TRYING TO CATCH UP

I'm still not 100% yet, but will try to play a bit of catch up on the going on's at the Bona household.

Not having a hand was more difficult than I thought it would be. I was so thankful that all my 24 days of Christmas posts were done and ready to post before my surgery or I could have never done it. I don't know how many people read them, but it brought me joy to do it! And it really helped me to reflect on Christmas and the true meaning.

This year there was no baking and very few neighbor/friend gifts. At first I felt bad about it, but I have to admit that it was nice to not have the stress of all of that. Also, all the shopping and wrapping of gifts had to be done by Dec 15th! And it was. I only had to get a few things for Gio, that Brian helped me to wrap and Gio wrapped Brian's gifts. It was a nice change to the stress that normally comes with Christmas. I didn't do cards/letters/e-letters or a Christmas family post this year. And I didn't feel guilty about it like I normally do if it doesn't get done.

We did some family activities. We drove around and looked at Christmas lights. We went to Temple Square and saw the lights there (the pics are still in my phone and need to be downloaded). It was a cold night, but not to crowded there. And it was great to spend the evening with Giovanni and Brian. We went to the Hale Center and saw "A Christmas Carol". It was very moving and actually made me reflect a bit on my own life and some changes that I would like to make. We had our ward Christmas party and it was so nice to associate with such good people. Have I mentioned that I love where we live!

On Christmas eve we went to the Louisiana's home (as we have done for the past 7 years now ~ since my mother passed away.) We are truly blessed to have them as friends/family. We have known them for 18 years. What a blessing they are in our lives. We had good food, fun talents and testimonies, and a wonderful nativity story and spoke of service. And of course, the opening of gifts. (The favorite part of the night for the children!)

We came home...Brian opened his pj's (more pics in the phone) and we enjoyed our family time. We are only 3, but we sure do love one another and we laughed a lot.

On Christmas morning Gio woke up before anyone else did. He started the day off by calling his family members in Italy and wishing them a Merry Christmas! There are many miles between us, but they are always in our hearts! Brian and I woke up around 7 AM. We opened our gifts (a few more pics still in the phone), then got ready and off to church we went.

I love the Christmas program at church! The choir was amazing, as they always are. There is nothing like music to bring the spirit. A few ward members shared testimonies and their thoughts about the savior. It was a lovely meeting! But alas, I must confess...I kept looking at my phone to check the time. Robert told us he would be calling around 1030 AM and he was very punctual! (I'm impressed!) The phone rang right as we were opening the front door. So glad I had my cell phone in hand!

What a wonderful phone call we had with him! We laughed and joked around. It was such a relief to hear the joy and happiness in his voice. We laughed as we told stories to one another. Brothers talked and shared stories. We talked about the future, college, etc and put a few plans in place for his return. I am forever thankful for the phone calls. Sometimes it seems harsh that we can only talk twice a year, but I understand why it it so, and it makes the calls so much sweeter. This was the last call we will get from him, for you see, he will be home in 64 days! March 2nd can't get here soon enough. He repeated to us several times how thankful he was for his mission. He said that it was so much better than he ever thought it would be and that he was so glad for the choice he made and that he doesn't regret any of it! He as so happy and joyful! And as a mother I can not tell you how my burden of worry was lifted. I am so thankful. There are no words to describe what I felt that day. But I can tell you, as we said our good byes and said our "we'll see you soon at the airport", it was the first phone call that as I hung up I didn't have a lump in my throat or tears in my eyes (as I do now while I type this out).

Over the past two years we have received so many messages from people telling us what a wonderful son we have and what a fine missionary he is and how he has made a difference in their lives. I know that in these past two years he has made a difference in our lives. He left a boy and is returning a man.

Anywho

We got some Cinemark gift cards for Christmas and so yesterday we went to the movie and saw "We Bought A Zoo". What a wonderful movie. I love one of the lines in the film. The father, played by Matt Damon, is talking to his son, and he tells him, "...all you need is 20 seconds of courage..." That is so true for anything in our lives. It struck me so profoundly. Something that I will remember for a long time.

Yesterday I also got my stitches out. I have a nice scar (pictures to come), but it seems to be healing well. My hand is still pretty weak. I'm surprised that I was able to type out this post. I guess some progress is being made...but now I'll need to rest it for the next 2-3 hours. I don't go back to work until Jan 16th so I still have a few weeks to build it up!

Giovanni has been so great through all of this. He has done laundry, washed dishes, cooked dinners, taken down Christmas (yes, it is all down and put away!) and been so good to take care of me, and Brian. Working everyday and taking care of us every night! The Lord blessed me with such a wonderful man for my husband!

Until next time....Ciao Ciao!

DECEMBER 24~ CHRISTMAS EVE

FOR BEHOLD,

THE TIME COMETH AND IS NOT FAR DISTANT

THAT WITH POWER THE LORD OMNIPOTENT WHO REIGNETH,

WHO WAS AND IS FROM ALL ETERNITY TO ALL ETERNITY

SHALL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN AMONGH THE CHILDREN OF MEN

AND SHALL DWELL IN A TAVERNACLE OF CLAY

AND SHALL GO FORTH AMONGST MEN,

WORKING MIGHTY MIRACLES...

AND HE SHALL BE CALLED JESUS CHRIST

THE SOND OF GOD

THE FAHTER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

THE CREATOF OF ALL THING FROM THE BEGINNING.....

