This year has been super crazy!! Full of fun stuff, challenges, celebrations, trials, and victories. Isn't that what a mission is made of? I love it so much! I Had Lauren Schow for Christmas this year, and boy do I love her so much. I heard your having another BOY!! YAY!! I'm so excited for you and Casey and Benson is going to be a big brother!! I can't believe how fast the time flies. This week as I've reflected on the time I've spent with Lauren, I think of what a great mom she is. My first cousin to get married and have a kid, you are such a great example to me of confidence, charity and diligence. You really emulate the Savior and His great work, and what he wants for you as his Sister. Having an eternal family is one of the ultimate goals here in this life time, and yours is starting to grow:) As I've been on my mission I've had plenty of opportunities to serve people and share my Saviors love with those around me. Its been a mighty fine experience that's for sure!
There is one member family that we're working with right now, the Gilstraps, the mom is super active but the dad went less active 10 years ago, but he came to church for the first time in those 10 years a few weeks ago, we were so surprised! They have 4 little boys, that all remind me of my little cousins. The oldest is 12, and the youngest is around Benson's age. We've been doing all we can to help this family come together, of course we can only do so much and the rest in Gods hands. I have really come to love this family and the strength that Andrea, the mom, has. She is an amazing woman, and reminds me of my cousin Lauren:) The way that both of you carry yourselves with confident and love, the way you carry your trials day by day with patience and hope, knowing that Christ is with you holding that weight on your back and bearing your burdens.
As I've been serving my mission, I've come to love my family more and more. We have the tightest family I've ever seen and i'm not just saying that because its mine haha, but as I meet other families without the gospel, unity, experiences that we have, I see how blessed we really are:) I'm so sorry I didn't do anything super special in your name, but I'm doing this mission for me and you now girl;) I love you so much and I pray for you always<3 a="" and="" br="" christmas="" happy="" merry="" new="" year="">
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Love Sister Maisie Kenney
I thought so many times over the past years that I could help her more if she moved home. So when I got that phone call I wasn’t surprised, but rather a feeling of peace that all my little chicks were going to be coming home and gathering round.
My Lizzie has had her struggles and her learning opportunities in the past, but she has never faltered in her testimony of Jesus Christ and his role in the atonement.
I was able to use what physical abilities I had at my disposal (which were greatly challenged this year) to directly serve her. From packing up the old kitchen to helping set up the new, to putting many flowers in their beds to brighten up her world. Bringing her a porch swing to relax and new sofa pillows brought a whole new look which might help her in her outlook. There were offers to pick up kids from school and to drop them off at home or work. Even as Christmas drew near she asked for help to decorate and we spent the afternoon together. It was a big year in getting our Hannah off on her mission as well as getting our Brianne married and gaining a new brother for Jackson. Again, Liz never far from my thoughts and prayers of how can I serve her best.
In reflection it was a year of challenges as well as opportunities and growth. It was a year of coming together and understanding. And it was a year of serving someone I loved - but now I see that quite possibly she moved home so that she could be there for me.
Today is Christmas past for 2017. What a special year it has been for me as I have have studied and learned more about our Savior and his life, as well as his death, more than ever before. Both in preparing for our trip to the holy land as well as my studies since I’ve been home has brought a new dimension to my world of understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ. The trip itself, was simply life broadening to the extent of my ability to know him and to have him in my day-to-day life. And so, as this time of year approached, I was able to feel a love and peace in my heart that I’ve never known before.
I had the great privilege this year to have my person be my David. I have found joy in nd asked if I next day Laura approached me abeing of service to others in various small ways, mostly using my earthly acquired skills. It may have been a painted front door (which is my specialty) or some new shelves, and often a listening ear.
Not thinking that I needed to take on another specific task of service before the end of the year, I had an opportunity smack me in the face. Right after Thanksgiving we heard from Maisie that like most missionaries, she was missing home and family for the holidays. She specifically wrote to me and asked for stories and pictures of David because she felt him near and helping her and wanted to get to know him better. That same week I had decided to work on my own personal life history this winter and had asked one of my techie daughters to teach me to use the voice to writing application on my tablet. This she did and I was quite proud of myself if I do say so myself. Honestly, the very next day my Laura asked if I would consider taking on the transcribing of David’s missionary journals. What an opportunity that has been for me! The perfect blending of three “events” that has been a great blessing to me this month of reflection. I have only completed a small fraction of the 3 volumes but have gleaned so much. I have begun by sending the first two batches to my missionary girls and both have responded so appreciatively. Eventually we will have it available for everyone interested.
