Christmas Eve

Jake, Caleb and Scott Johnson in some very serious dinner conversation.

Lucas, Brittany Johnson, and Parker enjoying one another's company. 

Danni and Vickie had a good time visiting and Vickie was such a great help.

Tim and Aurie just danced and danced. Tim has a wonderful way with children and the grandkids and us absolutely love him.

Christmas Eve started out to be quite calm, I needed to clean house a bit so that was completed along with visits from a few friends that stopped by dropping of goodies. Janet Pedersen and the Kendall's dropped by goodies. Ren worked on his jeep most of the day. I then started fixing dinner. We had the Johnson's a family in our ward that had been evicted from their home the week before Christmas of all times. They are an awesome family that we as well as the rest of the members of our ward has grown to love. They have taken many classes that Ren and I have taught in Sunday School, Temple Prep, Family History and Marriage & Family Relations. Where they are so new to the gospel any class, I believe just as all of us, we can benefit greatly from.

So they came to dinner and so did Danni and Jake's family because the 24th is also Jake's birthday. We had pork roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, cake and sopapilla. We had such a wonderful visit and enjoyed each other's company.

Christmas Dance Recitals

The Nutcracker Ballet is Aurie 2nd opportunity to perform.

She did a great job, Miss Taunia does a wonderful, professional job with all the dancers.

She was one of the children under Mother Bafoons's dress, daddy gaver her flowers for her performance.

 

 Kaydence is a part of Miss Marcie's All American Dance and Tumbling.

She was wonderful with her Jazz dance.

Kaylee and Kaydence with their flowers after their recital.

Kaylee dancing away, she was right in step.

The ending pose for Kaylee's dance.

Everyone makes a special effort the attend the recitals, they were all held in the Middle School auditorium, the week before Christmas.

This is the night of the Nutcracker Ballet.

Our family is very supportive of each other when it comes to attending activities that their siblings children participate in. The kids also love watching their cousins. Landyn especially loves the dancing events and can be found at the recitals dancing in the aisles.

Anderton Family Christmas Party

Grandpa and Grandma Anderton were present, it takes alot for gram to be there and for Gramps and others to get her ready but she's worth it.

Jackie, Clifton, Gramps,Gram, Matt and Liz in the background.

Caleb loves Grandpa Anderton, he gives him candy.

Michelle, Mileigh, Teagan enjoying the eats, drinks and the movie.

Cal, Billie, J.C. Amber, Cassie, Abby visit during the movie that the little ones watched.

Little ones watching a video of the Nativity,(PreciousMoments).

Matt, Liz and Rachael

Most of our grandkids in circle to play the gift exchange game.

All the children playing the gift exchange game, they all brought mittens or gloves and then played the left/right game to find a pair they got to keep. They eventually had to trade with someone to get a pair that fit them, but they all were happy.

Dan, Ren, Keri, Liz and Keri's Cooper watching the children play games.

The Anderton Christmas party is something we all look forward to, we like to be together, enjoy one another's company and always have a good time. This year Janeen's family was in charge, they did a great job, it was held @ Jackie's Chapel on NorthVernal Ave, Ashley 1st Ward. We had great food, watched a video, visited, kids played games and then grandma and grandpa passed out the presents they have for each child, both young and old. They have been wonderful parents and great examples we will be ever thankful for them. I especially am so thankful for them. They have been to me, parents not just in-laws. Velda taught me many things and Eldon has loved me as one of his daughters. I go help Velda one morning a week get ready for the day, it's the least I can do, I do love being a part of this family. 

Ward Christmas Party Dec 13th

Parker with Santa @ Ward Party

Aurie with the Jolly Man in the red suit.

Lucas looking extremely happy to be with Santa.

Caleb was also happy but mostly wanted the candy cane.

The Ward Christmas party was very fun, there were so many people, of course we have a large ward. Suzanne and Bill Hall along with others from the ward put it together and it turned out well. Brother Peterson was the MC. There was a Nativity portrayal, singing and some fun songs as well. We had a great time and enjoyed being with our ward.

Showalter Christmas Party

Showalter Christmas Party held at 7-11 Restaurant, Ren and his department were in charge .

Gary receiving his present, not quite sure what to think about this oddly wrapped thing.

Finally figuring out it is a Nascar gas can, he loves Nascar, this one was used by Carl Edwards.

Showalter Ford's Employee of the Year was Jimmy White, it was great to see him revel in this accomplishment. He likes being noticed and he deserved this. He does a fine job and has been with the company for 18 years.

