of the Star Wars movie.

#Light the World – Matthew 25:35 “I was thirsty and yet gave me drink.”

We donated money to an organization dedicated to providing clean water to countries in Africa.

Sunday, December 3rd

Today was such a great day. First of all FAST SUNDAY. Second of all, Bishop McAllister and his counselors were released from the bishopric. Our new bishop is Bishop Bullen. It was a very spiritual meeting full of lots of emotion, of course I cried. We recently got a new stake presidency and it was fun to see and hear from our new stake president.
Dad helped out in the nursery today and I went to Sunday school and young women’s. We had a great discussion about the proclamation of the family in Sunday school, and about service and the Light The World initiative in Young Womens. Great meetings.

After church we knelt in prayer as a family asking for the Spirit to be with us as we headed over to the Stake Patriarch’s home for KATIE’S PATRIARCHAL BLESSING. It was amazing!!!! The Spirit was definitely there. It was just wonderful. It was really great to have Emily there. Emily spoke of Katie‘s positive qualities and got choked up saying that Katie is always trying to help and that sometimes she doesn’t realize or appreciate that that’s what she’s doing. She also mentioned that she’s inclusive to everyone and tries to be kind and friendly at all. Then it was my turn to talk and I cried saying “Katie is a light. She is a positive example to everyone. She’s inclusive and happy and positive and friendly. She’s diligent in reading her scriptures and praying and truly knows she is a daughter of God.” Dad got choked up as well and mentioned among other things that Ryan and Katie were the perfect oldest kids of the family. We are so grateful for her. Patriarch Christiansen is just the most wonderful man. I love that we get a chance to share feelings about her which bring so much love into the room. He gave her a tremendous blessing and let her know how truly loved she is and the great things and challenges in store for her.

Sunday night we headed over to the RICHINS HOUSE FOR DINNER. It was wonderful to share our feelings with them about our special day – since we were still quite emotional about the experience. They are such good friends and we have been blessed to be able to share meaningful things with them throughout the years. We were all crying. After dinner we watched THE FIRST PRESIDENCY CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL and then sang Christmas hymns around the piano. Fun to be with them.

#Light the World – Matthew 12:12 “Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days.”

We decided to each text or email a family member who would appreciate hearing from us. Luke and Matt both wrote letters to Brian and he wrote them back.

Monday, December 4th

Dad had the week off of work to do a home CME course. He spend a lot of time listening to lectures throughout the week. I went in to volunteer at School in the Woods, Carmen came to clean and then Dad and I headed out to do some errands. Costco groceries and video drop off. (Dad has been very focused on getting all of our old videos and tapes switched to digital so he can add it to our list of watchable home videos. He even had to take apart an old video camera to pry out the video inside.)
We did some Christmas shopping and then went to LUNCH AT MOD PIZZA – a new pizza place in town. It was great!
Monday afternoon Dad went and got two moles surgically removed. He has previously gotten them looked at and they had taken a good portion off but when the Pathologist studied them, deemed them ‘irregular’ and so he had them removed with wide margins. When I texted my family, Dad got on and said, “What Lisa meant to say was, “inital shave biopsy of two suspicious lesions revealed a severely atypical Nevus and a basal cell carcinoma requiring surgical excision with at least 6mm margins.”

Meanwhile I took a nap and then Emily and I headed to the Orthodontist office to pick up our new retainers.
Monday night we had a FAMILY HOME EVENING about LIGHT THE WORLD. It was fun to watch the daily videos and make a plan of how we would serve others during the month. The videos are so well done. Dad and I would look at each other almost as soon as each started and were both choked up.

Then we skyped my parents and heard all about the new ‘house on the market’ developments.

#Light the World – Matthew 22:39 “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

We picked up CHOCOLATE COVERED JO JO’s from Trader Joe’s for our Neighbor gifts this year and will deliver them later in the month. : ) Yum. They are my very favorite Christmas treat!!

Tuesday, December 5th

Tuesday I had YW Presidency Meeting, and then I went to a late birthday LUNCH with MARY SEAQUIST and EMMA PATTERSON at KNEADERS. Fun to get caught up.
Tuesday afternoon Megan had an orthodontist appt. (Feels like I’ve been there all the time lately). Then we ate our favorite meal of THAI COCONUT SOUP.
Then we took the whole family to the PINE CREEK CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Emily and the Freshman Choir and sang “Artza Alinu” and “Colors of Winter” Katie and the Festival Singers sang “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and another one. Then all the choirs sang “Peace Peace” (and duet with the audience) and “Carol of the Bells” together. It was a really fun concert.