And so, as I close this year, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. You, as my posterity, bring me peace and happiness which is the essence of joy.
So, I had Maisie this year, and I've thought a lot about her and prayed for her on her adventures as a missionary in So. Carolina. Being a missionary is so great, especially around Christmastime. It's the perfect opportunity to talk about the Savior, especially with the Christmas initiative the church puts forth. #lighttheworld is a perfect opportunity to talk to people and to serve others, and with the vending machines in the JSM Building downtown, I thought no better way to show my support that by donating to the cause. I went downtown and was able to purchase glasses for local kids, as well as some canned chicken for the hungry. It was so crazy busy, and there was a ton of people in line to use the machines, and I loved seeing how the community was coming together to bless the needy - that's what missionary work is all about!! :)
We also fed the missionaries in our ward, but it was more like my husband fed the missionaries (i got home from work late that day) but anyways, I love you Maisie, and I am so proud of you. Missionary work is the greatest! Merry Christmas!
Hey fam bam! This year has been one of my best years ever! I've been a missionary for over 6 months and I've learned a ton. As I'm reflecting on the year, I must admit that my service for Jacob has come from being on a mission... I know... what a copout... With Jacob being one of my younger cousins, I was a little stumped on what to do for service. Just as I was stumped when I found out that most of the people we were teaching in my first area ranged from the age of 12-14!
Lilly-12
Conner-13
Michael-14
Sarah-14
John-14
I was not prepared for that! These kids have a lot of drama going on. Lilly and Conner are siblings and their parents are very inactive members who desperately want the missionaries to teach them. Michael, Sarah, and John are all siblings, but they're not blood related. They are all from Bulgaria (speak 0 English) and are now apart of a very active family in the church. Let's just say that there's lots of intense culture shock. It seemed almost instantly that I (w/ my companion) held the "fate" of all these 5 kids. We were to receive the revelation on how to help them obtain testimonies... I didn't know how to do that!!!!! (I still don't know how to do that!!!) My childhood was nothing like theirs! All I knew was that I learned a lot about myself by doing personal progress; I learned how to study the scriptures by going to seminary; I learned of my Savior as I bore my testimony. As I knew and remembered that doing those good things helped me those years, we were able to teach to their needs with the help of the Spirit!
I guess the reason why I'm saying this is because I hope that serving a mission serves more than just those that I meet here in Virginia. I hope that the testimony that I develop here helps you all back home. I know that our family is eternal, I know that my Savior died and lives for me, I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that the prophet Joseph Smith truly is a prophet of God. I have truly come to know that making righteous choices is the way that Heavenly Father is able to give us the blessings we need. I would invite all you youngins to think on how you want to prepare to serve a mission or enter the temple worthily!
I wish you all a merry Christmas! I can't wait to see you all next year!
Uncle Kevan never ceases to amaze me! He is always a source of inspiration. He's an example of a great Priesthood Holder, Husband, Father and Brother. It was a pleasure to find ways to honor him while serving others.
Kevan holds a unique set of skills and talents that nobody else in our extended family has. We have all benefited from his medical expertise and we are so grateful! Kevan is always willing to help anytime somebody mentions an ailment or injury. I always feel bad when we ask him to help out but he is always so willing. A few months ago I asked him to look at my knee which I injured last winter. It wasn't getting better and I was worried that I might have injured it permanently, maybe needing surgery. He took the time to check it out. He gave me some good news that it wasn't a serious injury but that I would need to do some painful stretches and exercises. Following the doctors orders, I completely recovered in just days. Thanks so much Uncle Kevan!
In November I got a call to help a friend from Hawaii that was moving to Utah. They were great friends in Hawaii and as close to family as we had there. They had a shipping container arriving in Saratoga Springs of all places on a Saturday, but our actual friends weren't arriving for a few more weeks (sounds familiar...lol). My natural instinct is always to grumble about service but it wasn't long before I remembered how Uncle Kevan took on the challenge of unloading my container before our family arrived in Utah. Kevan was more than willing to help unload our stuff and so I thought I can do the same and help our dear friends with their move.
That was early one Saturday morning. After the move help was done that morning, I decided to dedicate the entire day and make it a day of service by sharing my skills and talents like Uncle Kevan. Eric Patterson had been asking me to come look at some home repairs he was having problems with and Liz had been asking me to come and look at her kitchen table. It was in bad shape after her move and she needed it repaired.
