C Is for the Christ Child

We're at the beginning of the Christmas season celebrating His birth. I want to tell you that I love Jesus, Christ. I have a testimony of Him and know that He lives. I value the Holy Ghost and the scriptures in my life and know they guide my every step. I am so glad that we have the gospel giving us the knowledge of our Savior, His gifts, example and love. Without this, we would be lost. Glad for a prophet that receives inspiration for us. Difficult as life is at times, I know it isn't easy to face life's challenges. Ask Jesus to help you, always remember Him.

Thanks for being such great and good children. I see you work at being the best parents and people you can be carefully guiding your own offspring. Include Jesus in your preparations this year, praying, studying & sharing with your kids. In return, He will bless you, when the days get crazy. I count the temple time we spent doing work for our ancestors last week the start to our holiday. I love you all so much. It's hard to express how special you are. Keep up the good work.
Love, Mom.

Home Improvements Happen

After years of fighting to get the front door open, Dad installed a new door knob. I wanted you to see it. The next thing we will be getting is a door bell button. I even took a picture of the one I want to get. (It's on the right) Oh, yeah, Dad also painted the door. We bought the paint on our anniversary as a gift to ourselves. What do you think? I like it.

Temple Tantrum-Not

They invited Dad to be a temple worker in the baptistry a few weeks ago. He works every Thursday, but with all the holidays & 2 week temple closed for cleaning he went once last week. His next date is January 8th. This assignment meant 'Shave it'. That's right, he has to be clean shaven. Without any objection or tantrum, your father said, “Yes”, came home and shaved. Some say he looks like Kent, others think it is Ralph. Jed thinks he looks ten years younger. We need your vote.

We went on an endowment session after Dad's interview at the temple and they asked us to be the witness couple. That has only happened one other time, when we went to the LA Temple in 1982. You can guess we stayed wide awake in the session.

28-Days Until We Are Sane Again

I know you didn’t need the reminder, but here it is anyway. Start looking for those great sales to get the biggest bang for your buck ($ not deer, Aaron) gifts. Post those things you, your kids and spouses want. Make sure you include how much it is & where to buy it. Include a picture if that helps. If you are standing there looking at the item & you know it would be easier to buy now get $$ later, I say, DO IT!! If you are out of state, I enjoy buying on line & having the store/UPS do all the work w/free shipping as a bonus.

As you may know the money is pretty scarce, but we will do our best to make it happen. Pray all those items we post on KSL.com sell & we may have enough left over for a DVD player w/remote we can find. Now you can use the Bday gift for Dad as Christmas gift also. I have the list of who gives to whom. Call if you need it.

Thanks for Giving us – Temples

‘I Love to See the Temple’ a song that brings joy to our hearts as we think of the wonderful things that take place there. Brayle could sing this song at age 2. I'm sure many of the other grandchildren do, too. Knowing my parents were married in the temple gave me the desire and foundation to do the same. Although they didn’t attend often, the fact that their vows were made in this holy place helped us to take the next step, be worthy and go regularly. What a difference it makes in a marriage & blessings received.

The first time I was in the Salt Lake Temple doing baptisms as a fourteen year old, I felt a strong presence from our ancestors. It was a very familiar place as if I had walked those halls before. What a joy it was to take out my endowments at the same time Sandra did and to be at her ceremony. It is fun to visit other temples as well. Recently I have been to the Washington DC, Boise and Manhattan Temples where the Spirit tells you it is true. Temple attendance blesses our lives and brings peace, joy & answers to prayers. I often put your names on the prayer roll.

Dad was just made a temple worker starting in the baptistry last week. After his interview, we went on a session where we were asked to be the witness couple. It was our first time to do this in the Jordan River Temple. Twenty six years ago we also had that honor in the Los Angeles Temple.

Tell us what the temple means to you or the experiences you have had there.

Living Thanksgiving Every Day

Wonderful FREEDOM is to choose liberty, live peacefully, find the gospel (religion), say what you want (speech), print what you feel (press), etc. This freedom came about because of sacrifice by our ancestors to fight for what they believed in. Because the Lord was on our side we won, helping us every step of the way through the Revolutionary War, Civil War & so on. Freedom isn’t free, but it is worth it.

Grandpa Gale Crane joined the Navy at a crucial time in World War II that kept us and many other countries free. He was a ships mate in the Pacific and worked in the kitchen. His brothers, Leon & Miller were in the Army and Jack joined the Air Force making it a career. Many great men & women today are carrying on the battle. I am in front of the World War II Monument in the photo.

Other's show their loyalty when they get involved in the community by volunteering service, voting, participating in Prop 8 type projects (Paula) . They represent what is near and dear to us all. Emily Welch opened the Nebraska State College Volleyball Tournament by being chosen to sing the national anthem. How much do you love freedom, saluting the flag, singing the songs and being in the greatest country. Tell us this week.

Dave, Another Day Older

Dave took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to enjoy being with family on his birthday. Taking half of the day off to tour an aircraft carrier museum, they braved the thirty degree temperatures. His parents are visiting for the week keeping Sarah occupied and Zach out of the spagetti noodles. Alicia is the best hostess with yummy meals, exciting excursions and more to all her guests.

The many addtional duties added to Dave's life by being the bishop have made it harder to just hang out or relax. He does a great job delivering talks on short notice, supporting the youth, Priesthood quorums, working with the members, ready to council when needed and many other tasks his calling requires that most people don't realize. The members are super kind and helpful in the ward. Dave's mom said years ago that he would accomplish the most of their children. So far she is right.

We send our prayers of love and support as you press forward in career, church, family and especially on your birthday.