#Light the World – Matthew 15:4 “Honour thy father and thy mother.”

We skyped my parents the night before and Face-timed with Chris’ mom to get all caught up. Fun to connect with both of them. We are so grateful for their good influences in our lives. Katie gathered all of the kids in her room and then called Dad’s phone to tell us how much they loved us. It was cute. And Megan left Dad and I cute notes on our pillow. Love that girl.

Wednesday, December 6th

ST. NICHOLAS DAY – The kids were excited to wake up and check to see if their shoes were filled with German candies. They were. German peaches, Happy Hippo’s, some socks for the girls and PEZ characters for the boys. Love this tradition. Matthew was so confused as to why we would have school on this very important holiday. I explained that most people didn’t know about this German tradition but since we lived in Germany, St. Nicolas still travels to us. "Wow, all the way from Germany! That’s so cool.”

Dad and I headed out to do errands again and found a good present for the girls and picked up my Christmas cards from Costco. When we decided what to eat for an early lunch Dad said, ‘Back to Mod Pizza?’ I love that we are the kind of people that would go to the same restaurant two days apart. Good place! We are planning on taking the whole family sometime this month.
At 11:30 we headed over to the Middle School to watch MEGAN’S CHOIR CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE. Megan’s Choir performance. I love going to the daytime performances – not crowded and easy to video her choir.

Wednesday afternoon I took Emily to piano lessons and then sat in the car and addressed Christmas card envelopes. That night the boys went to Cub Scouts. Katie had a LAUREL CHRISTMAS PARTY but the rest of us didn’t have activities because of the Temple Trip on Saturday.

#Light the World – Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

The video for this day was pretty funny. We decided that we would be extra kind and aware of others today.

Thursday, December 7th

Thursday Dad and I headed up to the Denver Temple. We did a session with family names and then headed to Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Today we expressed our love to each other in the temple – a suggestion we received while listening to Katie’s Patriarchal Blessing. Love going to the temple with my man.
We got home in time to take Emily to Voice Lessons and then home for Enchiladas for dinner and a discussion with the kids before Luke headed to Basketball practice.
Dad and I watched some more POLDARK episodes – I love it. A time period piece that takes place among the rich and poor of England. It’s great.

#Light the World – Mark 10: 14 “Suffer the little children to come unto me”

We decided to ‘spend meaningful time with your children teaching them about the true meaning of Christmas’. We gathered in the living room with Emily, Megan, Luke and Matt to read about the birth of Christ. Megan, Luke and Matt took turns reading scriptures and General Authority quotes.

Friday, December 8th

Dad went to Denver for his monthly National Guard service.
I went to Matthew’s school class to help glue Snow Globe Art Projects.
That afternoon I had a mammogram.
In-between I folded batches and batches of laundry and tried to get some things ordered and done.
Friday night Dad and I went to a couple’s UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER WHITE ELEPHANT PARTY hosted by the Swenson's and the Hatch’s. Chris and I wore our brand new matching Ugly Christmas Stranger Things Sweatshirts. Fun party. Lots of great people.
Katie babysat for a few hours and then came home to be with Luke and Matt, prepare for the ACT and get to bed early.
Emily babysat for the Nielson Family.
Megan went to a CHRISTMAS PARTY at Carter Wyeth’s house.
Luke and Matt stayed home and watched THE GRINCH

#Light the World – Mark 5:44 “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”

We talked about being kind to everyone – even if they are not kind to you. Luke shared experiences of feeling unwanted, unappreciated and receiving very unkind looks and remarks from a certain boy at school. We listened to him talk about how he felt and he started to get emotional. He decided to start praying for this boy.

Saturday, December 9th

Dad was in Denver for National Guard again.
Katie went and took the ACT TEST again in the morning. She was SO glad to be done.
Emily and Megan went on a TEMPLE TRIP to do Baptisms for the Dead with the young men and young women. They did a few of the names Katie and Emily have found recently. Then they went to Costa Vida for lunch.
Luke, Matthew and I went to BASKETBALL GAMES, and cleaned the house to earn SANTA BUCKS.

When everyone got home we ate Salmon for dinner while watching THE CHRISTMAS STORY and then started a puzzle. Chris and Emily were the diehards. I tagged and added ribbons to all our neighbor gifts while we watched. Then some more POLDARK episodes.

#Light the World – Matthew 25:36 “I was sick and ye visited me.”

