Quote for the week

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
~ Luke 2:7


10 Reasons Why I Love Christmas...

10. I love the Christmas traditions. A few favorites are the Williams Family Christmas party and attending concerts together.

9. Spending time with family. What could be better!

8. I like (not love) shopping. I actually enjoy trying to find the perfect gift for whoever I'm shopping for. I don't mind being out in the mall with all the chaos. I went shopping last Friday with my friend Billie and I am actually ALL done! I like to shop for the people I love. I enjoy letting them know how much I appreciate them.

7. Lights. The soft glow of Christmas lights makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.

6.The sense of "magic" in the air...Christmas has always made me think the best of people and that "all is right with the world" even if it isn't.

5. Getting holiday cards. I love seeing updated pictures of all my friends and family. People are so creative today, especially my nieces Kennan and Brooke!

4. Decorations. Ornaments, poinsettias, my collection of Santa's (I have over 30)... I love it all!

3. Baking. As if I need another reason to make cookies or cakes!

2. The music. Tim and I especially enjoyed hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing "Oh Holy Night" at the concert this year!

1. The birth of Jesus Christ... My Savior. I am so blessed to have such great friends and family. I have a wonderful husband, 2 amazing sons and a sweet daughter-in-law. I know that the love and happiness I feel would not be possible without the gospel of Jesus Christ. The life I live now is all because of His saving grace in my life.

Remembering...

Carriage ride with Santa! ~ 1988

It began to softly snow just as we climb abroad the carriage.

Always fun to make Christmas cookies ~ 1988

Breakfast with Santa ~ 1988

You can see Mark is really thinking about what he wants from Santa!

Only 3 days to go ~
Merry Christmas!

AGeNt ORanGe!

"Agent Orange" a.k.a. Mark Williams was named ... drum roll, Salesman of the Year for 2009.

Close up of the logo on his new jacket!!

Of course we had to celebrate this accomplish with an orange party.

Today it was all things orange in honor of Mark.

On the menu was Chris' famous orange chicken with rice, orange jello, orange ~ cranberry shortbread, orange slush and Benihana salad because the dressing is orange. And for dessert we enjoyed carrot cake.

Congratulations Mark! It just proves that hard work and dedication can always make a difference! Once again we are so proud of you.

Quote for the week

Christmas Morning 1984

Christmas Dinner at Grandma
and Grandpa Williams home in Provo

1987

Normally we try to be kind and thoughtful, but ironically, in the midst of the celebration of the birth of perfect kindness, we may be more unkind than usual. Perhaps we act this way because, in our efforts to commemorate and even bring "joy to the world," we feel drained, worried, and worn out. As a result, we may miss the essence of this entire season.

Christmas is joyful and glorious because of how we live it, not necessarily how we celebrate it. Now might be a good time to slow down a little, simplify, and find joy in what is, not what might or could be. Take time to reflect, to ponder the meaning and message of this sacred season. Live Christmas by showing love and kindness. Share Christmas by smiling and cheering up someone who seems discouraged. Extend Christmas by giving generously, even anonymously, of your time, your heart, your goodness.

The Wonderous Gift of Christmas

I LOVE Christmas Music. I am a firm believer in not decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but the decorations always go up the weekend after Turkey Day! However, Christmas music can be brought out at any point after November 1st! I have been known to play Christmas music in the summer!

Tim, Mark, Tiff and I attended the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 10. It is really a gift of music to our community. The Church received more than 1 million requests for the approximately 63,000 free tickets available for the 3 night concert series. I guess we were lucky to get 4!

I heard the performance requires a full year of planning.

Natalie Cole sang both traditional carols and more contemporary holiday favorites. It must be wonderful to have the opportunity to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!

David McCullough, author and Pulitzer-prize winner, shared a historical look at a two Christmas songs, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem and I'll Be Home For Christmas. McCullough, speaking from his historical perspective, reminded us that “history is not only politics and military events, but also includes art, music, literature, drama and architecture. To leave out music and these other elements, leaves out the soul of the human story.”