Long story short, I spent the rest of the day and into the evening sharing my skills and talents with family members just like uncle Kevan. I know my skills are not the gift of healing and saving lives, but some times back doors and kitchen tables really matter also! Lol It was a great day and I felt really good after serving people I love all day.
Thanks Uncle Kevan for honoring your priesthood and always being a great example to me!
My service was performed on behalf of Maegann Kirkby. I didn’t know very much about Maegann, but I’ve loved talking to people about her and getting to know her more. One of the recurring traits that people kept telling me is how selfless she is. Over the course of the year I tried to be more like her finding more opportunities to be selfless, such as being a good cousin, friend and listener.
However, on October 1, Las Vegas became victim one of the worst shootings in U.S. history. It broke my heart to hear about this tragic event. My thoughts quickly went to praying for all of those affected. Lauren and I texted all day about this crazy event and how glad we were the Kirby’s are here in Utah instead of down in Vegas. We saw how many victims there were and wondered how can we help so many people. I learned that they needed a lot of blood and fast. Utah was one of the first states the Red Cross would pull from. I quickly searched online to find a place to donate and was able to donate.
In honor of Maegann, being a selfless person and being from Vegas, I donated blood to the victims and later helped coordinate with the red cross to come to Nu Skin and set up for a blood drive.I re-learned the lesson that as we give of ourselves to those in need, we get more and are happier in life. I am so grateful that I was able to get to know Maegann more and serve on her behalf this year. Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas! I thought I'd focus on your enjoyment of theater in high school and decided to volunteer to help at one of Libby's high school plays. I helped sell tickets for Les Miserables at Skyridge High and it was really fun. Love you, Lydia!
Alex, my brother! so many places i could have gone with this assignment. i considered doing something around gaming as that's a connection that we've made and has bonded us together. i also considered doing something with education and the fact that i'm a student at your university. i could have written something eloquent and affirming about how WGU is the education reform that we've needed for a while and will be the leader of the universities that will survive the impending secondary education bubble burst. you are a part of something big there and i could have shared my heartfelt experiences and insights about my education journey and your role there.
but then, Liz asked me "since we both have Alex and Cindy, should we do something together for them?" i had no idea what that would be, so i didn't jump at it from the beginning, but as Liz sought my editorial insight into the video she was creating, i realized the beautiful work of art about a beautiful family that she was forming and i got excited to be a part of it.
we had a long brainstorm session one evening that culminated in the idea of a 10th anniversary retrospective. along with the music video that Liz created, we'd create a ruse as to why Liz wanted to interview you about each other and cut that into a video as well. i could bring some web development skills to bring it all together in a single location where we could celebrate 10 years of the Alex and Cindy Kenney family!
as often happens with my projects, i dream big and then have to pair it down to something manageable. with my overloaded school schedule and work and life in general, i paired it down to a simple family page with three different navigation options. i called it Gaming Life (with love) as a double entendre meaning both 1) showing that gaming is a big part of both you and Cindy's life and b) playing off the defintion of "gaming" to mean "influencing a situation for optimal outcome." you guys are rocking life and it's a pleasure to be witness to it!
another huge bonus of Liz and I doing this project together was that it brought us closer together. it's been a while since Liz and I have tried to work together on something. but on this project, we were able to listen to each other and accept valuable insights and perspectives. Liz and i are very different people with very different perspectives that can sometimes clash, but for some reason on this project we came together well and made a better product all around.
anywho, here's your 10 year anniversary page: http://bkirkby.wixsite.com/alovestory
I've been waiting and praying all year to find inspiration on how to serve Cindy this year. Despite my good intentions, month after month would pass with nothing seeming to come to me. Around the beginning of fall, I had decided I would do a video tribute of some sort. But what? I had a mother/daughter song I really like and perhaps I'd do something to honor Cindy and her mother since the past year has been a special one to our family with Colleen being a surrogate mom to so many in our family (Brian included). I was starting to feel pulled down that path, but something wasnt "right" about it. But at least I had a path to go down.
At mid-October I realized I had better start taking this seriously since the end of the year was fast approaching and with a wedding for Brianne and Jake upon us, I knew I'd regret it if I didnt get prepared quickly. I put in a phone call to Colleen to talk about collecting pictures of Cindy's childhood and hopefully some mother/daughter photos. But apparently Colleen was more in tune to the spirit than I was. She reminded me that this is Alex and Cindy's 10 year anniversary this December and perhaps I should do something culminating the last 10 years of their marriage. This was the answer, and I knew it immediately.