Mosiah 3:5-8

Tonight is Christmas Eve

This is the night to read the

real Christmas Story

Luke 1: 26-38, 46,47

Luke 2:1-20

Matthew 2: 1-14

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CAN'T WRITE MUCH

It's been a week since I had my carpal tunnel surgery. It has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I am slowly starting to feel better. Typing is still a struggle for me. Most of it is done with one hand, but I am attempting today to write a few lines.
I was hoping to get a Christmas Letter post out..but it might have to wait. I suppose I can do a New Year' Letter and it will be okay.
We are anxiously awaiting Robert's call on Sunday. I just asked Brian what will be the best part of Christmas, his reply was Robert's phone call. We are down to 70 days. It seems unreal that it is coming to an end. His good friend Brad just got home a few mights ago. It seems like Brad just left, and now he is home...wow!
I was thinking about all my missionary mom friends and found a post from last year. Thank you Patti Adams for writing it....I think we all feel the same way!

I'm Giving Christ My Son

DECEMBER 23

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, thee came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of Jews?

For we have seen his star in the east, and are come toworship Him.

Matthew 2:1-2

SOMEONE MISSING AT THE MANGER

Elizabeth Starr Hill

It was two days before Christmas, and Marcie was troubled. She sat on the floor in the glowing fan of warmth from the fire, over a dozen books stacked by her, and flipped through one until she came to a manger scene. In the picture, shepherds had come to visit the Baby Jesus. The Kings were off in the distance, but plainly on the way. Even a cow and a donkey stood nearby in the stable.

It was just as she had thought. Marcie shut the book with a snap, and picked up another. The manger scene in this one was a bit different. The Kings were kneeling in front of the Crib. A boy goatherd stood behind them. A couple of cherubs hovered over the shepherds. But, except for some animals, there was no one else.

Marcie looked through every Christmas book she owned. She found tall and short shepherds, fat and thin Kings, black sheep and white lambs. She found boys 'with crutches and crooks, and even one dressed like a choirboy.

But, in each story, someone was missing from the manger. There was no little girl. Not one.

Marcie went into the kitchen where her mother was feeding Kevin, her baby brother. "Mom, when the Baby Jesus was born, how come no little girl went to the stable to see him?"

Her mother spooned some mashed potatoes carefully into Kevin's mouth, and smiled up at Marcie. "Are you sure no one did?"

"Have you ever seen a picture of a little girl at the manger?" Marcie demanded.

"Why, I guess not," her mother answered, her hazel eyes thoughtful. "Unless you count angels. Some of them look as though they might be little girls."

Marcie shook her head emphatically. "You can't count angels. They're too--too angelic. I mean plain, ordinary girls like me."

"I never thought of it before," her mother admitted, "but you are right. It is odd."

Marcie's older brother, Tod, came bursting in, bringing a rush of cold air with him. "I'm starving." he announced, seizing an apple from a bowl on the kitchen table and crunching into it.

"I'll start lunch. Marcie, will you finish feeding Kevin? And this afternoon," her mother said, you and I must finish up the pageant costumes."

Marcie beamed, thrilled by the reminder of how soon the pageant was. She had been looking forward to it for days and days--in fact, for a year, because she had been sick with a bad cold last Christmas, so she and her mother had stayed home from church.

The pageant was going to be tomorrow, Christmas Eve. This year, Marcie's mother had been chosen to play the Mother of Jesus. Her father was one of the Kings, and Tod was a shepherd boy. Marcie's name would be on the program, too, for helping with the costumes.

She could hardly wait to see how everybody looked. Probably the most beautiful costume of all was the Herald Angel's. It was white and so heavenly. Marcie had helped make it.

She wondered if she would ever get to be the Herald Angel. This year the part had gone to Dorothy Cooper. Dorothy was a senior. She had an irritating manner and crooked teeth, but she could play the trumpet, so she was ideal for the part. Her trumpet could lead the carol singing.

Marcie sighed. About the only thing I'd be ideal for, she thought, is a plain, ordinary little girl. But, of course, there was no role like that.

As though reading her mind, her mother said, "Tod, Marcie and I were wondering why no little girls are ever shown at the manger, in Christmas scenes. Why do you suppose that is?"

"Because it's a man's world, what's why," Tod said cheerfully. He tramped away, whistling.

Furious, Marcie wanted to yell after him, "It is not! It's a girl's world."

But underneath, she had her doubts. Sometimes it seemed to her that boys had the best of everything and not just at Christmas, either. Tod could run faster that she could, skate better, climb trees higher. He was allowed to stay out after dark and to play rough games. When he tore his clothes or got them dirty, people said approvingly that he was a "real boy," but when she acted wild, she was scolded for being "unladylike."

Kevin couldn't do much, of course, but he certainly got away with a lot. No one minded that he had terrible table manners. Even now, he was dribbling his mashed potatoes. And everybody waited on him. And people thought he was so cute-adorable, they said--for no better reason than that he had red hair, only two teeth, and dimples.

In her heart, Marcie feared that she herself was reflected in the pane of the kitchen window: just a usual kind of little girl, with long brown pigtails and a freckled nose. She was in- between, nobody special.

She pushed the last of the potatoes into Kevin's reluctant mouth, washed his plate and spoon, and went back to sit by the fire. She curled up on the rug, one arm under her head, and gazed into the warm orange and yellow flames.

She imagined it was nearly two thousand years ago, and that she lived in a little town called Bethlehem, near Judea. She was the daughter of a shepherd, and one night she went out with her father to help tend the sheep.

As they watched in the dark fields, a mysterious light appeared in the sky, and grew brighter, and brighter still. Then they saw it was an angel; a real, actual angel, coming to speak to them. They were terrified. They thought it might be the end of the world. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid. I've come to tell you a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord. You'll find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

Then the angel pointed the way to where the Christ Child was, and a brilliant Star shone in the East to guide anyone who wanted to visit him. Marcie cried out to her shepherd father, "Oh, please, I want to see the Baby! Look, everybody's going!"

It was true; following the glorious light, the other shepherds took up their crooks and walked toward the Star, their faces full of wonder.

