My First Christmas In Heaven

Mom wanted me to put this on the blog for everyone to read:

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below

With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away your tears,

For I am spending Christmas in heaven this year

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

The sounds of music can't compare with the choir up here.

I haven't the words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart.

But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear

And be glad I'm spending Christmas in heaven this year.

Please love and keep each other, as God said to do,

For I can't count the blessings or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away your tears,

Remember, I'm spending Christmas in heaven this year.

Mom said that when she read it - it sounded just like something Dad would say or something that he would have sent to all of us.

Our love to all of you -

Jolene and Mom

New callings!

Last Sunday Alan and I were called in to the Bishop's office. I knew what was going on but I was in total denial. It has taken me these 5 days since to be able to think about it without crying - so now I can blog it. After almost three years as the Young Women's President I am released ONE WEEK BEFORE COURTNEY TURNS 12!!! I guess that is what makes it so hard. I have waited to be able to share all of the wonderful activities with Courtney and now I won't be there when she comes in.

I am now going to teach Gospel Doctrine. Aaaaggghhh!!! That is a calling I am totally unprepared for and totally unqualified for.

Alan was released as the 11 year old scout leader and primary teacher and put in as the Deacon's Quorum Advisor and Assistant Scoutmaster. At least he will be in there with Devon. I am glad for that. I know good scouters are hard to find.

That is all -
Jolene

16 years ago!

It has been exactly 16 years since I left for my mission. It doesn't seem like it possibly could have been that long ago. Every year on this day I think of what a different life I would be leading if I hadn't made the decision to go. There really is nothing else in life to compare a mission experience with. I am so thankful that I went.
Jolene

Christmas Party part deux

Just to add to Lisa's post: For those of you who are going in on Mom's gift - we will give that to her on Saturday. Lisa and Susan have paid me - there are two brothers who have not - you can contact me later about that - I won't start charging interest until the end of the month. :)

This is the part deux part - Mom is spending the weekend with us and she would love to see everyone on Christmas day - so - we are having dessert at our house on Christmas Day at 5:00. If you want to bring something to share - that is great - I will make a Buche de Noel and probablly a pie or two. I'm thinking I will make a lemon meringue - Mom used to love that. I hope that any of you that are in town will come for an hour or so on Christmas day!

Big Kisses!
Jolene

Family Christmas Party

Hi Everyone. I can't believe Christmas is almost here. Anyway, Saturday is the get-together for the family at our house. We are going to start around 4:00. Everyone can bring whatever appetizer/munchie/treat that they want to bring. We will probably have salsa, maybe cheese & crackers, & a veggie tray. We will get small gifts for the kids to open on that day. Hope everyone will be there. I am looking forward to singing some Christmas carols and just enjoying the evening. Hope to see you all there!

Lisa

Crazy Week

This has been a crazy week for us - and an even crazier weekend - I am looking forward to the kids getting off to school today so I can relax for a minute!

I had our ward Young Women in Excellence night this week - I did a power point presentation of pictures of the girls that I got from their parents of them growing up. Before camp I had the girls write down how they knew they were a daughter of God and I still had those so for the last picture of each girl it would wash out and then a portion of their testimony would scroll across. It was set to the music from the CD by Jenny Phillips called Daughter of a King. It was very effective and so moving that night for their parents to see - but it was so much work. We also had two school concerts and the school spelling bee. Devon came in 5th place over all by misspelling the word "cassette". Later when he came and sat with us he told us he didn't even know what a cassette was. That made us feel old... Our kids have never had cassette players, or had a record or even seen an 8-track.

Anyway - we are in for a much calmer week ahead. I hope everyone has a great week - Don't you love this time of year?

Jolene

Christmas Get-Together

Hey everyone. We have decided to do a Christmas get together on Saturday the 23rd of December at our house. We are leaving for California on Christmas Day but still wanted to do something with the family. I have spoken to Jolene, Shelly, Misty & Mom. It looks like they will be able to come. We will probably just do appetizers and munchies. We will do some kind of gift exchange with the kids. (still trying to figure out what to do). Anyway, hope everyone will try to come if they can. We will post the details as we figure them out. Kenny & Ling's Anniversay is that weekend so they probably won't be able to come. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KENNY & LING!!!! Mason's birthday is this weekend. We will be doing a Jedi Training Camp! It will be interesting! Anyway, more to come later.

Lisa

Merry Monday

I hate to be the one to move Brian and Mel's beautiful picture down on the blog. It really is nice Brian and we are so happy for you and Mel.

We had a very busy weekend - topped off by a migraine. I seem to be getting them more often - at least once a month and usually on a Sunday afternoon or Monday morning. I wonder what that is all about. As usual, our weekend was full of driving the kids to all the places they needed to be - but Alan and I did get to spend an evening out with friends and that was great. It really is wonderful to be able to leave the kids and not have to get a sitter.

I have been asked to go as a "big sister" on the Pioneer Trek for our stake in March. We had a meeting about it last night - and I am a little scared. I hope I can do it without making too big of fool out of myself. I'm not in the best shape. But I have 3 months to rectify that and I am going to try!

I hope everyone is doing well. Christmas will be here before you know it and it would be really nice if we could all find a way to be together for a little bit in the coming weeks. Let me know if anyone has any ideas.

Love to all - Jolene