It just so happened that this phone call occurred over a weekend in October where I was up to my eyeballs in pictures of Brianne and Jake as I was putting together their upcoming wedding slideshow. I hit a wall and could proceed no longer as I needed to await more pictures from Jake's mom. So I stepped away from the computer and called Cindy's mom as a distraction from the current project. When Colleen mentioned an anniversary tribute I was very intrigued. You see, I had this really awesome song swimming around in my head for the last 24 hours. I was debating between two love songs to end the wedding slideshow with. I made a decision and left the "Perfect" song on the proverbial "cutting room floor". I was a bit heartbroken because I REALLY loved this Perfect song. I think I knew in the back of my head it had a different job to do than the wedding slideshow. In was, in fact, waiting for the Kenney's. I'm pretty sure it was made for this purpose. Perfect!
The next day was Monday. I hadnt planned to work on Cindy's service project quite yet. I figured I'd get this wedding slideshow and music video over with before I tackled any other projects. Before I knew what was happening, I was in front of my computer once again. But this time, instead of browsing through Bri/Jake pictures, I was scouring Facebook for pictures of Alex and Cindy. Why was a starting a third project? "I dont have time for this" I would find myself thinking. But I kept going anyway - when inspiration is flowing, I've learned not to walk away from it. Perfect!
By the time I was done with it, I had finished it in a fraction of the time it usually takes me to make a slideshow video. I was astonished at how I seemed to find the exact picture I needed and how it fit Perfect-ly with the music. At one point, I grabbed a row of pictures to insert into the editor and was about to edit the order and timing. But as I hit "play" for the music to tell me what to do, I got completely choked up and teary as I realized how Perfect the music and the pictures already went together. I looked at the other pictures and was suddenly making edits and cuts and I didnt know why I was making them. Things were just flowing into place. I sat back and hit play again and let the spirit wash over me as I watched this video that was just put together by heavenly angels - it was beautiful and Perfect.
I watched the video again and again, making very few adjustments. I needed an ending and I'd have to get creative about how to obtain the last few frames since it didnt exist, but I wasnt worried. I knew it would come together. I must have watched it 20 times after I was done. Each time, I'd think of how much I love this sweet family. Just like this video, their life has a plan. There is a reason why things have happened the way they have - it is no accident. It is Perfect. Just like this slideshow was planned by our Father in Heaven, so is their life - their marriage and their children. It was all prepared beforehand. We just need to let our hands and feet do the work He inspires us to do.
I am so grateful for Cindy and her coming to our family. She is a beautiful example to me as a wife, in motherhood, and as a disciple of Christ. Alex sure is a blessed man! Life may not seem Perfect as we are in the midst of it all, but isnt it amazing how we can take a look back and see the beauty of it?
PART 2
This is the first year that a husband/wife (Brian and myself) have a matching husband and wife (Alex and Cindy). We thought it would be fun to do something that served them as a couple. The slideshow I made certainly involves A&C equally and we decided to add a second feature - an interview!
In order to get their cooperation, I needed to tell a few white lies. I told them I had dad for Christmas and was interviewing all the kids/spouses, but in reality, they were the only ones we talked to. Tricked ya! Or perhaps they figured it out because I had to contact them a few times about various details and they may have figured it out.
Well, Brian and I worked together on the interview portion of the video and it was a fun activity to do together. Alex and Cindy are a great example of successful marriage - we all have something to learn from them. Brian added one other feature that I will let him explain in his own post to Alex.
As I reflected this year for a service for Erik my mind was drawn for his passion of emergency preparedness. And since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I decided to emulate him.
I love how passionate Erik is about emergency preparedness that we as a family can benefit from. I have enjoyed meeting together as a family periodically to review and ponder where each of us are at in our preparedness measures. After a few meetings and feeling productive as our family is addressing this subject, I realized that my side of the family has never approached this subject!
Occasionally it has been mentioned but that's about it. I decided as a service, to use the template Erik sent our family. This document includes important information such as family contact information, insurance, emergency and utility company phone numbers. I not only completed ours but I also sent a blank copy for each member in my family. I also included the website for additional ideas to help better prepare each family. I also have requested getting together and designating a place and person for contact. It's a start for now and will continue to follow up and be proactive in establishing a set plan.
Thank you, Erik, for all you do on this subject so our family will be better prepared. It is so easy to 'put this off' and I appreciate all we have learned about this from you! Your efforts have been noticed and I am excited to share this with my other family.