We decided to pray for those who are sick – physically or spiritually or those who are dealing with hard things right now. We also put people’s name in the Temple. : )

Sunday, December 10th

Early this morning I received a couple texts saying that church was cancelled because of a pipe that broke causing a lot of flooding in the church building. I promptly went back to sleep until 9:00. The boys slept until 9:30.
After breakfast the kids watched Christmas home videos and worked on the puzzle. When I got back from welcoming a new Beehive into Young Women’s then the kids were gathered around the table MAKING CHRISTMAS CARDS for cousins. So cute! I love that they enjoy doing this kind of thing.

We had tacos for dinner and then Chris took the kids out to deliver Friend gifts while I got things ready for Dessert with friends.
At 5:00 the Neilsons (a new family in the ward) and the Jacksons came over for Squamish Bars, snowflake cutting and puzzle finishing before we all headed over to the Stake Christmas Choir and Orchestra Presentation. Joe Hale led the entire thing and did a fantastic job. Emma Patterson was over all the instruments. It was quite the production – especially the last song – Noel, Noel. Fun to talk to good friends at the end. We stayed to the end to help the Pattersons and Hales clean up.
Then another Poldark episode. : )

#Light the World – John 5:39 “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life.”

Monday, December 11th

6:45 Dad left for work
7:20 Megan left for the bus
7:45 Matt left for early morning Choir
8:00 Katie left for Kneaders with friends – Easton, Kate, Anna… No Seminary this morning because of the flooding in the church building.
8:10 Mom and Luke left for School in the Woods. Mom volunteered.
9:10 Katie came back and got Emily and they headed to school.

I shopped online to take advantage of some of the sales and then took an in-depth look at what percentage of the photos I took this year were edited or blogged. 55% blogged. Another 20% edited and ready to go. We’ll see if I can make time to work on that this month!
When Dad got home we headed over to Chinook for the Chinook Choir Christmas Concert and Caroling. Matt and Anders had a special part that they got to sing. We headed to a few houses to carol and then back to the school for treats. It was a freezing cold night. It was fun to visit with the Sidwells, Theurers, Roys and Bass Family.

Once we got home Chris and I took off to Sam’s Club to get our Membership money back from last year and pick up a few things. We also stopped by Barnes and Noble and picked up a few NEW PUZZLES. I just love being out with Chris running errands and talking the whole time.
When we got home we had fun chatting with Katie and Emily about boys and ‘breaking up’ with boys and started one of the new puzzles while watching a cheezy Hallmark Christmas movie.

#Light the World – Matthew 25:35 “I was a stranger and ye took me in.”

We decided to look at those people in the ward that we didn’t know very well and invite them over for dessert before we headed to the Stake Choir Presentation on Sunday Night. We invited the Neilsons and two other families who couldn’t make it. Then we had the Jacksons come over as well. : )
Elder Johnson went caroling to some members with cookies to ‘Light the World’. It was a definite success. He caroled to one family, the Vogli family, and the father was almost brought to tears and endlessly thanked us for bringing the Spirit into his home.

Tuesday, December 12th

I exercised and then wrapped presents for hours – which was really fun. Katie and Emily went to school for a half day since they are taking FINALS this week – and then came home to study for the afternoon.
I took Megan to the optometrist after school. Her Middle School had run some eye tests and suggested she get her eyes looked at. Her right eye is nearly perfect, 20/20 --but her left eye is about 20/40. She now has a daily contact lens in her left eye. Walking out of the Optometry office, Megan said, “Wow, everything is sharp and clear. It’s weird!” The assistant said she was ‘a natural’ putting in the contact lens. Hope it helps her and she gets the hang of it all quickly.
Tuesday night Matt had his last basketball practice, we helped Luke with a big speech for school, we PLANNED the next SEVERAL WEEKS (so excited for all the fun things ahead!!) we booked two nights at the GRAND LODGE in Crested Butte with the Jacksons for a ski weekend in January, and we continued working on our puzzle.

#Light the World – Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn.”

We decided to decorate Shelley’s room for when she comes for Christmas by making a big WELCOME sign. She comes next Thursday – the 21st!

Wednesday, December 13th

Wednesday was an at home day.
Since the pipes in the church were being repaired activities in the church were cancelled so we didn’t have cub scouts…
but we did have our YW Christmas party at the Egberts. The girls brought a wrapped pair of socks and we did a sock exchange – which was fun. Then they drank hot chocolate and ate treats.

After the party we worked on our puzzle and watched Poldark again.

