12.31.23 Christmas Break Home MTC

We had an impromptu Come follow me lesson after church on New Year's Eve with the Sandberg family leading. It was fun to see the kids work together and Uncle Richard lead a good discussion. 

Bruce and Uncle Richard leading the music. 

I was really struck by how much BRuce will grow in the next 12 years and will most likely be bigger than this older brother. They happened to be dressed similarly today. The human body is just amazing. Both were thrilled to have their picture taken. 

MY three redhead sons. Handsome big men who make me smile. 

At-home scripture study. Bruce has really come a long way since starting school he is now able to read about 70% of the words himself. We are thankful for his development and ability to work hard.

These two were thumb-wrestling. I was struck by how much they looked alike. Their movements, laughs, and expressions were so similar. I love that they have time to interact together.

The main event of the week has been facilitating Home MTC for Aliza. She has taken seriously the charge to always have a companion. In between classes, she has classes she comes home for a break. Various siblings walk her back and forth to grandma's house. She has been very happy and confident through the experience. I love seeing her so happy.

We celebrated my youngest sisters birthday with some games at the church gym. Basketball for some. 

Volleyball for others. 

Some younger less experienced basketball guys. 

Then some volleyball. It was painfully slow letting everyone have a turn but also so important to have a space where you could try and gain experience. 

Aliza spent so much time on Zoom learning and getting introduced to Mission practices. She also read some books while zooming, and bound a quilt we hurriedly put together for her mission bedding. She zoomed at Grandma Saunders where it was a bit more quiet.  

Aunt Jill's family came for a quick visit and Aunt Alena made Lava cakes. Yum. 

Bruce's main pen pal Zane. Zane is Afton's age but close to the same size as Bruce. Bruce is taller. They have a good time together. 

So out with the old spent a year and onto a year of changing and leaving. While I haven't been sleeping well with worry and odd concerns I'm also comforted that my kids seem to be prepared and confident in their next steps. It's hard to have my family "broken-up" or apart for the next several years but as my dad wisely texted me you are raising them to be adults, not perpetual children. Truth. As we look forward to potty training Andrea soon that is a huge milestone for our family no more diapers!!! Likewise having kids successfully directing their lives is what we do all this work for. 

As Aliza has progressed through the week I have not held back on one last "you don't have to do this" speech. But listening to her share her experiences and how she is already coaching, comforting, and testifying to her peers I know and felt the spirit witness to me she is needed to do this for the Lord right now. And watching the MTC parent devotional tonight I again had that confirmation I can make this sacrifice and I'm pleased with her resolve and ability to gain and act on inspiration given directly to her through the Holy Ghost. I'm sure we are all going to learn a lot as she grows and shares. We are so blessed and here's to another year to be tried, tested, and continue to choose Jesus, forgiveness, love, and laughter. 

As I Age sometimes I can laugh at the hardness of the situation. I'm thankful for that switch in life. I still get plenty mad most of the time but sometimes I see the ridiculousness of all the frustration and we just have a good belly laugh with tears rolling down the face. Then we get to work addressing whatever the problem is. Life is good like that hopefully as we grow and mature while enduring the same trials again and again we begin to see that's just life just how it goes. Problems come and answers must be found. Another year another time to work to improve and become better. Life is good. 

12.28.23 Christmas at home

We got home from the party and got ready for bed. Bruce loves funny socks and was eager to try on his bingo prize. 

All the kids got into their funny socks and posed for a picture. 

We gathered for scriptures and read the story in 3 Ne about the people in the Americas watching for the sign. The last verse saying the rising generation did not believe what their parents had witnessed was particularly chilling. I hope and pray that our efforts to teach the gospel and recognize the Holy Ghost in our daily lives will help our children believe. 

The next morning I began making the customary turnovers. We make apple and berry. 

Andrea wanted to watch and took her spot close to the action. 

The younger kids were anxious for breakfast. We don't eat early. We were also killing time waiting for Greg's present to show up. 

We had a rare moment dancing in the kitchen. It's been a long time since we danced. How I love dancing with Greg. He was a bit frosty with the wait. He had marshaled the kids to clean the entire house and was ready to eat and less than thrilled at the prospect of a goat on the property. I'd been threatening for a month and he knows silly ideas usually happen. 

The finished turnovers. These are flaky and delicious. Not as dense as pie the crust really melts in your mouth with the sweet soft inner filling these are pretty dreamy. We also have all you can eat sausage and deviled eggs. 

