Time Experience Thoughts

~ Grandma's Christmas Thoughts ~ Someone recently said that in the doldrums of winter while all the earth goes to sleep and the gardens die and the trees go bare (at least here in Virginia) that this is truly the best season of the year… There is a spirit that permeates the world. Imagine a world without Thanksgiving and Christmas. To me, as the years roll by, the two holidays become inseparably connected. Thankfulness turns to honor and worship of that One Sacred Life that gave us ALL. It is a season in which we celebrate new life… the birth of our Savior… the hope of the world. It was also in this season of the year that new life came to our family—twice. Every year, I remember rocking my tiny little infants in front of the Christmas tree, gazing into the sparkling lights, and singing Silent Night as a lullaby. Imagine a new mother, holding her infants in her arms, and deeply contemplating the layers of meaning in that song not only for the world, but for our family. To me, they ...

Scott Serves now as first counselor in the bishopric. Works for a competitor to his last company. Finalized move of three wards into a new chapel—including ours. Drove to Kansas to spend Christmas with mother and sister—just got home. http://scottvanatter.blogspot.com/ Becky Serves as the shift coordinator every Thursday evening at the Washington D.C. Temple (with President and Sister Tingey—Scott’s former mission president!). Teaches the Adult Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class. 8th year working for BYU—Coordinating the Washington D.C. Student Teaching Program. Sydney Moved to Arlington (Crystal City) this year. Now in the Colonial Ward. Works in the Washington D.C. Temple on Thursday evenings on Becky’s shift. Traveled to Greece this fall. Is dating Mike! (“Love is in the air!”) http://photogal98.blogspot.com/ Carrie and Scott (along with Ryan, Sean, and Kyle) Summer and Thanksgiving in Virginia. Bough...

That's me, the tight end on the left side of the picture, number 87 for the Citrus Junior College Owls. We were Mission Conference Champions that year, the Fall of 1972. (Gina used Photoshop to 'warm up' the pic.)

After playing football at Citrus JC (1972 season) and before my mission to Australia (1973-75), I coached the sophomore football team at my alma mater, Duarte High School (1973 season). Head Coach Whalen is on the right; I am on the left -- Assistant Coach, and Offensive and Defensive Line Coach.

This week the Washington Redskins visit Oakland Raiders. "Just Win . . . "

Becky and I drove to the Washington DC Temple late Sunday afternoon. A wonderful day. Clear, cool, bright. We walked around the temple, sat and read and talked or a while. Becky is blessed to work/serve in the Temple every week (Thursday evenings). Beautiful place, beautiful feelings, beautiful company.