THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Carson said to me the other day, "I love Christmas" and I asked him, "why?" and he said, "I don't know. . . it just feels good."

I believe the Holy Spirit truly rests on us during special occasions and the celebration of our Savior's birth is one of those occasions. I'm so grateful for Him and I'm glad that a ten year old boy could "feel" the holiness of this time of year and remind me of what Christmas is all about.

The most important and most significant

of all events that have happened

in the history and life of mankind

are the birth, life, death and resurrection

of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten of God the Eternal Father."

N. Eldon Tanner

REMEMBERING STEVEN

During a church meeting, once I was asked to share some Christmas traditions that our family does every year. I really had a hard time coming up with some heartwarming ideas. We do the regular putting up the Christmas tree every year and the reading from the Bible in Luke and we've tried things from year to year but nothing on a consistent basis. Then it came to me--something so simple that I hadn't really thought about but something that we always do.

We lost a baby son, "Steven David" in February of 1987 and he was only about a month old when he passed away, so we never celebrated Christmas with him but every year we have always put up a stocking for him at Christmas. Its been our tradition so that we will always remember him and keep alive the knowledge that he will always be a part of our family even in death. In some way, I know he is there with us, especially on this most sacred and loving time of year.

". . . little children are alive in Christ,

even from the foundations of the world. . ."

Moroni 8:12

A good friend, Rebecca N. gave me this quote she heard on television:

"When you lose your parents,

you're an orphan.

When you lose your spouse,

you're a widow or widower.

When you lose your baby...well,

there is no word for that."

WAITING FOR DRUMMER BOY & SIS

I never thought I'd ever say it but I truly miss hearing the drums. I'm sure I miss the person that plays them more but as I remember hearing the practices and performances for so long, and then not hearing them, I have to say that we'll be looking forward to having Jake & Angie coming this Christmas for lots of reasons but especially for the. . .

"PAH-RUM-PUH-PUH-PUM"

JAKE PERFORMING AT BYU-IDAHO
WINTER 2007

JAKE & ANGIE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

BOTH ATTENDING BYU-PROVO

ANGIE HAVING FUN WITH FRIENDS

TURKEY TETRAZZINI RECIPE

Here's the recipe for Turkey Tetrazzini

from the Lion House Cookbook:

8 ounces spagetti, broken in pieces and cooked
5 T. butter

6 T. flour
3 c. chicken or turkey broth
1 cup light cream
1 t. salt & pepper
1 cup fresh or canned mushrooms, including juice
5 T. minced green peppers
3 c. cooked turkey, cubed
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Melt butter in skillet, blend in flour. Stir broth into flour mixture. Add cream. Cook until mixture thickens and bubbles. Add salt and pepper, drained spagetti, mushrooms, green peppers, and cooked turkey. Turn into individual baking dishes or a 2-3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Love this recipe

I usually always make it after Thanksgiving

My sister was the one who first served me it

Thanks Martha

"A SCOUTING WE WILL GO. . ."

We had pack meeting last night. Carson got his "Outdoorsman" pin. We had a fun night with jokes, skits & gift exchange where each cub had to make the gift. Carson made ornaments. Carson's joke at pack meeting:

"Why is December so cold?

Because its Decem-brrrrr!"

Webelo Scout for him and a Cub Scout to give away.

Sam R. and Carson during a skit.

Cub Scouts, Cub Scouts, we salute you!
Full of friendships; full of joy.
Laughing, learning, playing, joining;
Something new for every boy.
Growing stronger; growing reverent,
Always try to Do Our Best!
Strive to do a good turn daily;
Facing life with hope and zest!
--Clare Mansfield