I love the last verse of O Little Town of Bethlehem. It is a beautiful Christmas prayer:

"O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray.
Cast out our sin, and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels,
The great glad tidings tell.
Oh come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!"

The Orchestra at Temple Square and the Bells on Temple Square are a wonderful addition. There was also a combined children's choir of 140 singers from American Fork!

The concert began with a processional of 85 dancers entering the stage through the aisles.

The stage was covered with hundreds of poinsettias; stained-glass windows, faux stone walls and over 7,000 glittered Christmas ornaments filled in the backgrounds. During the carols from around the world presentation, a 30-foot Christmas tree emerged center stage and served as the focal point for the German carol, “Oh, Tannenbaum.”

Mark was amazed to here that there are over 750 performers and technicians and that over 25,000 hours of rehearsal time are donated by the all volunteer cast!

We really enjoyed the organ solo performed by Richard Elliott. He played Good King Wenceslas and Tchaikovsky's music from The Nutcracker Ballet. His feet were literally dancing across the pedals, it brought the house down!! So much talent in one place.

Being stuck in traffic on the way to the concert, frigid temperatures, maneuvering around Salt Lake with the 21,000 people trying to get to the Conference Center ... and the other 19,000 headed to Energy Solutions Arena for a Jazz game did not dampen our spirits! Being with those you love keeps all things in perspective.

Thanks for going with us Mark and Tiffani!

Best Day So Far...

I first met George Durrant while Tim was serving in a bishopric at BYU. He is a very positive and happy person. I would shake his hand and say "How are you?" His reply was always, "It's my best day so far!" He said: "One day I just thought, this is my best day. This is the only day I've got, so this is my best one." What a way to approach life! He serves on the same shift I do at the temple and still uses that same phrase!

Yesterday I had one of my best days so far. I was invited to a devotional and luncheon for church curriculum volunteers and the women that serve as church service missionaries representing the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society general presidencies. Prior to the devotional, Sister Beck and her councilors invited those of us that serve with her at the Relief Society building to a separate meeting. Sister Beck thanked us for our service and then open the meeting up to questions. What a privilege it was to spend an hour together.

After the meeting with Sister Beck we walked to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for the devotional. Elder Bruce C. Hafen conducted the meeting in the chapel.

The Christmas decorations at the J.S.M.B. were so beautiful, as always!

Elder Russel M. Nelson presided at the meeting!

Elder Neil L. Anderson gave the devotional address. He talked of how we anticipate Christmas, especially little children. He also spoke of those who anticipated the birth of the Savior and in our day the anticipation of His second coming. He said that "the best way we can prepare for the Savior’s coming is to accept the teachings of the gospel and make them part of our lives. We should live each day the best we can, just as Jesus taught when he was on the earth. We can look to the prophet for guidance and follow his counsel. We can live worthy to have the Holy Ghost guide us. Then we will look forward to the Savior’s coming with happiness and not with fear." The Lord said: “Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen” (D&C 35:27).

Guess who I sat with at the luncheon? ~ Sister Beck and Sister Allred! We had a wonderful visit and I just can't believe how blessed I am. Sister Beck and her counselors are so loving and approachable. They watch over the nearly six million Relief Society sisters, in over 170 countries around the world! Sister Beck told everyone that I made her a birthday cake a few years ago when her granddaughter was baptized at our Stake Center. She asked what else she could do to support me in my calling as stake Relief Society President. I think I answered with something that was half-way intelligent but I will be darned if I can remember what is was!!

Life is full of best days!

Merry Christmas!

The year 2009... we knew it would be divine.
Of course, there have been a few bumps along the way
But there is always hope in a new day!

Tim found a way to help the older set
He works hard every day that's a sure bet.
Medicaid and Estate Planning too,
He always has lots to do.

Eileen has trouble saying no,
But serving is the way to go!
At the temple each week, Relief Society or a service mission in Salt Lake,
It's all very rewarding but sometimes she needs a break!
Tim and Eileen took a drive down south to celebrate 28 years together,
Seeing Phantom is Vegas will always be their favorite show... it's clever!