The boys showed up with a sweet little goat named Rhino. 

We invited Greg's parents to breakfast as they were all alone this day. They have come one other time. 

These two have finally become friends. 

Anna got a huge candy bar. 

We spent some time outside with Rhino. She won a spot on my want list when she mostly just ate weeds outside. We have some work she could do. 

We took a family picture where we had more room to spread out. 

We sand some songs together at our house and at grandmas this is Oh Holy Night not an easy song to master. 

Grandma played accompaniment on the organ and the piano. 

I was delighted to find these pictures of Harold and Andrea. It has been rocky between them since he came home. She has refused his attempts to hold her or be close to her. So these moments captured are a bit surprising. She seems pretty happy and comfortable with him. I'm pleased as pre-mission Harold was a super favorite among the younger kids. 

Obviously, the tickling he is known for is ok now. 

I will say the whole group singing was a powerful sound this year. They are impressive and loud to listen to. I'm thankful they are willing to sing. That was one requirement Greg had for a wife that she sang in church. No we have a choir. We sang all the verses of Christmas carols at home and the kids thanks to phones with printed words and all the beautiful words of testimony of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. 

Grandma and Evander filmed the singing. 

 We ate, sang, and read the Christmas story. Then we open presents getting the smaller children opened and on their way to play then the older people opening their presents all the while picking up. With so many people in the house, we need to be continually cleaning. The kids played then we went to Grandma's house for dinner and more singing. She gave the guys tips on how to harmonize with the ladies. 

We had a peaceful easy day. My parents give me the gift of time. They fill in the gaps on presents with my kids. I give them gifts and they give them gifts. The kids are happy with the haul. I appreciate their thoughtful and generous work. We are blessed.

12.28.23 Corn Christmas party

We gather at Uncle Kevin's because he has large rooms that hold all the wild monkeys in this line and their parents too. What would the line be this long for? 

The special visit of the honored guest Santa Clause. The kids enjoy this ritual even though we are adamant Santa Claus does not bring presents and is just a nice person helping Jesus. 

Bruce above, Merle below. 

Afton, then Lia.

Millie. 

Mom has been friends with Santa for a long time. 

Grandma Lasley took a turn taking a picture with the visitor as well. 

After Santa the kids begin getting their costumes put on for the nativity. This is a sweet tradition. Anna and Aliza are willing helpers dressing kids and thankful to just be audience these days. 

Aunt Mary is the director of activities. She keeps things organized, moving along, and fun. She is so good to host (along with my parents) these large gatherings. We are very grateful for the many hours and organization they put into traditions that delight and inspire young hearts and minds.

I never see this performance as I always play the piano. I don't mind that in some ways I really enjoy just being able to sing and play. I'm so grateful we all get along to get together and I really appreciate the space to be comfortably together. 

The much anticipated cold cereal gift exchange. 

These pictures don't show all the eating but we started with a full appetizer bar, fruit, chips, meats and crackers with cheese, dips etc. Then we do some activities and go to eating prime rib or tri-tip meat, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, vegetables, and grandma's special jello salad. This year we got instructions on how to make that jello. She likes to say Well I might not be here next year lately. I don't like ominous foreshadowing and tell her to stop saying things like that. Reality who knows what a year will bring and thus making time for some instruction as I am a Jello flop. Then a while later we have dessert. We roll away from the party stuffed to the top of our heads. It is a delicious and enjoyable evening of activities. 

Reed and James ready for the Left, right, middle money game. My mom won last year and wouldn't play this time. The kids were all ready and happy to play. I heard a rumor Kevin won the first round. 

The kids played many rounds of bingo winning assorted prizes. Chips, socks, cookies, and funny glasses. 

In the other room competition was getting real. John and  Megan and HArold like to play phone video games against each other. Battleship, pool to name a few. 

I think Anna won the second round. 

And then it was on to a new challenge. Honey I love you but just can't smile. Oh boy that was fun. Papa won that hands down. 

Prizes. 

Pies. Apple, pumpkin, chocolate peanut buter and mousse. 

The kids even took a turn at baby I love you but I just can't smile. They thought it was funny. 

After hours of good times we cleaned up loaded the tables and chairs and came home. I find it satisfying that my great great grandfather William Frances Corn who was adamant about having the family gather for a Christmas party. 6 generations are now able to get in one place and celebrate unity and love of our Savior that is strength.