'Well, I don't know," her father said doubtfully. "It is His birthday and I'd like to take a present to the Child. Suppose I could take a baby lamb for Him to play with. But you, Marcie, what could you take?"

"I could make cookies," Marcie suggested. "They're always good to have, when you've got company coming. Don't forget, He may have to entertain Kings.

So she and her father hurried home. Marcie baked cookies and wrapped them in gold paper. Then they set out to join the other shepherds, and follow the star.

As they walked across the silvery, light-struck fields, a sense of miracle was upon them all. The sound of the wind was like a rush of angels, the very trees seemed to whisper with the voices and the promises of angels.

Soon the Star led them to a stable. Marcie was about to step inside when--

"Marcie! Set the table!" her mother called from not cute at all. She could see herself right now the kitchen.

She jumped at the sound of her name and the day dream faded away.

Late that afternoon, the whole family went to the last pageant rehearsal. Marcie carried Kevin, and promised to mind him and to take him home if he fussed. She waited with the baby in the church while the rest of the family went off to change into their costumes.

She looked around the church, her brown eyes wide. The altar was covered with red and green poinsettias. Pine branches with red ribbons decorated the choir stalls, and everything smelled like pine, like candles--like Christmas. For some reason she could not understand, Marcie's throat closed up, and she felt like crying.

"Nnh-nnh," Kevin complained, squirming in her lap. She just hummed Jingle Bells to soothe him and he quieted down a little.

Across the aisle, not far from where Marcie was sitting, a creche had been set up. Marcie looked at the small wooden figures with a familiar annoyance. No little girl anywhere.

There was plenty of room for one more. And cookies might have come in very handy.

Kevin began to whimper again. Marcie wished everybody would hurry up and get their costumes on. The baby was getting fussier by the moment. "Hey, cheer up," she urged him. But he whimpered all the more and finally he began to cry.

She realized she would have to take him home. Once he got in a bad mood, he didn't come out of it too easily. She told herself: Oh, well, there's always tomorrow. Anyway, it might be better to see the pageant all at once, when it was perfect. The baby was staying with a neighbor tomorrow.

She skipped home, jogging Kevin and singing lustily, Dashing through the snow...in a one- horse open sleigh... Overhead, the first stars of evening blazed down.

Next morning, Marcie woke up early, bursting with anticipation. It was Christmas Eve. She ran to the window. The day was brilliantly clear, and all the town seemed decorated for Christmas: the giant fir tree out front glittered with its burden of snow; glowing icicles hung from every roof and sill of every house; whitened streets reflected the sun with a magical brightness.

The hours of the day seemed to fly by. There were last-minute presents to wrap, popcorn balls to make, celery and onions to be chopped for stuffing the turkey.

In the afternoon, Marcie and her mother wrapped one of Marcie's favorite dolls in swaddling clothes. The doll was to be the Baby Jesus in the pageant. Marcie felt very proud that her beloved doll was to be used. She washed the doll's face carefully after it was dressed, to be sure it looked its best.

Everyone's eyes were bright with excitement, but Marcie's more than all. She raced upstairs and changed into her red velvet dress, and tied red ribbons on her pigtails. Then she went to Kevin's crib to dress him in his snowsuit, but suddenly noticed he looked strange. He had some bumpy spots on his face, and he was unusually hot to the touch.

Alarmed, Marcie called her parents. Her mother took one look at the baby, and groaned, "Chicken pox!"

"I'm afraid so," Marcie's father agreed after a moment. Marcie remembered 'when she and Tod had chicken pox. Yes, they had looked just the way Kevin did now.

After taking Kevin's temperature, her mother phoned Mrs. Carter, the neighbor who had planned to take care of Kevin. She explained about the chicken pox, and asked if Mrs. Carter's three small children had had it. The answer was no; Mrs. Carter was awfully sorry, but of course she couldn't under the circumstances, take Kevin.

Her mother called two more neighbors to baby-sit, but without success.

"We've got to get somebody," Tod said. "We're late already. And what are they going to do if we don't show up? What good is a Christmas pageant without the Baby Jesus? And His Mother? And one King and one shepherd?"

Marcie swallowed hard. It was true that the whole pageant would be ruined without her mother and father and brother. But, she thought, there was one person who would not be missed--who, in fact, was always missing--a plain, ordinary little girl with no place at the manger.

Still, it was hard to say the words. Marcie's voice sounded husky as she volunteered, "I'll stay with Kevin."

Her mother protested, "No. I know how much you've been looking forward to the pageant. There must be something else we can do.

But they all knew that time had run out. After giving Marcie a comforting hug, her father phoned the doctor and asked if it would be all right to leave Kevin with Marcie for an hour or so. The doctor said yes; if Marcie had any trouble, she could call him up, but the best thing for the baby was sleep.

Marcie held back tears until after her family had hurried off to the pageant. But then she flung herself across her bed and sobbed. She had imagined just how it would be; her mother, so beautiful in a blue robe; her father, every inch a King in scarlet and gold; and Tod, the handsomest of the shepherds. She pictured the angels, her doll as Baby Jesus...

And she wouldn't see any of it. She was going to miss it all...

There was to be a short procession first, around the outside of the church, 'with everyone singing and Dorothy playing. Marcie Heard the music start. She ran to a window. She could not see the church, but she could hear the singing better with the window open: Silent Night, holy night...

Even from this distance, Dorothy's trumpet sounded strong and fine. So did the voices: All is calm, all is bright...Through the ache of her disappointment, the words touched Marcie's heart. It 'was a calm and bright night. She loved carols and she hummed along, as verse after beloved verse followed.

Then the trumpet took on a summoning note. The tune changed to Marcie's favorite: Oh, come, all ye faithful...

