Quotes of the Week

 I also testify that the veil of death is very thin. I know by experiences too sacred to relate that those who have gone before are not strangers to leaders of this Church. To us and to you, our loved ones may be just as close as the next room -- separated only by the doors of death.

With that assurance, love life! Live it well -- even to your loftiest potential. Then the anticipation of death shall not hold you hostage. With the help of the Lord, your deeds and desires will qualify you to receive everlasting joy, glory immortality and eternal lives.

-- Russell M. Nelson

Think of yourself, or say aloud if you like, WOW, look at me! I am awesome! I am a child of God! He knows me! He loves me! I am gifted -- gifted with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion.

-- Gary E. Stevenson

The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that we are all begotten spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents who truly love us and that we lived as a family in God's presence before we were born on this earth... Therefore, we all have divine nature, heritage and potential.

-- Ulisses Soarer

Quotes of the Week

 Keeping covenants actually makes life easier! Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts and in temples -- and keeps them -- has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ.

-- Russell M. Nelson

If you are not sure you even believe in God, start there. Put yourself in a position to begin having experiences with Him. Humble yourself. Pray to have eyes to see God's hand in your life and in the world around you. Ask Him to tell you if He is really there -- if He knows you. Ask Him how He feels about you. And then listen.

-- Russell M. Nelson

When we follow Satan, we give him power. When we follow God, He gives us power.

-- Paul V. Johnson

Quotes of the Week

 I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work -- and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times -- until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies.

-- Jeffrey R. Holland

Each new morning is a gift from God. Even the air we breathe is a loving loan from Him. He preserves us from day to day and supports us from one moment to another. Therefore, our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude.

-- Russell M. Nelson

The miracle of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is not just that we can go home but that -- miraculously -- we can feel at home there.

-- Brad Wilcox

Quotes of the Week

 The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.

-- Russell M. Nelson

I promise that as you ponder what you study in the Book of Mormon, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life.

-- Russell M. Nelson

In God's eyes, kindness is synonymous with greatness. Part of being kind is being forgiving and nonjudgmental.

-- Gary B. Sabin

Christmas Programs; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; Christmas Cards

Andy and Amanda were in charge of their stake's Christmas program. They invited all the family to attend. We were already going to be in Ogden the first night, going to dinner with Glen's sisters, so that worked perfectly for us to attend.

The Relief Society room was full of pictures of Christ that had been collected by many people who live in their stake. 

Rachel's husband Nathan performed a singing number, so that was fun to hear. Their stake choir sang a few numbers, a few people gave short Christmas memories, and the highlight was the shadow nativity. 

Some lights behind a huge white curtain made shadows to appear for the audience as people behind the curtain reenacted the nativity. It was a very beautiful depiction. So glad we were able to see it.

President Clarke asked those of us who serve at the prison if any of us wanted to attend The Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. Since we were unable to get tickets once again this year when we applied to get them, we were thrilled at this offer! 

We had some good seats down on the main level in the center. This is what I call a prison perk.

They put on an excellent concert, as always. This year was interesting as they had the choir moving all around as they were singing different songs. 

They started out standing in the aisles of the conference center and then slowly made their way to their choir seats having timed it to have the last person arriving in their spot exactly as the song was ending. Impressive!!

Natalie and Emma were anxious to get home for Christmas. They spent the night with us and then we took them to the airport the next morning. Thankfully they had no delays and arrived in Omaha as scheduled.

Ben and Kade were excited to be in the Delta Center using our season tickets when BYU was playing Wyoming. Their smiles stayed on their faces when BYU won.

We got a kick out of Kade and Levi being little builders at Lowe's. It appears Maverick was enjoying the cold cement floor. 

Looks like Maverick is not too happy to be spending time with the Grinch. Can anyone blame him??

Look at this beautiful Caroline. She has been so excited to go to her school's dance and the day finally arrived. 

Our home was the gathering place for the Ward family Christmas Eve dinner. I loved getting the tables all set ahead of time and enjoyed the festive look of our home.

We had a good crowd with more than plenty of food to eat. We tried something new this year and had our meal in the afternoon so everyone could get home before dark and have the evening to spend with their families. 

These are some of the Christmas photos our children shared with us. (Note Claire's slippers and pajamas.)

Claire got a BYU stadium Lego set and was thrilled when she completed putting it together.

Christmas with Abe's family.

The excited Excells.

Ben's family opening gifts.

It finally snowed on Christmas morning. There has not been much precipitation so far this winter. It sure made it feel more like Christmas with the snow on the ground.

We had so much food leftover from the day before that on Christmas Day, I didn't have to cook much at all when our children and grandchildren came for dinner. 

I am giving much thanks to Dad and Mom for leaving the honeybaked ham leftovers with us. Also to Sarah for making an ample amount of potatoes that we had plenty of leftovers of that dish.

Nani left the ingredients for us to make another batch of her holiday punch and everyone was thrilled with that treat.

Sarah's family headed home to join Jeff and Eli who had stayed home because Eli wasn't feeling well. Then it was game time.

Sarah forgot to take (wear) her coat home, so I had Brooke model it so I could send photos to Sarah to let her know her coat was still at our home. Brooke really got into the modeling.

Caroline had given her grandpa a heads up that he would be included in a Christmas recital with her. She let him go first.

And then she wowed us with her memorized songs. It had been a lovely Christmas Day.

It is fun to see our children's families' Christmas cards so we can see their most recent family photos.

This was a fun activity for our train-loving Lincoln to experience.

Glen decided to plan our New Year's Eve activity. BYU was playing Arizona State in the first Big 12 game of the season in Provo. I was impressed with the new pyrotechnics BYU was using as each player was announced. Big flames for an indoor venue! 

Of course, the win -- by a long shot -- of BYU sure was a great way for Glen to close out the 2024 year. 

Glen listened to the whole post-game show on our way home (the rehash of the rehash as I call it). 

Then we ended our date by going to Texas Roadhouse. MMMmmmm, the rolls!!!! Great way for me to close out the 2024 year.