Merry Christmas

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David

a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:11

A Doll for Christmas

Most every little girl at some point in her life will wish for Santa to bring her a doll.  Her nurturing spirit is satisfied as she dresses, brushes the hair, feeds or sings her doll to sleep.  Little girls follow the example of their mothers as they lovingly care for their dolls.

My mother (on the left) with her favorite doll and childhood friend

Carrie (my twin sister) and her doll "Jenny," with me and my "Mandy"

Maren with "Emily," one of her favorite dolls

Last November, I purchased this special doll for Sarah.  It was her Christmas wish to have one just like her big sister’s.  I found a precious little bed and my mother made the girls beautiful hand-sewn quilts to keep their dolls warm at night.  Sarah’s rapid decline prohibited me from ever giving it to her.  She is safely tucked away in her memory chest.  Maren occasionally takes her out to brush her hair and play with her.  This doll is mine to cherish, something to hold onto until I see my Sarah again.             

Two Front Teeth

Maren sings that classic Christmas carol about teeth.
Click here to listen.

The Lego Grinch

Nathan's first attempt at film making.

To view his production of The Lego Grinch, click here.

Blue Sky and Sunshine

My thoughts have turned to the events of one year ago today.  I awoke early that morning and looked out the window to see newly fallen snow.  I found comfort as I pondered on the many blessings in my life.  As the snow continued to fall I prayed for strength, knowing we would bury our daughter in just a few hours.  A memorial service was held later that morning.  We gathered with family in a church meetinghouse.  While Brian shared a few words, I glanced outside again and noticed the heavy snow that continued to fall.  We closed the service by singing the beautiful hymn, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives."  I remember clearly that as we made our way to the cemetery the clouds opened, revealing blue sky and warm rays of sunshine.

"The Lord takes many away, in infancy, they were too pure, too lovely, to live on the earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again..."  

~The Prophet, Joseph Smith

The Gingerbread Tradition

One of our family's favorite Christmas traditions is to build and decorate gingerbread houses.

December 2005

December 2006

 December 2007

This year, Maren shows off her creativity and color scheme.

For Nathan, creativity is straight lines and repetition.

Two unique styles

While older brother and sister were busy decorating houses,

this little pair enjoyed an indoor wagon ride.

Lights on Temple Square

Last December our family visited Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, to view the beautiful display of glimmering lights and nativity scenes.

Baby Caroline bundled up in blankets, sleeping peacefully

Maren and Cousin Madeline

Nathan and Cousin Maxwell

The Christus Statue

Our Savior, "the light and life of the world." 
3 Nephi 11:10-11

In Loving Memory

Sarah Adleen

January 16, 2006 ~ December 9, 2008

Thank you to dear friends who anonymously decorated Sarah's bench.

A loving grandfather clears away the snow on Sarah's headstone while grandmother imprints a heart in the snow and decorates her spot with a Christmas wreath.  

A final hug and kiss for baby Caroline.

December 8, 2008

Something About Sarah

Something About Sarah

"I not a jellybean, I a princess,"

she says in her broken

two-year old talk with a smile

as wide as her face.

This is Sarah.

She inherited her mother's kind heart

and penchant for tidiness.

She shares her father's love

of cashews and chocolate milk.

She has Nathan's eyes and 

Maren's impish grin.

She giggles when 

she sees baby Caroline.

She loves to say "Thank You."

As we sit around the kitchen table
she says, "When I die, I miss you.

You come up to my house?"

When the time is right, we explain.

She smiles.

~Written by Brian

Kelsey Call Photography

Rascal's First Birthday

This soft, cuddly puppy has brought a bundle of love, adventure, laughter, smiles and occasional frustration to our family.

Best Friends

Happy Birthday, Rascal!

"It looks like Utah out there!"

Maren exclaimed as she looked out the window at the falling snow.  This unexpected snow storm brought smiles and excitement to the children.  Their school day was shortened, allowing them plenty of time to enjoy the snow!    

This white, heavenly scene brought back memories of last year.  On the night following Sarah's passing, Brian and I sat together in our family room and watched in amazement as a beautiful white blanket of snow covered the ground.  While we viewed this peaceful sight, we found some measure of comfort taking about Sarah, her life, what she has taught us and the promises God has made to those who trust Him.  

                            

Sarah's bench

Christmas Piano Recital

Bravo to Nathan and Maren for performing in their first piano recital.  Maren played a peaceful "Silent Night" and "Bell Song";  Nathan performed a lively "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "March of the English Guard."  It was an enjoyable evening for our family.

November 30, 2008

This picture was taken one year ago today.  On this day, our family attended church together for the last time.  I remember taking Sarah into our meetings in her stroller while holding small baby Caroline in my arms.  Brian was busy attending to his church responsibilities.  The children and I sat together on a bench.  During the meeting I  had to leave the children for a few minutes to feed Caroline.  Soon after I left, Sarah was brought to me by a kind friend.  She sat next to me on my friend's lap while I cared for the baby.  Sarah asked if she could hold Caroline.  I sat her in a rocking chair and carefully placed Caroline in her arms.  A few other mothers were also busy feeding their babies.  Sarah then asked if she could hold their infants.  These sweet mothers, full of trust, placed their new babies one by one into the arms of Sarah.  It was a precious experience for all present. Oh, how Sarah loved babies!  This same day our family decorated the Christmas tree.  In this picture Sarah is holding a small pine cone ornament in her hand.  With a small baby sleeping on my shoulder and Sarah snuggled up peacefully in my arms, I knew it was a moment I would never forget.

I am thankful for...

my family

and a warm Thanksgiving meal!

A Special Find

I discovered this beautiful snow globe while shopping in Hallmark this afternoon.  It reminded me of Sarah.  Without hesitation Brian purchased the globe for me.  It features a lamp post which lights up and the sweet tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."  This precious globe will remind me of Sarah's delight in watching Mickey Mouse Christmas videos, wearing her favorite Minnie Mouse pajamas, and the snow that fell the night after her passing. 

I am thankful for...

babies.

baby Nathan

baby Maren

baby Sarah

baby Caroline

I am thankful for...

  

friends.

"Next to a sense of a kinship with God comes the helpfulness, encouragement and inspiration of friends. Friendship is a sacred possession.  As air, water and sunshine are to flowers, trees and verdure, so smiles, sympathy and love of friends are to the daily life of man.   To live, laugh, love one's friends, and be loved by them is to bask in the sunshine of life."

~President David O. McKay