I am still in shock that 2008 is over---

but alas, it is a new year. Many good things happening

already. Chrissy and Gregg are privileged to have

moved into the Sanders backhouse. It is so adorable!

They are getting ready for baby Rya to come

into the world soon. We celebrated with a shower for

Rya and had a grand time! New years Eve brought

beloved guests to our home. My cousin and family---

Kelly and Connie Dumont and family (Ryan, tifanny,

Zane and Courtney) came to help ring in the new year.

Almost all of my children were there also.(except Rachel and Zak)

I am hoping for a wonderful new year for all--

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! We started December with our first f.h.e. all together (I love that tradition) we had dinner and went to see the Christmas lights. I loved this Christmas season---the music, the foods, the traditions, the decorations, being together with my loved ones. I usually get bogged down with the worldy side of it---but I really loved shopping and wrapping and hunting for the right gifts for everyone. I found myself singing and humming Christmas songs wherever I went. Some people get really bugged by the Christmas music that starts the day after thanksgiving and plays for the month----but I love it! My favorite night of the whole year is Christmas Eve. We share it together with all of the Hamptons. (about 40 of us this year) It is magical to me!---family, love, excitement, yummy food, and a wonderful Christmas program which brings to us the true spirit of the season. It doesn't matter whose house it is at, or if the program changes a bit, we all love being together for this very special night. Christmas morning was sweet and wonderful. One tradition I love is that we begin by kneeling down in prayer before we open our gifts and I think it brings such a sweet spirit---and I feel so blessed! I so enjoyed having time with all of my children, and grandchildren on Christmas day. It was a beautiful season---and my heart is filled with gratitude for my Savior and all that he has done for me! "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." charles dickens