#Light the World – Matthew 7:12 “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

“What’s something that could really brighten your day? Do that for someone else.” Earlier in the week – thanks to Megan – we drew names for Secret Santa’s within our family. Secret things are going on and it’s fun to see notes and treats on pillows. Today I found a very fun start to the 12 Days of Christmas on the table by my bed. It made my day. Someone is very creative and so fun!! (Emily)

Whoever had Dad was doing an ELF theme – I didn’t get a picture of our bathroom but there were white paper chains and snowflakes EVERYWHERE decorated ELF style. So fun!!

Matt’s Secret Santa gave him a big Activity Count Down book – which he loved – and Luke’s secret Santa kept giving him little bags of candy. Fun to see all kinds of happy secrets going on everywhere!

Also Matt and I got Squamish Bars ready to send in to the school for the “TEACHER’S APPRECIATION CHRISTMAS SNACKTIME”
Elder Johnson headed to Shkoder with Elder Isufaj, an Albanian Elder. Super fun and insightful. They have Gjergj (his first investigator from when he was in Shkoder) on a baptismal date which he’s excited about.

Thursday, December 14th

Thursday Katie and Emily had finals, Megan and the boys had a normal day of school.
I met Amy Richins and Saralyn Campbell at Modern Market for lunch and it was fun to talk. Amy has had some really powerful missionary opportunities lately and was telling us all about them.
After lunch I stopped at quite a few stores to finalize some Christmas presents.
Katie took Emily to Voice
As soon as Dad got home from work we told the kids to get their ELF shirts on and get in the van. They knew that Thursday night was reserved for ‘a family activity’ but they had no idea what. We headed north, stopped for Chick fil-A in Castle Rock and continued on to Denver. We parked around 14th Street and walked for a few blocks. They kids got a little worried about how cold it was and even though they had winter coats on felt unprepared for being outside. We continued walking and turned into the Theatre District. When Katie saw the Buell Theatre sign she let out small squeal and said, ‘No!’ Later she told us she got a little teary eyed as we approached the ticket office. The kids read the billboard – “ELF THE MUSICAL” and looked at us for verification. We nodded. It was a pretty great surprise. We picked up our tickets and headed inside. The musical was great. We all really enjoyed it. We took a few pictures and people loved seeing our family with all our ELF quote shirts. During the production, if they said one of the quotes we pointed to the person wearing that shirt. It was a fun night!!

After the show we walked around the streets of Denver for a little while. I love the atmosphere – especially Larimer Square. So many great lights.

#Light the World – Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

"Are you spending time on the things you value most? Clear some space on your calendar to invest in some one-on-one time with those you love.” The perfect time to head to ELF THE MUSICAL and spend some quality time with our kids. So fun to make these memories with them.

Friday, December 15th

Friday I woke up with a migraine. I got Emily, Megan, Luke and Matt off to school, put my 2 four feet Christmas trees on the front porch to be borrowed by a friend for the Christmas party and headed back to bed for a few hours. When I woke up my headache was manageable and I got up and going.
As each kid came home from school and finals they each yelled excitedly as they walked in the door. ‘NO MORE SCHOOL!” First Katie. Then Emily. Then Megan. Then Matt. And last, Luke. So exciting for everyone – even me!!
At 5:30 we headed to the Stake Center to help with the final details for the Ward Christmas party. Megan invited Charlee (non-member from her soccer team and from school) to come with us. Her Dad immediately called me to ask what she needed to wear etc. and then mentioned that they LOVED Bob and was eager to do anything to continue their relationship. Glad Megan can be such a good influence on her friends. It seemed like Charlee had a great time with us. She calls us Aunt Lisa and Uncle Chris – and Bob calls her dad Uncle Dan – Funny girls.
The Ward Party was really well done. Lindsey Iverson planned the whole thing and the decorations were really great. We had a Cafe Rio style dinner – which was so good. Then we listened to a 2 piano duet and then watched a slideshow about Christ’s life. The kids saw Santa while the adults visited and then cleaned up. Fun night.
When we got home we watched another – A Charlie Brown Christmas and then The Santa Clause while Dad finished up the puzzle.

No school = late night sleeping bag talks. These boys just love sleeping on the floor in their Star Wars sleeping bags by their own tree.

#Light the World – Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful.”

“Know a family struggling to make ends meet? Find a way to make their Christmas special.” Our ward is helping two refugee families have Christmas. We signed up to get gifts for a 13 year old girl and a 16 year old girl. I am amazed at how quick this ward signs up for service. Within one day all of the spots were signed up for.
Elder Johnson – “All of the Tirana missionaries got together and we went caroling in the city center, which was awesome. Lots of people stopped and listened and Elder Harris and a few other missionaries were out talking to people as we sang. I have improved a lot at my singing abilities over the mission and it is actually something I love doing!”

