Things I want to remember...

from Christmas 2009

A favorite Christmas card from a former neighbor Jeness Balmforth. I miss Jeness, we picked chokecherries together and made jam. I helped her pull weeds in her amazing garden. I enjoyed our long talks. Another favorite Christmas card from my neighbor Cindy Horrocks.

I want to remember Mark reading "The Christmas Sweater."

I want to remember how happy Tim was when I surprised him Christmas morning with my homemade cinnamon rolls. They were followed by bacon, sausage, hash browns ~ all his favorite breakfast foods!

I want to remember how blessed we are and the joy that comes in giving gifts.We have had a few ups and downs this year so I told the fam that they would get 3 gifts this year. I said that baby Jesus got 3 gifts and if it was good enough for him, it would be good enough for us!

Time to open our gifts...

Tim will enjoy reading several news books and watching Battlestar Galactica!

For sure I will remember the darling shoes I got from Mark and Tiff (brown) and Tim (black and white) because I will be wearing them often. And I love the book Chris gave me!

I want to remember Chris' face when he saw the book from his mission president.

President Larkin asked the missionaries in the Taiwan Taichung mission to write their "miracle stories" at the conclusion of their mission. I know Chris will treasure this book.

President and Sister Larkin also complied this book with parables taught at Zone Conferences. Some are originals written by President and Sister Larkin.

Chris really checking out his new shirt! Mark's turn...

I want to remember how happy Tiffani was when she saw her new Kitchenaid mixer...

and the smile on her face when she opened her gifts from Mark!

I will always remember the sweet reaction when Tiff saw the book I made for them.

This book was so fun to make. We do indeed celebrate their first two years together!

Tiff and Mark really seemed happy about the new Flip video camera!

More gifts from Mark.

And yes one more from Mark!

I want to remember Tim sending Mark and Chris on a scavenger hunt for their last gift. He did this often when they were younger and they loved it. Tim is so clever and some of the clues stumped them. Chris managed to find his gift after about 20 minutes. Tim renewed his gym membership and Chris was very grateful!

And Mark finally found his new Red Ryder!

All that preparation for a moment that comes and goes so quickly. I will remember the cherished moments, the laughter and celebrating Christmas together with a family I love.

Quote for the week

"...Thou son of God, who lived for us,

Then died on Calvary.
We contemplate thy lasting grace,
Thy boundless charity;
To us the gift of life was given
For all eternity.
...We love thee Lord; our hearts are full.
We'll walk they chosen way."

~L. Tom Perry

Candlelight Christmas Eve

A few of my favorite Christmas decorations...

While Chris was on his mission to Taiwan I went into the old Fred Meyer store to get a few things. It was during the Christmas season and I saw some gold ornaments that I liked. I noticed that every time I picked one up, in had a tag that said "Made in Taiwan." So I decided it was the year to have a "Taiwan Tree" to honor Chris. I still use the ornaments almost every year, they are some of my favorites.

I LOVE my Twelve Days of Christmas plates that Pam gave me a few years ago. I also love my Santa collection.

My sweet friend, Billie painted these reindeer for me. When I open the box, it always makes me smile.

Each reindeer seems to have a personality all its own!

I did simplify quite a bit this year but I think our home still looks beautiful and ready for Christmas Eve.

We always eat Christmas Eve dinner by candlelight.

We were excepting Lee and Johnnie Belle to join us. We were so sad that Johnnie Belle was not feeling well but very thankful to have Lee. We started the night with French onion soup and if I do say so myself... it was delicious! Tiff made a very yummy green bean casserole with fresh green beans.

Dessert was another favorite, creme brulee. You know Mark loves to get the torch out and heat the sugar on top!

Christmas Eve tradition ~ new jammies for Tim...

for Chris

for Tiff

and for Mark!

We had a wonderful night. I wrote a love note to everyone and after I handed them out, we played games. We ended the night by playing a few favorite Christmas carols on the"Music Maker" and singing along! I have had the Music Maker for about 20 years.

Tiff had never seen a Music Maker. She enjoyed giving it try.

I am so grateful for my family and the feelings of love that filled the night.

The Most Wondeful Time of the Year...

It's the most wonderful time of the year.
There'll be much mistletoeing
and hearts will be glowing,
when loved ones are near.
It's the most wonderful time of the year.

What started as a Christmas progressive dinner about 15 years ago, has been modified to one location to accommodate our growing family. No matter the location, the Williams Family Christmas party is always wonderful!

I love these two dolls ~ Poppy my darling great-niece and Cheyenne my gorgeous niece. Cheyenne and I hung out a lot when she was younger. How I miss those days. We had a lot of fun! She will graduate from high school next spring. How did that happen?!

Mark and Tiff ~ how great to have someone who is crazy about my son!

Once again we find Christopher with Miss Pop-tart!

A huge, sincere thanks to Holley for single-handedly arranging all the details of the 2009 party. She had gifts for the little ones and fun games. She also made sure we all had a food assignments and lovely decorated tables. Thank you so much Holley!!

We love having Pam's Mom, Billie join us. Billie and Johnnie Belle enjoyed watching all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the party.

Terri lead us in singing several Christmas carols while we waited for the arrival of The Queen's Storyteller.

Lee, thanks for another wonderful costume and for all the effort you put in to making the party so memorable!

From head to toe this costume was fabulous!

Another Lee original ~ this years story was about how Santa lost his magic powers to get down the chimney.

Holley and Terri adore their brother. You can see how much they enjoy this part of the evening.

Chris narrating another favorite, The Nativity story.

Brooke once again produced a wonderful pageant. I will never forget Minie portraying Mary.

What an amazing cast and sweet way to feel the true spirit of the season.

Thanks family, it was great to be together!
Until next year...