With All My Love

Dear Children,

We sat around the table Friday night snacking on popcorn and playing Parcheesi.  It's been a bit since we've played that game, so long so that neither Breyer nor Miller knew how to play. The most entertaining part of the evening was watching Miller get frustrated. Die rolls, getting sent back to base, blockades...he had no patience. But in the end was very excited he won. By a roll to Breyer and Sawyer. That game brings back fond memories.

Sunday was the annual Primary program. The Sunbeams did not disappoint.The program was unique in that there was one boy who was a singer - loud and clear - and carried the little singers through the whole program. The music was fabulous. Second, they included a little piece of paper to record your thoughts of their program, that would be shared with them later that day. Those were really touching to listen to - I am unofficially playing the piano in Primary.

I've spent in inordinate amount of time coordinating the night light parade in Granbury. Jarrod, when he was asked to pray at the bi-monthly Commissioner's Court meeting, was then asked to enter the parade by the interfaith ministerial council. So I volunteered. That's what Bishop's wives do. Miller helped me go to a large property and cut down cedar branches for the greenery on the trailer. Dad and I went on a lovely fall walk Sunday and collected pine cones from the tall pines in the park near the beach. Our play house that was demolished during the summer, and that's been an eyesore for a bit, is mostly gone, repurposed into the manager and creche. And by next week a new shelter for goats.

Often at work I am checking news site for incidents that could directly impact those I work with. Imagine my delight when seeing on the local Fox news website, a top and side banner, advertising #LightTheWorld, and directing all who wish to locate a church near them and "join us for a special service December 22nd." That is the message we created this week as one of the to-do- items on my lengthy list was to get the flyer for the community Christmas parade finished. It's red, just as the one I saw, and has the invitation to church, as did the advertisement, also listing our time and address.

I have the missionaries holding the banner announcing the name of our church, leading the float. A truck and trailer with a manger, creche, Mary, Joseph, two shepherds and two angels; three wiseman walking behind the trailer, and a host of angels in white, carrying lit white balloons (of the 8" unblown circumference), and handing out tea lights and the flyer.

One of my wise men is a non member. One is less active. I have other missionaries from the district in the parade, and the young single adults from Stephenville. We also posted it on the private Facebook account for all the young men and young women in the Weatherford Stake. It's hard coordinating this when I won't even be able to see the float, but no matter what - it will be fabulous. And the music I found last night is David Archuleta singing with the MoTab - appropriately themed choice of music. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UArceTs1-G8 The actual theme of the parade is the Music of Christmas - plus we've added our #Light the World. We were also given a banner that proclaims, We Believe in Christ, which we're using on the back of the trailer.

Since I had to pick between having Thanksgiving or Christmas off - I chose to work Thanksgiving, and send the family up to Tyler. So grateful they can go there and be with family. Breyer spent two days packing, as Wagner's backpack had to have this thanksgiving dinner. This entailed grating dry dog biscuits to sprinkle over his food, chopping carrots and later apples, for one dish, and his normal dog food and treats. His bag was bigger and heavier than hers. He's in good hands.

Last Saturday Sawyer landed wrong on his hand while playing a game, and dislocated a finger joint. Not normally too bad except this was the large joint of his right hand ring finger. We had it x-rayed just for peace of mind. He was suppose to start in Monday's game, but sat on the bench instead. Tuesday's game had some good playing time, some good plays, some even better points. He's on the mend.

Your cousin Stevie was recognized as the basketball player of the week by the New England Collegiate Conference. I believe Eastern Nazarene College is a division three school, but know that if Stevie wasn't suffering from her CRPS she'd be close to division I.

Enjoy your time together as family. We love each of you! and are so blessed by you being in our loves.

Mom