Saturday, December 16th

We ate a big breakfast together
and then Dad took all the kids Christmas shopping – leaving me home alone. Dad said they covered a lot of stores and would give instructions to the kids to look around the store for anything you think Mom would like. He got some pretty cute looks from other shoppers who thought he was a pretty great husband and father. He is.
We met at the movie theater at 12:15 to see STAR WARS – THE LAST JEDI – in recliner chairs paid for by Pine Top Orthodontics. It was SO good! Such a fun December family tradition. Jon and Romney were there too and after the movie was over we ran into the Richins – who were watching the same movie in a different theater. Then we headed to Pei Wei for dinner together.

When we got home we got ready for Katie and Emily’s ‘More the Merrier – Christmas Party’ from 7:00 – 11:30. We had a good group of kids here playing board games, ping pong, pool, Chinese Checkers, eating snacks and watching Home Alone. It’s a fun group.

Meanwhile Dad and I wrapped presents, and then Dad headed to Jon’s house for a ‘guys night out’ watching the BYU/Utah basketball game – which was a great game. Fun day!

#Light the World – Matthew 25:36 “(I was) naked and ye clothed me.”

Amy Richins texted me last night with an opportunity to serve a non-member friend who will be adopting two foster boys – coming on Monday – and are in need of winter clothes and jackets as soon as possible. First thing in the morning I went into the boys room and explained the situation to Luke and Matt and then showed them what the #Light the World scripture was for the day. Matthew 25:36 – “(I was) naked and ye clothed me.” So grateful that this opportunity came to us – and on the perfect day. We started to go through their clothes, hats, gloves and boots. After we got a pile of clothes ready and the boys headed downstairs to play, Luke came back and said, “Mom, thanks for doing this. I really felt the Spirit.” Grateful for this opportunity to serve.

Elder Johnson – “On Saturday night, we had our 3rd Ward Christmas Party, which we spent the whole day prepring for, setting up the church and getting the food.

Sunday, December 17th

Church was good. We enjoyed great talks in Sacrament Meeting about Christ’s life and purpose. Sunday school was about the Proclamation of the Family and I taught the Beehives about how to create a more Christ-centered and Peace-filled Home using a talk from Elder Richard G. Scott in 2013. Such a great talk.
Dad went hometeaching and then our hometeachers came over.
Then we gathered around the kitchen table and had an activity centered on THE LIVING CHRIST. With 5 different colors we highlighted the different NAMES of CHRIST, the CHARACTERISTICS of CHRIST, CHRIST’s ACTIONS in the PREMORTAL WORLD, on his EARTH LIFE, and AFTER RESURECTION. It was a good family activity.

We had pork, rice and a German mushroom sauce for dinner and then headed to the church for TITHING SETTLMENT with Bishop Bullen.
Then Dad and the kids banished me to my room while they wrap presents. I’m happy to be banished so I can write Ryan and record everything for my December blog.
When they finished we had another family meeting to go over the rest of the #Light the World scriptures, watch the videos and make plans of things to do this week and how we can serve others.
Then we skyped Mike and said Happy Birthday and talked to my parents for awhile. My Dad’s back is not doing well now. It’s frustrating – but he remains positive and really happy.
The kids are having a ‘kid party’ in Katie’s room singing songs and laughing hard. So glad they can have some fun sibling time without having to worry about homework and bedtime.

#Light the World – 3 Nephi 18:22 “Ye shall meet together oft.”

We attended our church meetings. And followed the suggestion to ‘gather friends together.’ We planned out our Christmas Eve dinner and program and invited the Richins and Jacksons to come be with us. : )

Monday, December 18th

Some friends texted and we headed to the Ice Skating Rink to celebrate having no school. We skated from 11:30 – 1:00 and then some of us headed over to Fargo Pizza to eat lunch.

#Light the World – Matthew 6:14 “Forgive men their trespasses.”

“Does someone really get on your nerves? Write down all of that person’s positive qualities, and then try to imagine how God sees him or her.” Megan printed out some papers that had everyone’s names at the top. Then we each wrote down positive qualities that each member of the family had.

