It is always more fun decorating the house for the Christmas season than packing it away, but that task has been completed.
Many of our Christmas decorations are linked with
fond memories. This stable was made by Sam's dad
out of weathered barn wood, and Scott and Kristine's
family gave us the nativity figurines. Curtis and
Marla's family gave us the Angel Moroni figurine
that looks nice in the stable even though it is not
part of the scriptural nativity account.
Among the nativity sets that we had in the
rooms throughout the house is this special one that
brings fond memories of our two Chrisitmases in Russia.
January 2011 has brought us colder temperatures and a snow-covered landscape, so I am grateful to be inside today with the thermometer showing 4.1 degrees F.
We had planned to spend New Years Eve helping with the kickoff for Martin's centennial year. It was snowing and blowing, so that afternoon we went to town to take my crock pot of baked beans and the specially prepared aprons for the workers in case we would not make it that evening. Even in daylight, the visibility was bad and we knew it would be even more challenging after dark; so when the weather didn't improve significantly, we determined it would not be wise to make the 7.5-mile trip to town. They did go ahead with the kickoff as planned, but it was a smaller crowd than expected due to the weather. Joyce called later that evening to report that those living in town who braved the storm enjoyed the event.
Among the souvenirs for sale at the New Year's Eve
centennial kickoff were the Memories of Our Hometown
281-page history books that resulted from the many hours
Joyce Wilson, Ardeth Kocourek, and I spent getting
ready for publication.
Since we couldn't make it to town for the New Years Eve centennial event, we invited Brent and Tauna's family over for supper. Tauna brought chili, and we had a nice evening playing games with their family.
Last Thursday, January 6, we drove to Bismarck, ND to begin our training and service in the Bismarck Temple. This is one of the smaller temples and is only open Thursday and Friday evenings and for three sessions on Saturday. We appreciated the kindness and helpfulness given us and are happy to have this opportunity to serve there.
On the way to and from Bismarck, we passed an extremely large herd of buffalo in pastures on both sides of the highway. I didn't have my camera handy on the way to Bismarck, but we took several pictures on the way home.
A portion of the large herd of buffalo
we saw going to and returning from Bismarck.We wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope you are staying warm.