"I wanted to," Marcie whispered to herself and to the Baby Jesus. "I couldn't, that's all."

Something seemed to answer: a memory, right at the edge of her mind. At first she couldn't quite catch hold of it. Then she remembered: it was what the leader of their church had said to their mother last year when they had to stay home.

All at once she heard his words, as clearly as though he were speaking now, to her: "'When you want to see the Christ Child and duty keeps you at home, wait in peace and faith for He will surely come to you.

Sing, choirs of angels...sing in exultation... the voices chorused. Church bells began to peal. The procession was nearly over.

Marcie shut the window. She could still hear the singing, and the triumphant notes of the trumpet. And, for today and for always, the words.

For suddenly she knew, in a crystal moment of understanding, why there were never any little girls at the manger. Girls were needed at home. They could not be spared.

Kevin cried faintly. Marcie hurried to his crib. And in the frosty Christmas air, the bells rang joy to all the little girls in the world.

---From Good Housekeeping Magazine

DECEMBER 22

AND THIS SHALL BE A SIGN UNTO YOU. YE SHALL FIND THE BABE WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHES LYING IN A MANGER. AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS WITH THE ANGEL A MULTITUDE OF THE HEAVENLY HOST PRAISING GOD AND SAYING, GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.

LUKE 2:12-14

story:

TROUBLE AT THE INN

dina donahue



21st of DECEMBER

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto the, Fear not, for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people.

For unto you is born  this day in the city of David of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:8-11

The Christmas I Remember Best:

It should have been the worst, the bleakest of Christmases. It turned out to be the loveliest of all my life. I was nine years old, one of seven children, and we lived in a little farming town in Utah. It had been a tragic year for all of us. But we still had our father, and that made all the difference. Every year in our town a Christmas Eve Social was held at the church. How well I remember Dad buttoning our coats, placing us all on our long, homemade sleigh and pulling us to the church about a mile away. It was snowing. How cold and good it felt on our faces. We held tight to one another, and above the crunch of snow beneath Dad's feet we could hear him softly whistling "Silent Night".

Mama had died that previous summer. She had been confined to bed for three years, so Dad has assumed all mother and father responsibilities. I remember him standing me on a stool by our big round kitchen table and teaching me to mix bread. But my main task was being Mama's hands and feet until that day in June, her own birthday, when she died.

Two months later came the big fire. Our barns, sheds, haystacks, and livestock were destroyed. It was a calamity, but Dad stood between us and the disaster. We weren't even aware of how poor we were. We had no money at all. I don't remember much about the Christmas Eve Social. I just remember Dad pulling us there and pulling us back. Later, in the front room around our pot bellied stove, he served us our warm milk and bread. Our Christmas tree, topped by a worn cardboard angel, had been brought from the nearby hills. Strings of our home-grown popcorn made it the most beautiful tree I had ever seen -- or smelled.

After supper, Dad made all seven of us sit in a half circle by the tree. I remember I wore a long flannel nightgown. He sat on the floor facing us and told us that he was ready to give us our Christmas gift. We waited, puzzled because we thought Christmas presents were for Christmas morning. Dad looked at our expectant faces, "Long ago," he said, "on a night like this, some poor shepherds were watching their sheep on a lonely hillside, when all of a sudden..."

His quiet voice went on and on, telling the story of the Christ Child in his own simple words, and I'll never forget how love and gratitude seemed to fill the room. There was light from the oil lamp and warmth from the stove, but somehow it was more than that. We felt Mama's presence.

We learned that loving someone was far more important than having something. We were filled with peace and happiness and joy. When the story was ended Dad had us all kneel for family prayer. Then he said, "Try to remember, when everything else seems to be lost, the greatest thing of all remains: God's love for us. That's what Christmas means. That's the gift that can never be taken away."

The next morning we found that Dad had whittled little presents for each of us and hung them on the tree; dolls for the girls, whistles for the boys. But he was right; he had given us our real gift the night before. All this happened long ago, but to this day it all comes back to me whenever I hear "Silent Night" or feel snowflakes on my face, or -- best of all -- when I get an occasional glimpse of Christ shining in my 90-year-old father's face.

DECEMBER 20TH

AND JOSEPH ALSO WENT UP FROM GALILEE OUT OF THE CITY OF NAZATETH,

INTO JUDEA UNTO THE CITY OF DAVID, WHICH IS BETHLEHEM,

TO BE TAXED WITH MARY, HIS ESPOUSED WIFE,

BEING GREAT WITH CHILD.

AND SO IT WAS THAT WHILE THEY WERE THERE...SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER

FIRSTBORN SON, AND WRAPPED HIM IN SWADDLING CLOTHES,

AND LADI HIM IN A MANGER, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ROOM

FOR THEM IN THE INN

luke 2:4-7

STORY:

THE MAN WHO MISSED CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 19

And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night but it was a light as though it was midday. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.

3 Nephi 1:19

Story:

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING



DECEMBER 18

LIFT UP YOUR HEAD AND BE OF GOOD CHEER;

FOR BEHOLD, TH TIME IS AT HAND,

AND ON THIS NIGHT SHALL THE SIGN BE GIVEN,

AND ON THE MORROW COME I UNTO THE WORLD,

TO SHOW UNTO THE WORLD THAT I WILL FULVILL ALL THAT WHICH I HAVE CAUSED TO BE SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF MY HOLY PROPHETS

3 nephi 1:13

ANCIENT AMERICA VIEWS THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
FROM
THE BOOK OF MORMON

I Nephi 11: 13-21
Mosiah 3:3-9
Alma 7:7,10
Helaman 14:3-5
3 Nephi 1:4-21 

SEVENTEENTH OF DECEMBER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN

And the angel said unto her,

Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favour with God,

And behold, thou shalt conceive in the womb,

and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus

Luke 1: 30-31

Song:

Joy to the World

THE GIFT OF LOVE

Thomas S, Monson

When I was a very young bishop, In 1950, there was a tap at my door and a good German brother from Ogden, Utah, announced himself as Karl Guertler.