Dad: Can multitask well and stays focused – even with noise; Fun Dad, helpful; funny, good tickler; funny and amazing, always makes things fun; hardworking
Mom: Loving and understanding; organized, feels the Spirit; Smiles a lot!; Helpful, always is nice and does everything right, Organized; very helpful and nice; super fun to hang out with and talk to – especially late at night and with Ryan
Katie: Is rarely frustrated and always tries to be nice; very fun to be around; fun and cool; friendly and inclusive, firm testimony, caring; nice to everyone, has so many friends, is fun and everyone loves her
Emily: Diligent, organized, respectful, obedient; helpful; wise, in control, funny! compassionate; awesome at piano; Smart, fun to joke around with, patient
Megan: Sweet, fun, thoughtful, family-oriented, awesome and fun, good sport, fun, confident, good listener, athletic, outgoing, has so many friends
Luke: Fast, smart, excited, lots of emotion, really cute, kind and heartfelt, fun to be around, funny talented, outgoing, is a friend, obedient; funny, cool, fast, great beatboxer
Matthew: Fast, smart, loving, obedient; Always tries to just have fun!; Outgoing, great dancer, cuddles with me; Super outgoing and not shy; sweet, kind and makes things fun!!

Tuesday, December 19th

Tuesday I exercised and then went to drop off Megan at the Richin’s house and pick up Andrew. Sister Richins had organized a women’s morning at the family history center with a bunch of A sister Richins had organized a women’s morning of non-members that she invited. Katie went to go volunteer at the family history center, and Lizzy And Megan went to help out with the ladies kids in the gym. It turned out to be a really successful event and so many people were happy to have gone. Glad Megan and Katie could help out.
Andrew spent the day with Luke and Matt playing Wii and playing baseball outside, and then running errands for me to the neighbors.
Megan and I headed to the eye doctor to pick up her contact lenses for the year. She will be wearing one contact in her left eye and so far she’s a pro and they seem to be making a real difference.
Tuesday night we headed up to Denver to go to the German Christmas market. A cold front is coming in, so we wanted to make sure to visit when it was 32° instead of when it was 2°. We bundled up in layers with coats and gloves and were able to stay really warm. It was fun wandering around The stalls, looking at the cool European gifts and eating some great good. We got pretzels, Jager schnitzel, Curry fries and potato pancakes with applesauce. Fun to try some of those things again. We stood up at an outdoor table to eat and then wandered inside to hear the German band play. It just reminded us so much of Europe. At one point all of us mentioned that we want to go back!

After eating we headed down 16th Street to union station… An old Denver train depot now turned into hotels cool shops and neat places to eat. Fun to walk around inside.

#Light the World Matthew 5:12 “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad.”

“God loves us and wants us to be happy. Who do you know who could use some joy in their life?” Katie heart attacked Brookelyn’s room while she was in the hospital and left a present on her bed. : )

Wednesday, December 20th

Wednesday Emily headed to Drivers Ed.
The kids and I cleaned the house and then made dinner for the Harvey’s. Brookelyn Harvey has a real problem with daily migraines and she and Kim were up at the hospital in Denver trying a new treatment. We took dinner over to their house and Katie heart attacked Brookelyn’s room.
Katie went shopping with Maggie to the mall to get presents for Emily and Megan, and I took Megan Luke and Matt to go shopping for Katie. The shopping center‘s and parking lots are so busy, but I think it’s just magical. Fun to search for the perfect present for each other.
We have new missionaries In the area and last week sometime they came knocking on the members doors to introduce themselves. Today they walked by when my garage door was open and we started talking. Then they started playing basketball with Luke and Matt and Megan. It has been an unusually warm couple of days.
At 6:00 The bishopric and young men and young women presidencies and use the presidencies met at my house for pizza and planning meeting. We discussed all kinds of ideas for combined YM/YW activities for the new year. I’m in charge of a missionary night at the end of January. I’m going to have 5 returned missionaries talk about their experiences in different locations. Then I’ll have the current missionaries talk about their current experiences. Wish Ryan could be here for that!!
Dad had a late night soccer game and then we watched an episode of Victoria — a BBC show

#Light the World – Luke 12:15 “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

“Who has made your life more meaningful? Plan something and make a new treasured memory.” -- We planned a Gingerbread Making activity for Thursday night when everyone got back from the airport picking up Grandma.

Thursday, December 21st

Thursday Dad and the kids got up at 5:00 and headed for Copper to ski with the Jacksons.