My service was performed on behalf of Laura Kenney Whipple. Laura is a service oriented person.
In September 2017, Puerto Rico was devastated by two hurricanes which left much destruction, lack of potable water, and lack of electricity for millions. I traveled to Puerto Rico on October 16 and spent 4 days visiting friends and associates of my company.
We visited a number of people and were able to provide them with cash and emergency supplies to help them get through some of their difficulties.
As part of the service project, I lead the distribution of nearly $70,000 in cash donations from people affiliated with my company to families in need.
As of this writing, a friend of mine just got electric power re-established at her home in San Juan after 105 days without power, except from electric generators. Water has not been available or reliable for nearly the entire time.
It was a great project to help distribute money to families in need.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Casey is how fast and willing he was to reach out and become my friend when I first moved back to Utah. I mean, we were forced to become friends since we both lived in Grandma's old house at the time. A friend was something that I really needed and I don't think he truly understands how much he helped. I always looked forward to coming home from school or church because he always asked about my life and how i was doing. He could tell when I wasn't doing very well and he would tell me that it was okay to not be okay all the time. The first part of my service that I did was follow in the footsteps of someone who was so kind to me. This past summer changed my life. The previous two years in high school and every area of my life were dark and very clouded. Multiple events this summer helped clear up my life and help restore myself to the best of my abilities. At the beginning of the school year I decided to be a friend, instead of waiting for people to come and be my friend. I have been a lot more involved at school and helping other people find there way through high school. I will never let someone sit by themselves at lunch. I went two years sitting by myself at lunch and it was awful. Now every lunch period i find someone alone in the drama room and i sit by them and get to know them. This also goes through to drama club activities. I was very lucky to be a part of the drama council this year and so at every activity i am looking for club members who don't know others very well. Casey helped show me that being a friend can truly impact others life forever.
My second part of my service was through the my seminary class. The entire seminary program was taking donations with a list of food that we could donate to families who couldnt provided thanksgiving dinner for themselves. I took a sign up sheet and got everyone in my class to sign up for something. I spent personally over 100 dollars for food that I bought and donated. It was so fun to stay after school to put together the baskets filled with yummy thanksgiving meals.
Merry Christmas Mom! I enjoyed serving you this year by volunteering to go through the "catacombs" of the garage and cleaning out a few boxes and bins of your treasures. I was able to scan lots of pictures into a digital format--lots of paper photos as well as slides. It was fun seeing old treasured pictures of our family from over the years-many that I had never seen before. Here are a few favorites:
with Nicole, 1971
Christmas 1978
Brothers, 1979
Dad golfing with Johnny Miller
1985
I sure love you Mom! Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful memories!!
Dear Alyssa,
I know that you enjoy doing family history work so I did a batch of Indexing everyday in December until Christmas. I know I am serving everyone that I index for and you.
This year, I had the opportunity to do service for my cousin Spencer! I love Spencer so much, and I've always felt like we've had a special bond and he's always been so inclusive to me. We have so many fun memories such as attempting for an entire summer to watch Pirates of the Caribbean and only getting 15 minutes into it, or the time that we dressed up in gorilla suits and ran around for the fun of it (see picture below). :)
I've always admired a lot of things about Spencer. He's such a positive person and is so great at showing genuine love to everyone around him. This year was especially exciting for him because he got married to the amazing Talia!!
As I thought about what service I could do for Spencer this year, I decided that one of the best things I could do would be to help him during his wedding. It wasn't a huge act of service, but I helped serve cake at his wedding and also picked up garbage afterwards. I'm so happy for you Spencer and so glad I had the opportunity to do some service for you this year!
I have been so proud to watch your journey since sweet David passed. You have stepped up and taken care of your family and yourself like a champ. I love seeing you learn to take care of your body with exercise and nutrition. It's so good for your mind too according to Pres. Monson. Your keeping your children anxiously engaged with music and sports and service. It's marvelous to hear the steps you've taken to connect with transplant recipients and their stories. We have all been blessed and have grown so much having you in our lives. What a journey it's been for all of us in all capacities.
I really wanted to help you physically with flooring and I still will. Just let us know when. :)
When Liz told me about her friend Katie who lost her husband similar to yours my heart went out to her immediately. I was happy to help and donated money to the go fund me to help with this sweet stranger and her eight children.
I also was able to finish up some quilts for the humanitarian center at welfare square.
