Keeping Christ in Christmas

It is not difficult to keep Christ in Christmas when you & your family focus on those things that draw us closer to Him; like the temple, families, baby blessings, baptisms, & priesthood ordinations!  Our December was filled with His great love!

Our Ward Youth Conference incorporated the Oakland Temple in it so our Young Women could finish out the year with the last California Temple to do baptisms in - they attended the others during Spring Break.  It was pretty exciting!  We made a day of it - baptisms, a picnic lunch in the garden, touring the visitors center, a scripture activity overlooking The Bay, ice cream at Fenton's & a service project handing out goodie bags to the homeless - then back to the temple to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights.

Luke is a Deacon!  We left our youth at Fenton's & drove straight to SoCal. The following day we  celebrated Luke's ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood! We gathered early for some family photos.  I love Cassandra's new "cheese" face smile!

Gina told us that their ward makes a BIG Deal about advancement from Primary (children ages 3-11) & she was right!  

The Primary sang Happy Birthday to him & sent him off with this cute poster...

Then ALL of the Deacons came into Primary & literally "carried him off" to Young Men (ages 12-18)!

He was pretty excited to be moving up & we were so impressed with how wonderful these young men were with Luke.  They have been prepared ahead of time with information about Luke's special needs & have all agreed to pitch in & help Luke have a successful experience in their program.  

These handsome priesthood holders helped ordained Luke.  He's lucky to have such wonderful men in his life to look up to - Papa Joe, Uncle Ben, his Dad, & G'pa Popcorn (which is what the Deceusters call Paul)...

Proud parents & grandparents & one very happy & beautiful mother...congrats Luke!  You will make a great Deacon as you serve your ward & community.

Trey's Blessing - we met in Reno for Trey's Baby Blessing.  It just seemed easier to get Ty & his family there instead of all of us to travel to Boise. Christi was happy to bless Trey in her childhood ward with so many family & friends there for support. Ty did a great job & it was great to be able to visit with them.  Ty was excited to introduce Trey to some of his family who haven't met him yet, too! We went a day early to get the most out of our visit & of course we would have to go over Donner Pass on the ONE weekend it snowed this winter!  But we had beautiful blue skies & clear roads!

So happy to get a hold of this cute little guy!

We went to visit a local creche exhibit.  Trey took his cue from all those babies lying in a manger & took a little nap...

He did great during dinner, too!  So happy to share this little guy with this lovely woman.  Christi's mom, Lulu, is a kind & generous person - it's no wonder Christi is just like her!

Trey woke up happy & ready for his special day...

We had a little photo shoot before Sacrament meeting because Paul had to literally leave after the blessing in order to make it home in time for all his tithing settlement appointments - he was bummed to have to leave early, but this is a busy time of year & an important responsibility for the Bishop...

Ty gave Trey a beautiful blessing & the Petersen's were there to share it with us, too...

Christi's parents, Lulu & Alberto, invited us back to their home for a wonderful dinner before we headed back over the hill.  Kyle & his family joined us there & we all fought over Trey...

The youngest cousin with the oldest cousins.

With da Boyz

Trey was a good sport with all the passing around & he is for sure one lucky little boy to be so loved!

It's Great to Be 8! Macy turned 8 in November & was baptized in December, giving us all a "white" Christmas!  

When our grandchildren turn 8, I make them a personal quilt.  I let them help me choose the pattern/design or the fabric or the colors (if they have an opinion) so that it reflects them in some way.  My mom helped me make Jill a little girl blanket similar to this when Jill was a baby so we decided to recreate one for Macy.  She was pretty happy with it...

I love that many of the blocks are made with fabric from clothes that Macy wore when she was a baby...

I was excited that Macy asked me to speak at her baptism & I'm really surprised at how nervous I was!  I've spoken at many baptisms, but I was extra nervous for this one - probably because Macy had invited ALL of her teachers from school & many non-member friends & they ALL CAME!  She's such a good little missionary already!

Proud grandparents, minus Grammy who was in the hospital.

I got to speak with Aunt Diana.

Wonderful priesthood who helped confirm her a member; G'pa at the River, her Dad, Uncle Pops, & PawPaw.

Macy continues to set a great example for her family.

So happy to be able to share this happy time with you Macaroni!  We love you so, so much!  

I am grateful to have felt the Lord's gifts of love during this holy season as we've watched our family draw closer to Him in so many ways - Merry Christmas!