Emily headed to Drivers Ed with Emma Larson and I slept in until 10:00. Wonderful. Then I cleaned, and prepped everything for dinner and gingerbread houses later today. I also wrapped some presents and then took off to do some last minute things for Chris.
When Chris and the kids finished skiing they headed for the airport to pick up Grandma Johnson. Denver and Vail got snow but it didn’t make it down to Colorado Springs. Just really cold!! We haven’t had snow at all this month. People are hoping for a white Christmas but I don’t think it will happen. ❄️
I picked up Emily from Drivers Ed and then we headed to piano lessons.
When we got home Dad and the kids were just getting home with Grandma. We ate dinner – Chicken and Broccoli over rice and then had fun decorating Gingerbread Houses while watching the BYU Basketball Game. Then we worked on puzzle #4 and watched ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’

Grandma and the girls were on a team, and could not stop giggling the whole time.

Dad was totally engaged in our Christmas Gingerbread Activity – unless the BYU basketball team was making a good play.

#Light The World – Matthew 25:35 “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat.”

We took dinner to the Harvey Family while Kym and Brookelyn were up at the hospital.

Friday, December 22nd

Friday Emily went to her last day of Driver’s Ed with Emma Larson
Katie and Megan went with a big group of their friends to the Sertich Ice Skating Center to go ice skating and had a lot of fun!
Luke and Matthew and I decided to head to Costa Vida for lunch with Grandma.

At 5:00 we gave the kids a big bag with a card that read, “Get your pj’s on and get ready for BREAKFAST FOR DINNER and a POLAR EXPRESS RIDE to see Christmas lights.” Then they opened up their new pajamas and quickly changed. We had buttermilk waffles with strawberries and cream for dinner and then loaded up into the van to do a tour of Christmas lights. It was a fun night.

#Light the World – 3 Nephi 27:21 “That which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do.”

“What characteristic of Jesus Christ do you admire most? Focus on emulating it this week.”

Saturday, December 23rd

Happy Christmas Adam!! What a fun day. We headed to the movie theater at the mall at 12:00 to see the movie WONDER and convinced the Jacksons to come as well. We LOVED it!! It was so great. We all got a little emotional. Romney said, “If you didn’t cry through half of that movie then you are heartless!” Jane said she didn’t cry but her eyes were watery. It was a touching movie. Luke loved it and right when it was over said, “Mom, we need to have that movie in our house. That’s my new favorite movie.”
After the movie we headed over to Mod Pizza with the Jacksons.

We headed to the Broadmoor to walk around but they wouldn’t let us in. They turned so many people away saying that the lobby was just for the guests this evening. We took some pictures and then headed back home and then started working on the 7 Wonders Puzzle (puzzle #5 of the month!).

Grandma gave us a few ‘Christmas Adam’ toys – fun glasses so we could look at the lights in the tree and see Santa’s, gingerbread men, snowmen and candy canes. They were really fun!

#Light the world – Matthew 25:36 “I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

Some prisons are literal, physical institutions, but other “prisons” include physical and mental afflictions and additions. Reach out to those who are feeling trapped and let them know they’re not alone.

Sunday, December 24th

Happy Christmas Eve!! We had a beautiful Christmas program from 9:00 – 10:15, which Katie sang in. It was fun to say ‘Merry Christmas’ to all our ward friends.
Back at home we got things ready for our Christmas Eve Dinner. We made Ruth Chris sweet potatoes, pretzel jello, raspberry jello, creamed corn and a turkey breast.
Dad and I wrapped our last five presents and cleaned up all the wrapping paper.
At 3:15 the Jacksons and Richins came over for Dinner. We had Baked Brie and French Bread, Potatoes and Gravy, Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Rolls, Pretzel Jello, Raspberry Jello and Blueberry Salad. It was delicious. The 7 adults sat in the dining room and chatting about Christmas traditions. The kids and teens ate in the kitchen. So fun to be together.
We gathered in the living room to have a Christmas Lesson. I prepared a ‘Christ Centered Christmas Lesson with short remarks/stories for each of the 7 Nativity Characters:

Mary reminds us to PONDER
Joseph reminds us to SERVE
The Lamb reminds us to
The Shepherds remind us to
The Wise Men remind us to GO ANOTHER WAY
The Angel reminds us
The Christ Child reminds us to BELIEVE.

Then we ate Peppermint Ice Cream with Hot Fudge Sauce before everyone left.
We got our stockings ready and took lots of pictures.
The kids all slept in Luke and Matt’s room – so fun!

#Light the World – 3 Nephi 18:15 “Ye must watch and pray always.”

We are going to try and make our prayers more meaningful, recognize God’s blessings and give Him thanks, and ask Heavenly Father if we can be the answer to someone else’s prayer.