He said, "Are you Bishop Monson?"

I answered in the affirmative.

He said, "My brother and his wife and their family are coming from Germany. They are going to live in your ward. Will you come with me to see the apartment we have rented for them?" On the way to the apartment, he told me he had not seen his brother for something like 30 years. Yet all through the holocaust of WWII, his brother, Hans Guertler, had been faithful to the Church, and an officer in the Hamburg branch.

I looked at that apartment. It was cold, it was dreary, the paint was peeling from the walls. The cupboard were bare. What an uninviting home for e the Christmas season of the year! I worried about it and I prayed about it, and then our ward welfare committee meeting we did something about it.

The group leader of the High Priests said, "I am an electrician, let's put good appliances in that apartment." The group leader of the Seventies said, "I am in the floor covering business, Let's install new floor coverings."

The Elders quorum president said, "I am a painter. Let's paint that apartment."

The Relief Society representative spoke up, "did you say those cupboards were bare?" (they were not bare very long with the Relief Society in action.)

Then the young people, represented through the Aaronic Priesthood general secretary said, "Let's put a Christmas tree in the home and let's go among our young people and gather gifts to place under the tree."

You should have seen that Christmas scene, when the Guertler family arrived from Germany in clothing which was tattered and with faces which were drawn by the rigors of war and deprivation! As they went into their apartment they saw what had been in actual fact a transformation, a beautiful home.

We spontaneously began singing, "Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, All is bright." We sang in English, they sang in German. At the conclusion of that hymn, Hans Guertler threw his arms around my neck, buried his face in my shoulder, and repeated over and over again those words which I shall never forget, "Mein brudder, mein brudder, mein brudder."

As we walked down the stairs that night, all of us who had participated in making Christmas come alive in the lives of this German family, we reflected upon the words of the Master:

"In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt 25:40)

DECEMBER 16th

and behold, there shall be a new stare arise,

such as one ye never have beheld;

and this also shall be a sign unto you.

and behold this is not all,

there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.

heleman 14:5-6

Story:

Is There A Santa Claus?

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY

Can I say that I am nervous. Maybe even a bit afraid. I don't want to sound like a baby and whine...but is has been a long long time since I've have any type of surgery done. Surgery in the sense that they are going to put me under anaesthesia and I won't know what is going on until I wake up when it's all done.

The last time I was put "under" I had a few issues and puked for a day or so. Not fun. That is what I'm afraid of. Carpal Tunnel in and of itself is no big deal. A 10-15 min surgery to slit my wrist. It's the "after effects" that I'm nervous about. I am so thankful that Giovanni is taking a few days off work to babysit me.

The hospital has called and pre-admitted me. They have gone over my health history (that was fun! NOT), asked about medications, told me what to wear, to shower and wash my hair before I come~really~ they have to tell people to do that. Wouldn't you just know to do it on your own? This afternoon they will call and tell me what time to be at the hospital tomorrow. They say the doctor has a full day of surgery. They also told me no food, water, gum, breath mints, or anything after 11 PM tonight. Boy...that surgery better be early tomorrow! LOL

Tonight I will be asking for a priesthood blessing. How thankful I am to know that I can ask for a blessing when I feel the need and that my husband, and home teacher, friends, or neighbors are ready, willing, and worthy to bestow that blessing upon me. A blessing of health and comfort from the Lord. What could be more reassuring than to know that my Father in Heaven is watching over me.

I am sure that everything will be fine. I have a great surgeon, Curtis Johnson, he is one of the best at what he does. And I will be at a good hospital, UVRMC, and I will have the best aftercare around...Giovanni, and Brian! So...wish me luck!

ON THE 15TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS.....

December 15th

And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of His coming;

For behold, there shall be great lights in the heavens,

insomuch that in the night before He cometh there shall be no darkness,

insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

Helaman 14:3



Story:

THE OTHER WISE MAN

Henry VanDyke

TRANSFERS AND TENDER MERCIES

Today Robert was transferred. I am sure that it must be hard to move to a new city with a new companion the week before Christmas. Leaving behind all those that you love and care about. Friends and members who have become your family away from home.
Oh how I am thankful to the members of La Spezia for taking good care of our son and watching over him...and feeding him too.
He has met some special people who will hold a dear place in his heart for always.
The one tender mercy of all of this is the fact that he will be with Anziano Duque. Robert loves him. They have served in the same district before during the summer when he was in Ravenna. I am thankful to know that he will be spending the holidays with someone that he knows. Ben Lehnardt is also in his district now, so that will also be another familiar face for him.
I am so thankful that the Lord in all his mercy, even though transfers are hard. this is one that Robert will be happy with.
One of my friends this morning asked me...how does it feel to know that his is probably his last city? Like I told her, too many emotions to really think about it. I remember how I felt at the end, and I'm sure Robert is feeling the same way. Sad, Happy, Scared, Emotional, etc...the list goes on and on. For now I hope that he is savoring every minute of every day.

In the meantime...we are busy with Christmas, basketball, homework, church callings, surgery in a few days, and enjoying some white stuff on the ground. Finally a bit of snow. I am hoping for a bit more before Christmas. We shall see....

DECEMBER FOURTEEN

AND I LOOKED AND BEHELD THE REDEEMER OF THE WORLD...