Preschool Christmas Program

Aurie and Lucas with others sing Jingle Bells.

The whole preschool.

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 There are quite a few youngsters that we know from our ward, co-workers and others.

We went to the this program on December 16th. It was very fun and was funny too. When the kids started singing Jingle Bells the first song it was like an echo here and then over somewhere else. But the teachers do a great job and the children were so cute. Our grandkids are awesome. So fun to watch.

Primary Programs

We attended the last of the Primary programs today. In November we attended Colt's ward to watch Kaylee and Kaydence in thier Primary program. I was very impressed by the program that day. The children really knew the songs and their parts, its a small ward and had a wonderful spirit during the program.

Today was our ward's program and Parker, Aurie and Lucas were a part of it. It too was well prepared, we have a larger ward and all of the children knew the songs as well.There was a little difference, in our program at the end they invited the children to bear their testimonies, Parker was the first one to share his sweet testimony. Our Grandkids in both programs needless to say knew their parts and were flawless.

I love the Primary programs they always bring the spirt and the children are such a representation of the Savior and have the spirit. They have not been away from his presence too long ago.

Tavacci Concert

On December 10th was the Tavacci Concert that Parker, Aurie and Lucas participated in. Danni is one of the teachers of the group of about 75 children. The group presented their Christmas program. They did a wonderful job and it was fun to watch them. Colt, Jamey and girls along with Rachael and boys were there to support Danni, Parker, Aurie and Lucas. Our family is quite awesome and really does support each other and I am so amazed by the great love my children have for their siblings, nieces and nephews.

Girls Friends Christmas Party



We had our annual Christmas party at Colette's this year. We had soup and salad with a great dessert. We exchanged gifts and had a wonderful visit. Thanks to Colette for letting us have the party at her house and for always making sure we get together. I am so thankful for my friends and missed those that couldn't be there. We look great for 50 plus. I love you all !!!

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

On December 3rd the First Presidency presented the Christmas Devotional. As many of the kids that could make it came over to watch it. We made cookies so we could sit, watch and listen. Of course with little people it is quite challenging thus the cookies, to help them sit for just a minute. It amazed my how they all would wander around during the different talks, during the songs they would stop and sing and then start to wandered again. Musis really does do something to catch the attention of children. But what was really great was when President Eyring spoke he talked of the heavenly messengers that announced the many wonderful events before and during the birth of the Savior. A video was then played and all at once the kids stopped what they were doing and came and sat down and watched every part of the video. When it was over they sat for a minute and then were back to wandering again until the prophet spoke, the older kids tried very hard to listen. The video was a forerunner of some that are being produced of the life of Christ. They will be wonderful tools to have.

I always love the Devotional from the First Presidency. It set the tone for the Season.

The Forgotten Carols

On December 3rd me, Ren, Jake, Danni and some of their friends went to the Forgotten Carols. Before heading to the play we went to Dinner with Danni and Jake at the Claim Jumper. As we were going in we met Stan and LaRae Hoopes, they were celebrating their anniversary but wanted to eat with someone, so we all ate together. We had such a good visit and had alot of fun. It was so nice to be with Stan and LaRae as well as Danni and Jake.

We then went to the Forgotten Carols, it was fantastic, what a great way to begin the Christmas Season. I had heard alot of the music before but had never seen the play. The Choir was made of all people from the community, that sure was a great experience for them, Evelyn Grammar from my office was in the choir with others that I knew, Becky Matthews, Dave Gale just to mention a few. I am so happy for them to have that experience. Just seeing it and hearing it was a wonderful experience to me. At first I was worried that Ren would not enjoy it, but I think he even was touched by the spirit of the presentation and enjoyed being there.

Christmas Tree Hunting

The Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving we have had a tradition of going Christmas tree hunting, when we first started, we would have a caravan of 8-10 cars and alot of Ren's family would go along with some friends. Needless to say the group has waned. This year Parker went with me and Ren in the Ren's new jeep Colt and his brother-in-law John. Dan, Linda along with Keri, Matt and family. In all truthfullness this adventure is really to see the animals in the Bookcliffs with hunting for Christmas trees as an alternative. As always we saw lots of deer, alot more elk than usual, eagles and this year was a treat because we saw a mountian lion cross the road and a bobcat sitting underneath a tree. Great day! Father in Heaven has truly blessed us with a wonderful world and animals to add beauty.