Festive family times at Christmas

Family time together is so priceless and even more so at Christmas. We have different verbage here at home such as pre- Christmas and Post Christmas. THere is a lot of spoiling going on and so many adventures are happening. We are so fortunate to have both set of grandparents living in town. I love that we got to go to church on christmas Eve and still get to open one present with the family that evening. Jason and Robin came by too. Somehow, we were able to get it all in with homemade foods, songs, sentiments and gifts. We went for car rides, saw lights, and walked the mall. We love build a bear and we enjoyed time there. Of course we brought Christmas to Spencer and hooked up his new T.V. Emmy got ot come for a ride in the backseat of the passat with him and I was glasd he liked my counter ring and took it off my finger. He does so well communicating his desires. We got our family picture with him which is a higlight for me. As part of celebrating toget, we we had many wonderful meals together. I love all the memories we've made and connecting times we've had together. You wouldn't think that half our family lives out of state with how much we gather, but I feel so blessed to have this current situation.

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Seeing the Joy

As I ponder on my experiences of the year. I am struck by the times when I have felt the most joy. I love serving others and when I'm in the temple, I feel like that service is such a good way to serve those that cannot serve themselves. It was amazing to take Emmy through the temple for her wedding and before. It was great to see Sariah chose to get her endowment and go on a mission. I've felt so much connection with my family memebers as I help and love them. I have felt love and connection with animals and nature this year. Once with the manta rays in the ocean off the Big Island, Hawaii and once with the matriach girrafe at the Safari West in Santa Rosa. I have felt the awe in nature on top of roof tops and in my home with the family around. When I feel happy for giving to the giving tree and whenever I feel the spirit, it gives me peace. Things have been busy this year and I notice the peaceful moments and feel so grateful for those restful times. I know I am blessed and have so much joy in my life. That doesn't mean myy life has been without sadness, but I can see the happiness in it as well.

Two Formals and Tahoe

I feel like the Paparazzi trying to get pictures of Celia. Her friends in Rocklin have been having fun with her and inviting her to various activities. She went to Whitney Homecoming ( in a tuxedo) and went trick or treating with 14 total kiddos around the neighborhood. Celia got a lovely pink dress from Hot Topic on their buy one get three free clearance and she has been partying it up. I also saw her in pink for the Trunk or Treat as Barbie. She had a grand time with her siblings and cousins heading up to Tahoe for Grandma's Birthday and being with the big kids walking all over South Lake Tahoe helped her feel independent and strong. Senior year is shaping up to be eventfuland full of good times. I love all the fun and development and independence going on. Spence has been having a pretty good month too as he got to be Alladin for halloween and had fun going to the grocery store again with us. He was missing Disney Plus so we reinstated it and all is well. It takes so little to keep him happy, its nice. I feel blessed with health and happiness. I'm enjooying going to pickleball on Tuesdays and helping Celia to go to all the things with her friends. I'm glad shes going to young women activities more. It's shaping up to be a great start of the year(Senior) at its year end for 2023. I'm hopeful for more trips and fuun in the New Year and for enjoying each day together with as many family members as we can have around.