AND I ALSO BEHELD THE PROPHET WHO SHOULD PREPARE THE WAY BEFORE HIM

AND THE LAMB OF GOD WENT FORTH AND WAS BAPTIZED OF HIM:

AND I BEHELD THE HEAVENS OPEN, AND THE HOLY GHOST CAME DOWN

OUR OT HEAVEN AND ABIDE UPON HIM IN THE FORM OF A DOVE

I Nephi 11:27

Song:

I BELIEVE IN CHRIST

Story:

A Boy Learns A Lesson

Thomas S. Monson

In about my tenth year, as Christmas approached, I longed for an electric train. The times were those of economic depression, yet Mother and Dad purchased for me a lovely electric train.


Christmas morning bright and early I thrilled when I noticed my train. The next few hours were devoted to operating the transformer and watching the engine pull its cars forward -- then backward around the track.


Mother said that she had purchased the windup train for Widow Hansen's boy, Mark, who lived down the lane at Gale Street. As I looked at his train, I noted a tanker car which I so much admired. I put up such a fuss that my Mother succumbed to my pleading and gave me the tanker car. I put it with my train set and felt pleased.


Mother and I took the remaining cars and the engine down to Mark Hansen. The young boy was a year or two older than I. He had never anticipated such a gift. He was thrilled beyond words. He wound the key in his engine, it not being electric nor expensive like mine, and was overjoyed as the engine and three cars, plus a caboose, went around the track.


I felt a horrible sense of guilt as I returned home. The tanker car no longer appealed to me. Suddenly, I took the tank car in my hand, plus an additional car of my own, and an all the way down to Gale Street an proudly announced to Mark, "We forgot to bring two cars which belong to your train."


I don't know when a deed has made me feel any better than that experience as a ten-year-old boy

DECEMBER 13TH

"AND I LOOKED AND BEHELD A VIRGIN AGAIN,

BEARING A CHILD IN HER ARMS.

THE ANGEL SAID UNTO ME:

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD,

YEAH, EVEN THE SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER!

AND I LOOKED AND I BEHELD THE SON OF GOD

GOING FORTH AMONG THE CHILDREN OF MEN;

AND I SAW MANY FALL DOWN AT HIS FEET

AND WORSHIP HIM."

I NEPHI 11:20-24

SONG:

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

STORY:

DAVEY AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

Beth Vardon

Let's pretend there was a boy, and Davey was his name,

Whose family lived in Bethlehem when Christmas time first came

.Davey had a special pet--a donkey small and gray,

And what the two of them did best was getting in the way!

Davey named the donkey Tim. He never rode him though.

Either Tim was built too high or Davey was too low!

Davey's father had an inn where people came to stay;

And lots and lots and lots of them were coming there one day.

His father was as busy as six or seven bees!

So Davey said, "I want to help, can't I do something, please?

Tim would like to help you, too.

Find a job for us to do!"

"Listen, son," his father said; "Last week you broke three jugs.

You scared my two best customers with your pet lightening bugs!

You tracked in mud on my clean floor; you tripped and dropped the bread.

And though I loved the fish you caught--why leave them on my bed?

I've put up with your helpfulness as long as I am able.

So do me one big favor now, get out--and clean the stable!"

Davey sadly went and stood beside the stable door

It hardly seemed that anyone could clean that dirty floor.

He and Tim both felt so bad they started in to cry--

But then (thought Davey), "Yes, we can! Well, anyhow--let's try.

First, let's chase those chickens out. That's what we've got to do."

So, Tim began to flap his ears while Davey shouted, "Shooooo!"

The chickens clucked and flew and ducked, they fluttered wild and scary,

Until their feather filled the air, like snow in January

Yes, Davey chased those chickens out, He and Tim together.

But now he had to get a sack and pick up every feather!

You should have seen how hard they worked! They stacked up all the wheat,

They straightened up the harnesses until they were nice and neat.

They fought with spiders bravely till they chased out every bug.

And since we must admit the truth--they broke another jug!

The very biggest job of all was stacking up the hay.

Davey climbed up to the loft and put it all away.

Look, Tim, You see how high it is? I'll make just one more trip."

Then clear up by the stable roof his feet began to slip!

Down came the hay and Davey, too. The stable looked so queer˜

All you could see was piles of hay--one sandal, and one ear!

Slowly they came out on top, and Davey didn't whine,

Though hay stuck out all over him just like a porcupine!

He put the hay all back again and stacked it up with care--

But left one armload down below to fill the manger there.

So Davey's work was done at last, and when it all looked neat

He picked some flowers to trim the barn, and some for Tim to eat.

"I hope it's clean enough," he thought. "At least I did my best."

And feeling very, very tired, he curled up for a rest.

Who woke up Davey from his sleep? Just guess them if you can.

Mary was the woman's name; Joseph was the man,

Mary said, "Oh Joseph, look! This is a lovely place!"

Then, seeing Davey there, she said, with shining face,

Your father's inn had no more rooms; tonight we're staying here.

So tell me now, are you the boy who cleaned the stable, dear?

And did your donkey help you work? We want to thank him, too."

Though Davey was still half-asleep, his heart was glad clear through.

So, that is how a little boy two thousand years ago,

Stayed on to hear the angels sing, and see the Star aglow.

As soon as Baby Jesus came to use the manger bed;

Then Davey's sack of feathers made a pillow for his head.

No one told Davey anymore that he was in the way.

His work had helped get ready for the world's first Christmas Day!

TRAVEL PLANS

Okay Peeps!

Guess what!!!

We got travel itinerary for Robert!

He is coming home!

And you know what the great thing is...

He's coming home.....

EARLY!!

But in a good way!

He will be arriving on

MARCH 2, 2012!!!!

one whole week early!

We are so happy!

Grinning from ear to ear today!

So.....drum roll please........

