MERRY CHRISTMAS! 2009

Another wonderful Christmas week has just past. I love Christmas Eve! This is the night of my annual Christmas party with my whole family, at my home. Yes indeed, a bit tight, but the spirit of the holidays seems to always kick in and the air seems to be full of hope and delight. What a joy it is to watch my grandchildren as we gobble up our favorite clam chowder meal, and then all sit down to hear the Christmas Story, usually read from Luke 2. This year, Eric wanted to be the reader, and he did a great job, and was patient with each little child as they would place they're "piece" of the nativity scene in it's correct place. Of course some of the younger ones make us smile and sometimes laugh, even with this sacred story, just with their little kiddism's. My Fisher Price Nativity is perfect for this activity. Above are some shots from the reading.

Following the story, I passed out my gifts to the Grandchildren, and then my adult children and their spouses. I love either shopping or making gifts for my family each year, and with 14 grandchildren, I'm usually trying to decide what I want to do fairly early in the year. Anyhow, after I give my gifts out, the cousins, who drew names, exchange their gifts, and also the adult kids. We all try to watch what each other got, but it does sometimes get crazy. Then the kids make me sit down and open my gifts, always so much fun, and appreciated... I'm so thankful for a close, happy family, that they love the holidays, and more importantly, it's meaning.

Thanksgiving - 2009

A favorite time to gather, visit, feast on favorite recipes, laugh, and enrich our relationships. For the past 4 or 5 years, my family has celebrated Thanksgiving on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I have found that if we do that, everyone is able to be there, and it opens up Thanksgiving Thursday for my children to also share the time with their in-laws. Eric & Jennie, Jan & I usually go to Aunt Marilyn'n & Uncle Rich's for the "actual" holiday, which makes it nice to see the Fryer side of the family, & my in-laws. We have so much fun, and if it's good weather, the guys are usually out in the back yard playing football while the women are finishing up the dinner details. This year was not exception, and a great time was had by all. At my home on Sunday, my children & there family's came, as well as my mother-in-law, Bev Brinderhoff, her husband, Rulon, and my sister-in-law, Marilyn Penman, & her husband Rich. I love my family and extended family so much, and the memories I cherish from previous Thanksgivings are on my mind throughout this season. Here are some photos.....

New York, Palmyra, & Canada, Oct. 2009

Went on an incredible trip for 8 days in early October. First time I've ever seen Niagra Falls, Palmyra, the Sacred Grove, or any of New York for that matter. Also went to Toronto Canada. I traveled with the Sagers Travel Group, Larry & Diane Sagers who have really made traveling with a group a total pleasure. Very organized. We saw many Botanical Gardens as well. My favorite part of the trip was visiting Palmyra & particularly the Hill Cumorah, and the Sacred Grove. I truly felt a strong spirit in that whole area. So happy to have this opportunity to see some great places, and make great new friends.

Flaming Gorge - 2009

The annual Draper Flaming Gorge trip took place in July, and another fun-filled trip took place. What a crew, always something going on. We played some "rock" games, lots of boating, good food, and I even slept in my trusty rusty Subaru! The back folds out to make a lovely little room. Now if it just had a bathroom! Hung out with Garrett's on their boat, Rand is always so generous to share, and I have always appreciated it. My sister-in-laws Jane & Naoma went on a wild "triple-tube" ride with me, and we all survived. What a blast! Thank you Draper family!!

Grandson Football! Go Warriors!!!

Saturdays in August & September are red & black these days! Kaden & Brennen, 2 of my grandsons, are playing football for the Warriors, a North Ogden Football League.

Talk about a blast to watch. These young Warriors have worked out really hard on their practice nights, and are having an awesome experience in team sports. Kaden is #25, and Brennen is #89. I get hoarse at their games, but love being a screaming Grandma!!

California Vacation-August 2009

August was wonderful time to travel to California! Those who went on our trip was Janice & Shayna, Eric & Jennifer with Megan, Brennen, & Connor, Rachel & Adam with Christy, McKenly, & Whitney, and also Adam's mom, Judy Dalton. We had such an awesome time! Some of the above photo's show some of the places we went, Disneyland, Sea World, Universal City, & an afternoon at the Ocean. For many of the kids, it was their first time at Disneyland, & the Ocean. We also went to an Angel's Ball Game. It was a no-hitter, so exciting! So happy my family let Grandma go along with them! Rachel, our favorite travel-agent, organized the trip and planned an amazing week of memories and bonding fun.

GUARDEN GUIDE-SALT LAKE TEMPLE GROUNDS AND JOSEPH SMITH MEMORIAL BUILDING

A blessing came into my life, actually, almost a dream came true, when I received a mission call to serve a part-time mission in Salt Lake at the Temple Grounds, and Gardens at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. My call came on April 20th, 2009. I've been taking classes for the Weber County Master Gardner program, thru Utah State University, and heard about this mission there thru a friend. My responsibilities include taking tour groupls through the gardens, and presenting a special script regarding the gardens, and some of the history of the Pioneers. The Beehive House, and Lion House are part of the Tour. I receive much joy from my calling. It's one day a week, I serve on Wednesdays, and there hasn't been one of my service days go by that I haven't been in awe of serving my Heavenly Father in some of His Gardens. I've had some fun opportunities taking family members, friends, and many members and non-members through the gardens.