Merry Christmas!

We were lucky enough to spend Christmas eve with Brandon's family, and Christmas day all by ourselves. It was the first family Christmas on our own.

I love this.. Chandler surrounded in presents

"Mom, help me!"

These next two are my favorite..

Chandler made this cute little gingerbread man for me at preschool..

I hope you all had a merry Christmas!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

falalala, la, la, la, la...

Muahahaha...

Merry Christmas


Also, see below for party pictures!

Party People..

"I want to go to there"

The candy witch brought Chandler Toy Story 3 for Halloween. Inside the box there's that little booklet that comes in movie boxes. Inside the booklet there's an advertisement for Disney Cruise Lines. With a picture of a pool and water slide.

Twice Chandler has told me he wants to go there. Today our conversation went like this...

"Mommy, I want to go on there."

"Not now honey."

"Later?"

"I don't know."

"But look, there's lots of friends on there. And it's fun mommy."

Tell me, I'm not the only one who has the "when we're rich" conversations with their husband, and maybe their three-year-olds.

Best calling EVER..

Our ward clerk asked us,"During the next two weeks could everyone please take a few minutes to think about and then write down several important events which I can use to complete the Annual Historical Report?" This is what I wrote...

We started the year with just twenty active members of our primary. During the summer we swelled to reach as many as 30 in sharing time, while in November we had as few as six. We were a small, but unified, Primary here in the Hartley Park ward. And, oh man, did we have a good time!

We started the year with "Breakfast with Bishop." We all gathered in our pajamas to get to know Bishop Lyman better. The kids sat at a large table and asked questions: "How did you meet your wife?" "Who do you like better, Brother Gneighting or Brother Holwege?" The kids thought this was hysterical. They took pictures with the bishop, and I felt the experience was uplifting for both the children and Bishop.

We were blessed to be part of the baptism of Spencer Ellsworth. Family, friends,ward leaders, and missionaries gathered to partake in the spirit of baptism. Spencer was welcomed as the newest member of our ward family, and we all rejoiced.

We also participated in a pioneer day activity, went trunk or treating and sang our hearts out during singing time. Ferralyn Chezic always exceeds everyone's expectations, with her over the top, way too exciting, singing time lessons. It is so fun, and yet the truth she teaches through song speaks to our spirits.

Ferralyn's efforts made our primary sacrament program a hit. "Best one I've ever seen," someone remarked. "I can't remember seeing a better one," another said. "The music was amazing," we heard over and over. Ferralyn told me before we got up on the podium, "Angels sing with them." I believe that. Brennah Warner's solo was angelic, and the Tuitavake boys singing "Called to Serve" seemed foretelling. The parts were memorized, the sunbeams (as always) were adorable, and the children recited talks that were general authority quality.

Our primary staff served faithfully, each relying on one another. We taught and learned about Jesus; His Life and His teachings. We memorized articles of faith and scriptures, did service, played games, and learned to love our neighbors. I think we all, leaders and children together, came to know our Savior a little better.

Children and leaders joined us, and children and leaders left us to be part of many other wonderful things. Anyone and everyone who sat in our primary room, felt the spirit of our Savior. It's true, if Jesus was to visit us, Primary is where he would go first.

What a blessed organization that I have to be part of!

I so much look forward to my final year as primary president. I cannot think of a calling that I would rather have. Seriously. Sometimes I feel sad that I don't get to be a member of this ward and watch the kids grown, go on missions, and get married. They may not remember me, but Hartley Park children will always hold a special place in my heart.

I hope everyone someday gets a chance to participate in a calling that means so much to them.

Kristy's Stories

Check out my mom's new blog.

I made the header and button for it. It was my first time making a button, and I'm pretty proud of myself.

I expect family members (Adam) to put a button on their blogs. I guess mostly, just Adam.