81 DAYS!!!!



DECEMBER 12TH

AND I BEHELD THE CITY OF NAZARETH;

AND IN THE CITY OF NAZARETH I BEHELD A VIRGIN,

AND SHE WAS EXCEEDING LY FAIR AND WHITE.

AND HE SAID UNTO ME:

BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WHO THOU SEEST IS THE MOTHER OF THE SON OF GOD,

AFTER THE MANNER OF THE FLESH.

I Nephi 13:18

Song:

Oh, Hush Thee, My Baby

(not able to find a good recording of this song, Sorry!)

Oh hush the my baby, a story I'll tell.

How little Lord Jesus on earth came to dwell;

How in a far country way over the sea

Was born a wee baby, my dear one, like thee.

'The story was told by the angels so bright

As round them was shining a heavenly light

The tars shone out brightly, but one led the way

And stood o'er the place where the dear baby lay.

The shepherds here found him, as angels had said,

The poor little stranger, no crib for a bed

Down low in a manger, so quiet he lay.

This little child Jesus, asleep on the hay.

Story:

The Littlest Angel

by Charles Tazewell

COULDN'T HELP MYSELF!

I'M SORRY...

I JUST HAVE TO DO IT....

THE DESIRE TO DO SO IS STONGER THAN I AM....

DO YOU KNOW WHAT I'M EVEN TALKING ABOUT?

PROBABLY NOT,

BUT YOU'LL FIGURE IT OUT SOON ENOUGH!

WE ARE AT A NEW MILESTONE!

WE ARE IN THE

EIGHTS!!!!

89 DAYS!!!!!

hope you all enjoyed that!

Happy Sunday!

DECEMBER 11

"Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my Father left Jerusalem,

a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews--

even a Messiah,

or, in other words a Saviour of the world"

I Nephi 10:4

THE PATTERN OF LOVE
by Jack Smith

I didn't question Timmy, age nine, or his seven-year old brother Billy about the brown wrapping paper they passed back and forth between them as we visited each store.

Every year at Christmas time, our Service Club take the children from poor families in our town on a personally conducted shopping tour. I was assigned Timmy and Billy, whose father was out of work. After giving them the allotted $4 each, we began our trip. As different stores I made suggestions, but always their answer was a solemn shake of the head, no. Finally I asked, "Where would suggest we look?"

"Could we go to the shoe store, Sir?" answered Timmy. "We'd like a pair of shoes for our daddy so he can go to work."

In the shoe store the clerk asked what the boys wanted. Out came the brown paper.
"We want a pair of work shoes to fit this foot," they said.

Billy explained that it was a pattern of the Daddy's foot. They had drawn it while he was asleep in the chair. The clerk held the paper against a measuring stick, then walked away. Soon he came back with an aspen box, "Will these do?" he asked.

Timmy and Billy hand,led the shoes with great eagerness. "How much do they cost?" said Billy? "They're $16.95," he said in dismay. "We only have $8".

I looked at the clerk and he cleared his throat. "That's the regular price". he said. "But today they are on sale for $3.95". Then with the shoes happily in their hands the boys bought gifts for their mother and two little sisters. Not once did they think of themselves.

The day after Christmas the boy's father stopped me on the street. The new shoes were on his feet, gratitude was in his eyes. "I just thank Jesus for people who care", he said.

"And I thank Jesus for your two sons" I replied. "They taught me more about Christmas in one evening than I had learned in a lifetime."

DECEMBERT10th

"Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written,

nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning the Christ.

And it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost;

where, I knw if there should be no atonement made,

all mankind must be lost."

Song:

Carol of the Shepherds

Story:

Keeping Baby Warm

by Lynda H. Laughlin

It was an inexpensive dime-store Nativity set,

and he was only three years old. His back was

toward me, but I could see that his chubby little

hands were busily working on something at the

old table.

"What are you doing?" I asked him impatiently,

annoyed at him for touching the decorations after

he had been told not to.

As I started toward the scene of his latest

mischief, he turned toward me with wide blue

eyes filling and a single tear starting down his

cherubic cheek. Then I saw it. A carefully folded

tissue had been tenderly placed over the small

ceramic infant.

"Baby Jesus was cold, Mommy," he whispered.

Ten years have passed, and the tiny Nativity has

been replaced by a much larger one. But this

year, as every year, I found a carefully folded

tissue covering the baby Jesus. I think I know

who did it, and I hope he never stops

Christmas Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

"Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake, Amen!"

DECEMBERT 9TH

"IN HIS DAYS, JUDAH SHALL BE SAVED AND ISRAEL SHALL DWELL SAFELY:

AND THIS IS THE NAME WHEREBY HE SHALL BE CALLED,

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS"

jeremiah 23:6

Song:

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY

STORY:

WHY THE CHIMES RANG

Raymond MacDonald Alden

Dear Brian

Thank you for the joy and happiness that you bring into my life. I was so thankful when Robert came into our family. After being told that maybe I wouldn't have children I felt blessed to have him.  But I wanted more. It took 7 years and 9 months...but you finally came. I can not tell you the joy and happiness I felt when I knew that I was pregnant with you. At first I hoped for a girl, but as usual the Lord knows best and knew that a baby boy would be the best thing for our family. And you are!

Thank you for your patience with dad and I. We are still learning to be parents. There are growing pains sometimes, but I hope that there are more fun and happy moments to outweigh those few moments that we struggle.

You have entertained us from the start...first not liking the grass, then the way you crawled, then your dancing to Michael Jackson, to soccer, football, and now basketball. I am so glad that you are here and that you keep us busy.

Thank you for your kind and sensitive heart. I know that at your age "being cool" is important, but I'm glad that you can still tell me you love me in front of your friends and that you let me joke around with you and your buddies. I am looking forward to many more "Judi" years with you and the boys!