Merry Christmas Bruce!Though I was tempted to find a way to somehow find service opportunities by fishing or golfing in your honor :) we
both know that true service in your behalf eventually needs to involve a paint brush.
On Labor Day, the Whipple family spent the day serving
Aunt Gay.The older girls cleaned and
scrubbed her barbeque grill.The younger
kids helped weed and paint.Laura and I
painted her back deck.The wood was
definitely worn by the elements and in great need of some love.So, that is exactly what we gave it.After several hours and a couple cans of
paint, the deck looked absolutely beautiful.You would have been so proud.
Thank you for giving me (and our family) the opportunity to serve our beloved Aunt Gay in
your honor!
This year, I had Lexi and since she use to volunteer for Operation Smile and now sells Lip Sense, I wanted to do something with "smiles". So I got little smiling quotes with laffy-taffies and passed them out at school. People really liked them. One friend of mine mentioned that it's really great because a lot of kids at my school think they dont really have much to smile about this time of year. But I was able to remind them that they do.
This year I had Andrew. As I sat and thought about all the amazing qualities that he has one of the ones that stood out to me was how hard working and helpful without complaint he is. So instead of a service I set more of a New Years resolution. Normally I am the type to make resolutions and then being awful at keeping them and mostly forget or give up completely. But this time I was absolutely determined to go strong. So I made the resolution to be more organized in my own space (my room, back pack, planner, etc.) and also be more organized about my time. I tried to spend a lot less time on my phone and more time being with people I love and trying to keep things organized. I learned really quickly its not easy but definitely possible to break old habits. With the clean part of the story, I had to keep in mind that keeping up is easier than catching up. Normally I wait for a couple of days, then clean. But I tried really hard to keep it consistently clean. This made so much more of a difference than I thought. I felt so much more in control of my life and a lot happier in general. And with that comes organization of time. I knew I spent a lot of time on my phone, but what I didn't realize was how often I would check it for just a couple of minutes at a time. I wouldn't normally spend hours at a time on my phone but it definitely was something I regularly checked. I realized that when I wasn't checking my phone, even if its just checking the time or if I had any notifications, I felt a lot more a part of my friends and everyone around me's lives. My friends tried it with me and we all agreed that at the end of the day, it is hard breaking old habits, but its definitely worth it and our time spent together became a lot more meaningful. Anyway I know I didn't do any noticeable service for the year but I am very grateful for the new habits formed and the closer relationships with everyone around me. Merry Christmas Andrew! I love you!
"Hello you Beautiful Bodells!" Brian says in his booming deep voice a few times a week on our Marco Polo group. He then proceeds to share with us what he's made for breakfast for his cute family. I love this on many levels. I love that he's connecting with our Bodell family that maybe wouldn't know him well otherwise. I love that his kids get a hot breakfast in their tummies to start the school day. I love that he sacrifices his sleep/time to make that happen.
I love breakfast, but I am not a morning person. I have been less generous with my time/sleep and my kids grew up eating cold cereal most of their lives. To be fair, Erik has started to make Jacob a big breakfast every day, but that is not me. I love to sleep in. As I thought about Brian I thought about how much I admired this attribute in him. I resolved to make some hot breakfasts for my family! I work at 7am, and most of my kids would have to travel to my house for breakfast so week-days were out. I set aside several Saturdays and invited my kids to breakfast. We had Christmas Casserole, crepes, pumpkin pancakes etc... and my family gathered around the table to start our weekends together. We enjoyed the time and food!
I realized this was kind of a selfish service since I really do love yummy breakfasts. So, I also decided to buy some food for the food-bank and donate it. Hopefully this will help families in need get some food in their bellies too. Merry Christmas Brian!
I've had brother-in-law's since I was 5. So I know how important they are to a family. This year I was given Wes's name to do service in behalf of. An opportunity provided itself, when a different brother-in-law (Cindy's brother Craig) needed help moving across the continent. I flew to New Hampshire on June 16th, and spent three days packing up my brother-in-law's house, to help him move to Utah.
Craig & Danielle had lived in New Hampshire for over 10 years, and as humans on planet Earth tend to do, had accumulated many things. I helped to sort, pack, load, and clean everything there. We slept on couches and air mattresses until even those were packed. On the day the truck showed up, and I assisted in packing everything Craig owned into an ABF truck.
I wouldn't fly across the continent, to help just anyone to move. Family is family and I'm glad that I was able to help Craig in this endeavor. Wes, if you ever need help for anything, even if it's moving across the world, let me know. I'll be there.
