Merry Christmas Grandpa! - From Casey

This year I had the privilege to serve Grandpa. As we all know one of his favorite past times is golfing. So obviously, I decided in honor of Grandpa to serve my friends and go golfing with them and give them a few pointers...(because I'm basically a pro, just kidding I need a lot of help). Here a few photos from that outing:

On a more serious note, I thought long and hard about which great quality of grandpa I'd like to highlight this year. One thing that I really admire about grandpa is that he puts his family first, does everything he can to take care of them no matter the cost. He's opened his home countless times to help those in need, like when he let Lauren and I live in their home and house sit while on their mission. Or the many nights he'd stay up late listening and counseling with his kids and grandkids. Or how he'll go out of his way to help paint or do some handyman work around their homes. Grandpa has many great qualities but to me, this is one of the most impressive. 

To try and emulate grandpa, throughout the year I looked for opportunities to put my family first. Here are some of the results of this effort:

I've taken a more assertive effort to give Lauren opportunities to spend time by herself, doing what she wants without two little boys fighting for her attention.  This often resulted in a lot of fun for me and my boys. We would do silly hairdos and make blanket forts. 

Other times this year, I had the opportunity to help my brother build his house. Spending many nights with blood, sweat, tears, laughing and learning together. 

Grandpa, thank you for being an amazing example to all of us of a righteous priesthood holder and someone who puts his family first. Merry Christmas! 

To Nicole, Love Liz

To my dear sister, Nicole -

What do I do for a sister who has always been an example to me? I have learned many important life principles from your example, including patients, humility, hard work, finding joy, forgiveness, and charity. I was with you at the beginning of the year when your family received some hard news. I watched you fall apart and then pick yourself back up and pull it together for your family. I was in awe as you did it with grace and gratitude. 

Finding an act of service to do in your honor didnt really come across my mind. I'm sure I could come up with something fitting, but the truth is, I really wanted to make you something instead. More than anything, I wanted to make you something that embodied your faith in the Lord during this difficult year. Although the year is ending well, it started out really scary for you and your family. Yet, you maintained your faith the entire time - it never wavered. 

So, I made this cross-stitch for you and each time I worked on it, I would think about how much you have taught me and influenced me for good in my life. I would also think about your kids and how much I love them and want good things for them. I have enjoyed working with so many of your kids and LOVE getting to know them better and (hopefully) strengthening our relationship during work. 

I love you very much and am so happy we are sisters! I hope you have an AWESOME

year 2019!!!!!!!