December 14, 1992 Orem, Utah

Dearest John; Roy, Patrice, Emily & Timothy; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

We are having such a beautiful day here in Orem - it snowed over the weekend and the sun is out today and it is so bright and pretty. We are supposed to have more snow tomorrow - we can't have enough for me. I can still see the grass beneath the snow in my yard so I know there isn't enough to build a snowman or go sledding on my little hill. When I see the snow they are having in the East I wonder if we will ever have that here again - we used to get so much more snow than we have in the past few years.

I had such a fun day yesterday. When I came home from church there was a message on my machine from Jeannie inviting me to go to their home for dinner and family home evening. I thought, "Why Not" and jumped in the car and drove to Farmington. I wanted to go see the Bob Mellors too but I planned to go to the Weinerts first and then call Bob to see when their church was. I missed the turnoff (I always get confused about going to Lagoon or Highway 89) and ended up in Kaysville. SO, I decided to drop the gifts off at their home since I was there and I completely fowled up their church schedule. They were already for church and just going out the door but they were polite and invited me to come in for a few minutes - before I knew it. Michael had a delicious cheese ball with crackers and a cup of Pero in front of me and I REALLY made them late for church.

I hope your talk went well Laura - (Laura was to give a talk in church and I couldn't believe it - she had memorized the whole thing and it was long and SO good). Laura & Katie had matching dresses on and looked just adorable - I don't get to see their family all dressed up very often!!! Little Katie is wearing her hair different from the way she usually wears it and when I complimented her on it she said, "I look like Emily now". It will be so much fun to have Katie & Emily together while Katie is in Utah - they really played well together last Summer.

After visiting and ruining the Bob Mellors Sunday I went to the Weinerts. Jeannie had a delicious dinner already and it was just wonderful to be with them. Their Family Home Evening program was excellent too and Jean used something I had never seen before - she said Claire had given it to her last Christmas. It is so much fun to be with the children and see their excitement for Christmas - I don't believe little Sarah is going to be able to last another ten days - Ha!!! They put on a musical program for me and I loved it. Mary Ann & Sarah are going to play a violin duet for a special program at school - in fact, they put it on in rest homes and other places too so they will be doing it many times. Barji & Ricky both played the piano and they played pieces they have been working on for a long time.

John came over one evening last week and said, "Mom, come get in my car and let me show you the Christmas lights in Provo and then take you to see my apartment". I just love his apartment - it is decorated in the Western motif and John would like some things changed - it could be made lighter and he has an antique tiller in his closet so he can't hang his clothes there. The owner has promised him he will re-decorate it the way they want it but he hasn't done it yet. He has an absolutely gorgeous view from their balcony and a wonderful fireplace. John is doing really good and is really happy with his work.

Annie called one day last week and said, "Mom, would you drive into Salt Lake with me?" She was in charge of their ward dinner and I just couldn't believe all the work she went to. Their theme was "Back to Bethlehem" and she found authentic recipes and they all wore authentic looking clothes and those who could sat on the floor to eat. She had ordered 360 pita breads from Crown Burger in Salt Lake and I went with her to pick them up. She had ordered them from a little Greek man and before we left the restaurant she had him wound around her little finger - he ended up giving her the recipe for the sauce for their GYRO sandwiches and told her how to do everything. We each got one of the sandwiches and they were heavenly. She said the dinner was just "fantastic" and I know it was.

Roy & Patrice - I can hardly wait for your visit. Emily - I loved your Christmas card and I know we will be able to have the cousins come over whenever they can. We'll have lots and lots of fun. I believe Katie will be able to come on Tuesday and stay with you and I know the Woolley and Weinert cousins will come too.

I am going to our Family Home Evening Christmas dinner tonight and I am going to make some mincemeat pies. This group isn't very big on eating so it really doesn't matter what I make and I love mincemeat so if I have to bring it home, at least it will be something I like - Ha!!!

Wednesday, I'm going to the Orem Women's Club Christmas luncheon and that will be nice. Thursday, I'm going to the annual Christmas party at the Berry's home in Lehi and Daddy & I used to love that - all the "oldies" we knew when we lived there will be there.

Friday, John & the Woolleys and I will drive to Salt Lake to go to Barji's Nutcracker ballet. I have never been to the Nutcracker so I am really looking forward to that.

I don't have one thing on my calendar for the week of Christmas and I'm SO glad. I will be available to care for Emily & Timothy and any of the cousins who can come here. John says he only has Christmas day off but he has promised to spend Christmas Eve here. The Bob Mellors have rented the roller skating rink from 2 to 4 on Christmas Eve - that will be WONDERFUL!!!
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