Christmas Joys ~ 2013

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Let us 
remember 
that the Christmas 
heart is a giving heart, 
a wide open heart that thinks
 of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus 
stands as the most significant event in all history, 
because it has meant the pouring  into a sick world the 
healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of 
hearts for almost two thousand years...Underneath all the bulging 
bundles is this 
beating 
Christmas heart.
 - George Matthew Adams

Christmas was a joy this year.  Cori found a cabin with ten bedrooms that was big enough to fit all 32 of us, so we all got together in Duck Creek and enjoyed a few days of laughter, love, great food and lots of fun.

Danielle, Ally, Eden, Megan, Joshua and Mason

Aunt Megan had lots of crafts and fun things planned for the kids to do. We went sledding, played games with the children until time for bed.  Had a nightly devotional, tucked the kiddoes into bed, then stayed up until the wee hours playing games, laughing and talking.

Our lovely Christmas tree ~ with a sweet sign from Grace reminding all of us to remember the true meaning of Christmas is to love each other and be kind to everyone.

Looks like Santa tracked us down!

Christmas Eve ~ soft Christmas music, the lovely glow of the tree, the warmth of a fire, the gleeful teasing and laughter of  adult children playing games in the next room, my sweetheart sitting next to me and all the little ones, so excited for what's coming all tucked into bed . . . lovin' it!

 The Dads decided that they needed an alarm to let them know when the first child was out of bed on Christmas morn . . . it worked!

Joshua's stocking is almost as big as he is . . .

A view from the top . . . on Christmas morning

Brittany and Nadia

 It was these three babies first Christmas ~ Nadia, Anders and Jeffrey Jack (JJ)

Ethan and Anders

Grammie Sandy and JJ

Jesse, Kourtni, Eden, Damien, Ally, Ethan, Charlie and Joshua getting ready for the launch

 Grandpa Ray made rocket launchers for every family for Christmas ~ and they were a great hit!

Ally, Ethan and Joshua - "Where did it go?"

 Christmas Day was sunny and just right for rocket launching - all systems were GO!

James, Ally, Grace, Joshua and Cory

 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 launch!

Ally, Kourtnie, Damien, Grace, Charlie, Ray, Grant, Cori

Joshua's snow ball maker -you better run, Grammie Sandy!

Everyone pitched in and helped plan the menus, shopping, cooking, activities, cleaning and all that goes with a big get together.  We had such a great time together.  We love being together as a family. Cori made the comment, "I love being with you guys, you are my best friends!"  That was honey to my heart . . . I kept telling the children when they were little and arguing - someday you will be good friends!  It is such a joy to see that is true.   The 18 cousins have so much fun playing together. The older grandchildren, Jacob and Sydni are so great to include and play with the little ones and the children all adore them! Several of us made the comment that this was the best Christmas ever!  We stayed at the cabin until the day after Christmas, when we packed up and headed down to the condo in St George for a few days.

My heart is so full of gratitude for my dear companion and best friend, Raymond and six amazing children and their wonderful sweethearts, and eighteen beautiful grandchildren.  You add so much joy to my heart and I am so grateful for all of you. Most of all I am grateful for our Savior, whose love and light shines as a beacon to us all.