December 26, 1989 Orem, Utah

Dearest John; Roy, Patrice & Emily; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:
The day after Christmas and we hope each one of you had as happy a Christmas as we did - the only way we would have changed it would have been to have Roy, Patrice & Emily with us - I want everything don't I???

Sunday was a busy day - most of the family met at the Weinerts shortly after noon - they made gingerbread houses, had soup, shrimp mold with crackers, spinach balls, dips & chips, etc.!!! Our ward was one of the very few that had all three meetings and since I had teach in Relief Society and that was the last meeting, Daddy and I didn't get to "the party" until about 4:30. The gingerbread houses were all finished (much to our dismay, Ha!) and the children were all playing at the park so we had fun visiting with the adults. Ron's parents and sister, Russell and Bev and Mimi, had come from Idaho and after visiting with their daughter and her husband & family, Sue & Calvin Grundahl in Layton, they came to join us at the Weinerts. It was SO good to be with them.

We all went to Bob & Claires' Home about 6 o'clock. We visited and just had fun for a little while and then the children all put on a talent program and also the traditional nativity bible program of the birth of Jesus Christ. Daddy & I were SO impressed with the efforts that had gone into that - Bob had them choose a piece of paper from a dish for the parts they would play and then they had costumes for them. It was very well done and the children were very reverent and knew what it all represented. I took a lot of pictures but if they turn out it will really be a miracle - I had a hard time focusing. Claire played the piano solo that she had played earlier in their ward's Christmas program and it was EXCELLENT - I believe the name of it was "O My Redeemer" but I'm not sure but it was a very difficult and professional arrangement and I couldn't believe how good she is!

After the program we had a wonderful dinner - Claire had fixed a lot of different toppings for a "potato bar" - chili, broccoli & cheese, beef stroganoff, etc. besides chips & dips and a green salad. We'll have to remember that menu because the children all ate really good!!! For dessert she had a mint ice cream cake roll with special fudge sauce she had made. Needles to say, we all ate, and ate, and ate.

THEN - Santa Clause came to give the children candy and little toys. He was just excellent and the children were SO excited Claire's parents, Bob & Alice Ezell, and their son Steve and his wife and little girl also came so we actually had a BIG family party. Their home is certainly built to handle crowds like that so everything went smoothly.

THEN - we all went back to our own homes. Christmas morning after Daddy & John and I had opened our gifts and had omelets for breakfast we went back up to Layton & Farmington to see what Santa had left at the Weinerts & Bob Mellors. The big thing at the Mellor home was that Santa had brought a train for the track that Bob & Michael have been building - it is very elaborate and when I asked Claire if it was basically meant for Michael (since all the children were playing with it) and she said "No, I believe it was basically meant for Bob". The children were all so happy with the things they got - Laura loves the little doll house her PaPa built for her and Santa had brought some furniture for it.

The big thing at the Weinert's home a ping pong table and also a porcelain doll Jeannie had made for Barji!!! I would have loved to stay and played games and ping pong with the children but we had to move on - that is after we had eaten again (I had told Jean & Claire we would not eat when we came but Daddy & John couldn't resist). Ricky was THRILLED with a new tennis racket.

THEN - we went back to Provo to see what Santa had left at the Woolley's home. The big thing there was probably the "balance beam bar" (is that what it is called?) and more mats for their "gymnasium" downstairs - or it could have been doll furniture for their "special dolls". I know the big things for Russell was a hatchet all his own - he was SO excited about that!!!

THEN - Daddy & John & I came home to eat our dinner of ham and spaghetti squash. It is SO wonderful to have John home with us- he hadn't been home for quite awhile so I suggested he put us as his compassionate service project - Ha!!! He is leaving tomorrow to go to New Orleans - we laugh at him because he wanted to go somewhere to get warm and it is much warmer here now than it is there, our weather is unbelievable - beautiful - everyone is worried though because we really need snow and moisture. I don't know if I told you why he is going to New Orleans - his roommate is playing on a football teams - they sold John's "two for one" card to get enough money to go so John is somewhat of a sponsor. We had a fun week last - going to parties, etc. We went to Lehi to party at Craig & Julie Berry's home - talk about a geriatric group - I couldn't believe it!!! Thursday was our Ward Christmas party and that was really fun - Daddy ended up doing all dishes!!! He got a good report from report from Dr. Middleton - we won't get the results of the blood test for another week. His ankle had healed good and is feeling much better. He bought some lumber this morning to build his gun cabinet - he loves to build.

I believe I have told you all the news. We can't thank you enough for a wonderful Christmas - the greatest gift of all is to have you all so happy and healthy - PLEASE STAY THAT WAY. We love each one you so very much and we're SO proud of you. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO.
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