Merry Christmas Lauren! Love, Laura

Merry Christmas Lauren!  It has been so fun to have you live close the past few months and to see you more often.  This was a big year for you, as you stepped into the world of "Motherhood" something that changes you for the better, but is also the hardest job you will ever have.  You have done an amazing job with cutie Benson.  :)

The year of serving you began with Rachel asking me to help her with a stocking service project for Women's Conference.  We spent hours prepping 500 stocking kits for the women gathering in May at BYU. 

One of the many youth groups helping prep the stocking kits

It was a lot of work, but also so fun to imagine 500 handmade stockings going out to people in need this Christmas.   Our finished stockings went to hospitals with sick children, centers for abused women and children, to veterans and homeless people.  I thought of you being a new Mom and how your "Mother Heart" would appreciate others enjoying some of the magic of Christmas this year.

Some of our "team" that came to help with stocking making night at Women's Conference.

In the fall, I decided to honor you goals of becoming a teacher by serving a little bit more in the PTA of our school.  My friend Collette and I were in charge of "Red Ribbon Week".  This was perfect because I know you believe in the whole "JUST SAY NO" when it comes to doing drugs.  We combined the ideas of staying “Drug Free” with Media safety. 

Collette and I attempting a selfie on the playground.

Just last week we were asked to collect gently used toys for a “Title One” school in the area.  I was able to spend a few hours helping these students choose gifts for their siblings and help them wrap them so they could take home surprises for their families.  It was such a happy feeling knowing I was helping these sweet kids.  Some of whom are homeless or have recently lost a parent. 

 

some of the collected toys at school

I sure love you and admire so many of your beautiful qualities.  We still have our "Cool Beans Moment" in your honor at FHE each week. 

Merry, merry Christmas!!  I love you.

Laura