Christopher is now a college grad with a degree,
Seeking entrepreneurial ideas is his specialty.
Off to China again this summer,
He may have had the H1N1... bummer!
The trip was still exciting and fun,
The China Business Fair kept him on the run.

Mark and Tiffani saved and bought their first home on a hill,
We were so happy for them... it was a thrill.
They have just celebrated two years as husband and wife
And feel blessed with a wonderful life.
Yes, Mark has been top salesman many times this year,
We are so proud of him we want to cheer.
Tiff has brought out the best in him as you can see,
She's becoming the wonderful wife she is so suited to be!

There really is no place like home for the holidays,
We can't wait to be together and attend a few plays.
Times change; years speed by; it seems sometime were in a fog,
But you can see pictures if you check out our blog.
(eileenandtim.blogspot.com)

Our wish this Christmas is for days filled with love, laughter or fun
And trust you'll have time to get your shopping all done.
We remember Him whose birth commemorate at this time of year
And give thanks for friends and family so dear.

Two Years!!

The ABC's of Marriage

Absolutely adore each other
Be best friends
Comprise
Discover new things together
Encourage each other
Forgive and forget
Gaze into each others eyes
Hold hands and hug a lot
Inspire and intrigue each other
Joke and laugh and have fun
Kiss Kiss Kiss
Love with all your hearts
Marvel at each others talents
Nurture each other souls
Overcome problems together
Play games
Quiet each others fears
Remember the little things
Say "I Love You" every day
Take time for tenderness
Understand and care deeply
Value everything you share
Wish on stars together
X-press your true feelings
Yearn for each other's touch
Z-zzzz in each other's arms

Mark and Tiff ~ December 8, 2007

We wish you both a Happy 2nd Anniversary
and a lifetime of blessings and love!!!!

Quote for the week

We felt fortunate to get tickets for the First Presidency Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center Sunday night. We had really good seats! The music of course was provided by the Tabernacle Choir. It brought tears to our eyes when they sang "Oh Holy Night."

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

The devotional included Christmas messages from the First Presidency. They were all so wonderful and inspiring.

“Finding the real joy of the season comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done or in the purchasing of obligatory gifts,” Real joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the world, who said, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me.' At this joyous season, may personal discords be forgotten and animosities healed. May enjoyment of the season include remembrance of the needy and afflicted. May our forgiveness reach out to those who have wronged us, even as we hope to be forgiven. May goodness abound in our hearts and love prevail in our homes.”~ President Monson

“It is wonderful to remember Him always but especially as we celebrate His birth. He came to bless children. He healed the sick, We can choose Christmas and every day to create a small part of the Christmas story in our own lives.” ~ President Eyring

"Some are so caught up in the details of running their lives that they don’t make time for much else. They might pay lip service to the things of the Spirit, but their hearts are so focused on the world that they cannot see the Christ.” ~ President Uchtdorf

Johnnie Belle was going to go with us but she hurt her back. We stopped by after the devotional and Tim gave her a sweet blessing. She is feeling better today.

Her new apartment is all deck out for the holidays thanks to Lee and Holley!

It was a wonderful night as we paused to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Welcome to Who-ville!

Toady was the "Young at Heart" Christmas Luncheon. Anyone who is 60, 70, 80 or 90 is invited to come! We look forward to this annual event.

I can't begin to properly say how much I love and appreciate my presidency. Ann, Val and Valerie are little worker bees. They always go the extra mile and give more than is required! We prepared a lovely lunch for about 80 members of our stake.

These darling girls came to help us serve the food. They worked so hard and did not stand around waiting for us to tell them what to do.

So this was Who-Ville for the day.

The pink and green table decorations were a hit!

We also had the group "Friends in Harmony" sing. They were fabulous!

Three of the best people you will ever meet ~ Gale Evans with Beth and Doyle Robison. We honor all the young at heart for their examples and years of service.

We did it ~ maybe the Grinch will serve us some roast beast!

Fah who for-aze

Dah who dor-aze
Welcome welcome
Christmas
Christmas Day