Thank you for forgiving me when I mess up. And thank you for teaching me that saying sorry isn't a sign of weakness. I am so thankful that our family is an eternal family and that you will be a part of that eternity. I couldn't bear to not have you around.

Thank you for putting up with my Christmas music, for watching "chick flicks" with me and for letting me still tuck you in at night. I don't think I'm ready to give up on that one yet. I know it doesn't happen all the time, but I do love to go in your room and make sure you're covered and warm under your blankets and give you a kiss goodnight. You will always be my little boy.

4th birthday party

7th grade 13 yrs old

I am anxious to see what the next years will bring to you in your life and the type of young man that you will become. You're on a great start now.

Merry Christmas son. I love you!

Love,
Mom

Dear Robert

It has been more than 600 days since I have seen your smiling face up close or heard you laugh at one of my silly jokes. We haven't heard you call dad "Homie" or watched you and Brian play ball together.
The house is quieter with out you here. Even though Brian does do his best to make sure that the noise volume is still high. What would we do without his laughing and joking around. Thank goodness for him to keep us company and make us laugh. I have realized I'm not ready to be an empty nester, yet! I have 6 more years before that will happen, thank goodness.
When we get your emails every Wednesday we all smile and read and re-read your words. I use to be sad when you would write, because I would miss you so much. But over the past two years those letters have become a source of strength and support for us. We are so thankful for them. When I served in Italy everything was done with snail mail. Thank goodness that isn't how it is now. I don't think I would have the patience for that.
I know that you don't write a lot of personal things, because that isn't your "style". I understand you better now. I know that you have those personal experiences that have made and make you strong. When I read what you write I see a changed boy...man. You have grown and matured. Yes, you are still you...but you're different.
I know that your testimony has grown and that you do have a great love for the gospel and for the work that you have been called to do. I also respect you feelings to keep things private. Be it about you, or the people you come into contact with. But I can't wait until you are home and we can talk about your experiences and the people you have met, the friends you have made, the lives you helped to better and the sad and funny experiences...the good and the bad. It will be such a joy to watch your face as you recount what you have experienced. It will also be a wonderful experience for your brother. Even though he tells us constantly, "I'm not Robert", I still see his desire to be like up you, or to live up to the standard that you have set.
Thank you for the example that you have set for Brian. And for your father and I. We made a lot of errors with you. Things that we can't go back and change. But with Brian we are trying to be different. To be better. It is hard. Growing pains are felt, but it least we are growing, and making progress. That is what is important.
Our home is different. There really is a spirit here that wasn't here two years ago. I feel the difference. And I am thankful for it. I have told so many people of the blessings that we have received since you went on your mission. I'm almost afraid for when you come home...then what happens? We will have to work 10x harder to keep the blessings coming. ha ha!
I love "chatting" with people on FB and hearing what they have to say about you. What amazing compliments:
He is such a fine young man
He has such a wonderful spirit
You and Giovanni have done a great job as parents. He is so wonderful.
He is so handsome and as nice as he is good looking
He is so kind to everyone
He has made such a difference here
He shares his testimony with me and it makes me stronger
He is one of the best missionaries that our branch has had in years, he has made such a difference
Thank you for sharing your son with us

How can a parent not feel proud and blessed to have a son like that?

This picture was taken Dec 3 in La Spezia at a members wedding

When people ask me...How can you give up your son for two years..my answer is always the same. Because you wanted to serve a mission. To bring others to Christ and for them to have the joy and happiness that you have. When I look at these pictures of you and see the joy and happiness in your eyes...how could I have ever denied you the experiences that you are having.

It will be Christmas in 9 days. And I miss you. I have your stocking hung. I sent you your Christmas package two months ago because I wanted to make sure that you got it on time. However. I have no regrets that you are not here with us.

I think of that babe, born in a manger. Of a star shinning brightly in the sky. I think of angels singing and shepherds rejoicing. I think of a father looking at his newborn son. The kings that brought gifts. The people who knew that the Messiah was born. The king of kings. And then...I think of my Father in Heaven. He gave his son willingly for each one of us. He knew that people would not believe he was the son of God. He knew that one day he would be raised on the cross. But he sent him anyway. He loved each one of us enough to send a savior so that we could someday return home. To progress and become like our Father and to have the ability to repent.



I hope that this holiday season you can remember the reason for the season. This is your last Christmas as a missionary. Take the time to savor the moment. Reflect on these past two years and all that you have done and most importantly the experiences that you have had to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord.

We love you son. Thank you for being the man you are.

Love,
Mom

17 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 8

"lIFT UP YOU HEADS, O YE GATES;

EVEN LIFT THEM UP, YE EVERLASTING DOORS;

AND THE KING OF GLORY SHALL COME IN.

WHO IS THE KING OF GLORY? THE LORD OF HOSTS, HE IS THE KING OF GLORY"

psalms 24

Song:
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

A Brother Like That

Especially for Mormons, Vol. 2

A friend of mine named Paul received a new car from his brother as a pre-Christmas present. On Christmas Eve, when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it.

"Is this your car, mister?" he asked.Paul nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Christmas."

The boy looked astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you, and it didn't cost you anything?

Gosh, I wish...."

He hesitated, and Paul knew what he was going to wish. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.

"I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."

Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively added,

"Would you like a ride in my new car?"

"Oh, yes, I'd love that!"

After a short ride the urchin turned, and with his eyes aglow said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?"

Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile. But Paul was wrong again.

"Will you stop right where those steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while, Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little polio-crippled brother. He sat down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up right against him and pointed to the car.

"There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him to for Christmas, and it didn't cost him a cent, and someday I'm gonna give you one just like it; then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I've been trying to tell you about."

Paul got out and lifted the little lad into the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when He said, "It is more blessed to give...."