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.