Snowfall

 Bits and pieces of Christmas spirit have been swirling around my head all week, like a winter storm made up of blessed moments, each as beautiful and distinct as a snowflake, all coming together to create harmony.  Early in the week, it was very foggy.  Ptolemy exclaimed, "I don't want it to be holy smokes out here!"  I, on the other hand, quite liked being inside my very own cloud.  I had received the opportunity to help my amazing sister-in-law Jennie with the fundraiser you've all heard about.  Ensconced in my dense, cozy world, I started making phone calls and watched with gratitude as offers started rolling in as thick as the fog.  Offers to play music, donate items, baked goods, money and time.  It has been my goal to really feel the spirit of Christmas this year, and I can tell you, there is no better way to do that than to be involved in some small way in helping a neighbor.  The best comes out in everyone and you begin to see people with more compassionate, grateful, loving eyes.

 My neighborhood, my "ward," if you will, was especially generous.  With this view from our back porch, I can see one neighbor's house.  I love all my neighbors and I love living here "in the shadows of the everlasting hills."  One friend at church today put it best:  "I can be my own motley crew mess here and nobody minds."  In our little congregation, we collectively seem to know, mostly from experience, that we are each our own "motley crew mess," as individuals and as families, and we love each other not so much in spite of it, but FOR the fact that we are imperfect, yet exquisite children of God.  Most of my neighbors would scoff at the notion of trying to impress anyone, just as they would scorn the idea of judging anyone unfairly.  There are open arms all around us.

 I walked in the door last night from my annual Davis Girls dinner, so grateful that I had a warm house to come home to, my arms heavy with gifts, my heart light with love and my soul filled with gratitude.  I know for sure that whatever storms I have to weather in the future, I will have the shelter of everyone around me to protect me.  It is powerful to live in a community where reaching out is expected.  Golda's good friend's brother was diagnosed with cancer this week.  Golda texted me from school and said, "Can we take them dinner?"  I love that at her young age, she has had the example from her teachers and leaders that we spring to action, no questions asked, no time to lose.  That night, Golda's friend's family felt our support and we were grateful.

 Ruby gave a talk in Sacrament meeting on this very topic this morning.  She spoke on the YW theme, Arise and Shine Forth, and focused on the goals the Young Women set this year, and how the goals the girls set were merely for practice in becoming the kind of women the adults in her life are.  She has been heavily influenced by the amazing people around her, just like Golda.  We are so fortunate!  Ruby made pies for my book club Thursday.  She was being quite the ham when I snapped her picture.  Thanks, Ruby!  My heart is full with a blanket of Christmas spirit as pure and peaceful as the snowfall that greeted us this morning.  I know it's because of the generosity of our friends, family and neighbors and the message their example sends to our kids.  We can't do it alone.  I'm sure thankful for the storms we weather together and the company we keep in sunshine and snow.

Rose Parade Recital

Well, I am humbled and a little bit teary-eyed over the generosity of our friends, family and neighbors. We had a garden recital in our front yard at dusk to raise money for Golda's Rose Parade trip.  Each student has to contribute $800.00, plus we are expected to help the "band family" raise an additional hundred thousand or so through fundraisers.  We thought Golda could do this one recital and earn a portion of her trip money, and Scott and I would pay the rest, even though we have gone broke this summer supporting all the other band fundraisers!  

We had fun setting up for a Davis High-themed recital in the front yard.  It was the perfect summer evening, and I tried to just listen and enjoy the girls' pieces.  They did wonderfully.  I just love to listen to them play, and it was fun to see and visit with everyone.  For the last piece, Golda played the Davis High fight song.  Quite a few of us joined in on the last D!...H!...S!"

After the guests filtered out and Scott cleaned up and headed to Park City with his brothers, and Golda's next party started in our back yard with all the wardies, I put the littles down and counted the contributions.  And that's when I got teary-eyed and humbled.  We had gotten generous contributions from friends and neighbors who couldn't come, even before the event.  And after...well, thank you, everyone.  It's stunning to be part of a community who rallies for each little cause and loves each little child we're all collectively trying to raise up.  It's inspiring, and makes me want to be a better person, like the people around me.

 The kids and Sinatra the cat lounging about before the recital.

 Two proud parents, Winifred, Nancy's mom and Scott, you know him.

 Emi and Nate, thank you!

 Josh and Emily's family, our favorite neighbors!

 Thanks for printing the programs, Scott.

 Guests arriving

 Little Nancy, Ruby's student.  She is so smart and talented!

 This counted as Ruby's Book 4 recital, which Roy has been asking her to have for awhile.  I love the guitar repertoire.  I could listen to Ruby all day.

 Dear Golda, I am sorry, but it is way too much fun to listen to you play the flute.  You can't quit!  

I know you don't really want to, deep in your melodious heart.

 We love Sister Gammon

 How does Kenzie look this fabulous five months pregnant? Five MONTHS!

 Jeff and Richelle and their little athletes.  I was joking that this could be their Christmas card picture.  They always seem to be color-coordinated!  Jeff, that shirt has a little too much maroon in it for this picture, though.

 Since Ruby was busy tonight and couldn't babysit these cute kids, they came to the recital!

 The Wardies

 Beth and Gayle above and Coco and Ann below.  Beautiful women, my heavens!

 One of our biggest supporters.  I think she had five other things going on tonight, but she is a die-hard friend and sister.

Dear Old Davis High School...