What a Wonderful Christmas!


All around the world children are sharing the Nativity story in their homes. Our spirits smiled at the star of the Primary program, as this young child played the part perfectly in the Sao Miguel Branch Christmas party!


The Azoreans are kind and we were treated to a wonderful meal on Christmas eve and another on Christmas Day. Christmas morning, Grandpa gave a talk about our Savior. I love listening to his testimony in Portuguese. He talked about those who had room for Jesus, those who believed the Prophets and waited, and those who because of faith got to see Him. And then, likened that time to ours as we prepare for His Second Coming. Carlos gave a talk (his very first one) and even though nervous and even though he had left his notes home, he gave such a sweet testimony of the things he is learning since his recent baptism. We had a zoom with Tanya after church.  She is trying to get courage to give a talk and wanted to practice it in front of us... so she will be ready when it's her turn!  




On Christmas Eve we enjoyed surprising people with plates of homemade treats!





  Just two Christmases ago, our youngest grands shared their Nativity play in our home. We  thought of your sweet families so many times yesterday and we missed all of you alot!


Travis and Ashley invited us to peek in and watch their children open presents last night between taking the elders to a dinner appointment.  We loved hearing from most of you yesterday and know you had to work around our schedule.  Thank you for making our Christmas extra special.  We love the Christmas Eve Photos and the Christmas Day photos and the photos before the Missionaries left as well. Thank you for sending these.  (Elder) Samuel was able to call us from the Dominican Republic and it was great to hear about His Mission. This morning we had the elders here for a big pancake breakfast and a game and this afternoon, we will hear from (Sister) Aubrey about her Texas Mission. We are excited that Jase and McKenzie will be turning in their Mission Papers in January!!!  

PLUS!  We will be Great Grandparents in May!!!  Oh My!  Talk about exciting!  My hair will be mostly gray by then, just in time for our first Great Grand Child!  This part of life really is amazing for us. It really is a nice time of life!  We pray for each and all of you, and hope you will make a Grand and Happy New Year...(one day at a time).  Please stay safe and warm!








 Thank You forever for the Joy you gift us! 
 
While we cannot fully understand the immeasurable love that Our Heavenly Parents and our Savior desire to bless us with, 
we pray to be open to their gifts. We will try to live in a way 
that will help us to come to know them better. 

 Make a nice and happy week, 
love, Grandpa and Grandma 

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