Monday, December 25th

Merry Christmas! (Pictures and more details on the Christmas Day post)
The kids called at 7:30 and Dad issued them into our room to wait when they were ready. We took a group picture and then headed downstairs in order from Matt to Katie.
We saw what Santa brought us (a HOOVERBOARD!) and looked through our stockings.
Dad made breakfast and we watched the video clips Ryan sent of him opening his presents.
We ate breakfast and talked to Ryan on Skype.
We opened all of our presents taking plenty of breaks throughout the day. We ended at 2:15
We had leftover Christmas dinner, took naps, organized our things, Skyped Grandma and Grandpa Walton, skyped Ashlyn and opened our presents so they could see and vice versa, watched Phych episodes and left the house a complete mess. Such a great day.

#Light the World – Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Tuesday, December 26th

Dad went back to work but the rest of us stayed home, organized and cleaned the living room, took turns on the hooverboard.
Katie, Emily and I headed to the mall to exchange jeans and shoes and came back with twice as many jeans and twice as many shoes! Some as birthday presents for Emily : ) The mall was CRAZY – busier than I’ve ever seen it.
As soon as Dad got home at 4:00 Shelley, Katie, Chris and I headed up to Denver to see WAITRESS – the musical playing at the Buell Theatre downtown. We had gifted the tickets to Grandma and Katie for Christmas – and they were both super excited about it. The musical was fantastic. Loved all the songs.

Wednesday, December 27th

Dad worked again and I wrapped presents. Since Grandma was leaving on the 28th, and Katie would be over at the Iversons babysitting, we decided to celebrate Emily’s birthday on the 27th.
When Dad got home at 5:00 we ate a Spaghetti dinner (Emily’s pick) and then opened presents—pictures on her own Birthday Post.
Then we headed over to the movie theatre for reserved comfy seats to see THE GREATEST SHOWMAN – which was fantastic!! We loved it. Can’t wait to go again!
Brownies and ice cream at home for Emily and the kids.

Thursday, December 28th

Dad worked and the kids and I folded four laundry baskets full of clothes while we watched Psych.
Grandma made us eggs for breakfast.
We played a game of Codenames before taking Grandma to catch her shuttle back to the airport.
Katie headed over to the Iversons to start babysitting them for six days.
We had leftovers for dinner and then went to the Richins house for cake and ice cream. Sara and Emily are birthday twins. Sara turned 8 and said that the one thing she wanted to do for her birthday is have the Johnson’s over.
Chris and I watched another episode of VICTORIA. : )

Friday, December 29th

Dad worked.
Katie took the Iverson kids to the school park and Megan, Luke and Matt headed down to play for awhile as well.
Emily headed over to the Bosses to babysit for the day.
I exercised and watched ARROW and then sat at the computer for the whole day writing this long account of our fantastic December. : )

Saturday, December 30th

Our 22nd Anniversary!!
Chris, Emily, Megan, Luke and Matthew went skiing to Loveland but it was windy so they just skiied from 9:00 –12:00 and then came home.
We spent the late afternoon cleaning the van inside and out, sweeping out the garage, taking the Christmas lights down and taking all the decorations down.
Katie dropped off the Iverson kids here so she could go to the Youth New Year’s Eve Dance with Emily.
We had chicken noodle soup for dinner and then watched ROUGE ONE (Last years Star Wars movie). Fun to see it again.
The Iversons stayed the night.

Sunday, December 31st

Our last Sunday at 9:00am. Hallelujah! I know, everyone loves 9:00 church except me. I’m so excited for 11:00!! We had great talks on ‘Have I Done Any Good?’ Out third hour was a combined meeting where the bishopric talked about ways to prepare youth to become missionaries.
We ate nachos and watched Europe family videos. Dad and I spent a little time looking at places in Albania and thinking about flights.
We ate Italian Potatoes for dinner, played Codenames and Splendor. Just a quiet New Year’s Eve tonight.
At 11:00 Jen Carslon brought over homemade German pretzels because she knew we would appreciate it! They were so good!!
The kids were so excited to try and pull an all nighter. For some reason Megan wanted to stay up till 5:00am. At 9:00 she changed it to 2:00am. At 10:00 she changed it to 1:00am. At 11:00 she changed it to midnight. Not surprising since she is the girl who sends herself to bed and is asleep in seconds. The kids started the countdown with 12 seconds to go. Megan was asleep by 12:10. And the rest of us soon after.

LisaDecember 31, 20171 Comment