Merry Christmas Brianne

For my service this year, I drew Brianne, so I decided to look for opportunities throughout the year to serve others when the opportunity presented itself, just like missionaries like Brianne are (was) always doing. I had other smaller moments where I helped or encouraged those in need, but here are the moments of note I'd like to share, Merry Christmas Brianne!

At the beginning of the year in priesthood, the bishop asked if anyone had space where they could build a float they would pull in the pioneers parade later that year, I volunteered. I was only able to help a little in building it, but I did what I could to help when I could, sacrifice half of our garage for a few months so they could have the space they needed. I didn't ask Cristina before volunteering, but she had no problem with it. The float turned out great! It was a float all about missionary work, how fitting! The float even got pictured in a KSL article!

In November, when we were visiting the bishops house to pick up Dana (his wife was watching her so I could take Cristina to get an eeg), I noticed they had an old couch in front of their house covered in snow, so I asked what that was about. She said the bishop wanted to get rid of it, but they just left it there for the high school kids to sit while waiting for the bus. I asked if they still wanted it or not, if not I could take it to DI for them. She happily accepted my offer and I promptly put it in the back of my truck and took it.

The last one was just last week early in the morning when we got a lot of snow, I was taking Lucas to school and on the way there I noticed a dad carrying his son in his back. I recognized this dad and son because I had seen them walking the same route several times at the same time in the morning over the last several months. The boy was always walking before, this was the first time he wasn't. I think he might have cerebral palsy or something because of the way he walked, but I just saw a dad and son who could use a ride, so we quickly pulled to the side of the road. I rolled down Lucas's window and asked them if they would like a ride, and they didn't hesitate to jump in. We took them about a mile down the road to the boys school and dropped them off.

In case you didn't figure out yet, this is from Wes, Merry Christmas Brianne!

Jackson's Service Project to Libby

This year I was given the opportunity to have Libby as the cousin that I am to serve this year. Now because of my understanding that Libby enjoys her dance classes, I thought that I could incorporate this into my service. I was talking to my young mens quorum and we were planning on what we should to for our ward Christmas party. My young mens leader then jokingly says that we should do a dance number, and I thought that was a great idea, because I was desperate to do something for Libby. Hahaha. Anyways , heres the video and I wanna tell Libby I love her and I love you all, and Merry Christmas!!

We are dancing to the scene in the Polar Express when the waiters of the train come and give the kids hot chocolate. After we danced we all fed people Breakfast-for-Dinner and served Hot Chocolate.

Merry Christmas to Erik from Alex

My mind and my heart went 2 different ways for this one. In thinking of what to do for Erik, I kept thinking it should be something emergency preparedness related, because that is something I know Erik is involved in heavily. However, the more I thought on it, I really felt drawn to do something else instead. So I decided to follow the spirit instead of to my own thoughts.

In an effort to magnify my calling in the Young Mens Presidency in our ward, I decided that I needed to do something to show these boys that I do indeed care about them, and that if they ever needed an adult to talk to, that I was someone they could feel comfortable approaching. What I ended up doing was hosting my local young mens (boys aged from 12-17) to game nights at my house almost once per month. I say almost, because I missed a month in the beginning of the year, and a couple in other times when people all had too busy of schedules.

I talked to my Bishop ahead of time to make sure he was okay with it. He recommended I try to keep it under 2 hours per night, and get the boys home at a reasonable hour. We played many different games over the last year. I introduced them to Dominion, Avalon, Forbidden Island, and many others. They even used the opportunity to introduce games to me, such as Smash Up, or one that one of the boys themselves invented called "The Fight".

It's been tough at times to get them together for game night. Boys this age often have plans, some of which they forget about until at the last minute. However that didn't deter me from inviting them. Whether they be member or non-member, active or not, eventually got to be inviting some kids from outside the ward boundaries even, my aim was to make sure these boys knew there was a place they were invited to attend, to get to know eachother better, and enjoy some wholesome activities.

Erik, I love you, and I love your boys. I wanted to use this as an opportunity to share the love I have for my nephews, with those in my immediate area. I think, for the most part that it has worked. I no longer have to brow beat them into coming for the most part, in fact often they come up to me asking when the next game night is!  I didn't really plan to continue doing it into 2017, but from the way things look, these boys may not let me get away with that! Who knows, maybe I've started something new in our ward!

Merry Christmas Andrew! Love, Alyssa

This year the cousin I got to serve was Andrew. Andrew is such an incredible example to me in so many ways. He's so selfless and is always looking for ways to serve others' needs. I can't imagine Andrew ever saying "no" to someone in need of help. Every time I see Andrew, he's helping someone in some way. I especially admire the older brother he is to his sisters. He has a gift for making them smile and I've NEVER seen him say an unkind word to them, which is actually kind of mind-blowing to me because I get so impatient with my own siblings. :) Basically, Andrew's the kind of older brother I've always wanted, and I admire him more than he knows.

For my service this year in honor of Andrew, I had the opportunity to serve my aunt Gay. She's another super selfless person I admire and she needed some help around her house. Her husband Clark had passed away this year and my family and I were happy to give her a helping hand. When we got there, she first asked us to help her pick peaches off of her tree in places she couldn't reach. We filled bags and bags full!

Next, Lindsay, Tyler, Emma, and my mom went inside the house to help aunt Gay can the peaches. My dad and I worked outside painting the outside of her garage.

We worked hard together for quite a few hours and finished canning her peaches and painting her garage. Aunt Gay was SO thankful for our help and it felt so great to touch her life in such a simple but meaningful way. 

Merry Christmas Andrew! Thanks for being such a great example to me of Christlike service!

Love, Alyssa

P.s. look what Andrew ended up doing for his Thanksgiving! He helped his aunt remodel her house, and the pictures look pretty similar to our pictures of helping aunt Gay! :)

Merry Christmas Cindy, Love Nicki!

Merry Christmas Cindy!  I loved thinking about how to serve you this year.  You are such a kind,  funny, strong, amazing woman and I feel lucky to be your sister!  Honestly, you have so many gifts and talents I could spend many years learning to be more like you.  I love watching you with James.  I know his challenges have been difficult for both you and Alex, but you love that little guy all the more and are so patient and loving to him.  This year, I decided I would volunteer in the special Ed classroom at our elementary school.  Mr. Harris, the Special Ed teacher, won teacher of the year several years back.  My kids who attended Eaglecrest love this guy because he connects with all the students there, not just the kids in his classroom.  His class is specifically children with Autism.  There are a total of 12 kids grades K-3.  These kids live in different areas of our district and are bussed in to Eaglecrest.  On Tuesday afternoons, I joined Mr. Harris' class.  When I'd arrive the kids were usually finishing up music time.  The kids were learning Halloween songs and really seemed to enjoy it, although only a couple of kids joined Mr. Harris and I in the singing.  Next, the kids went to PE while Mr. Harris pulled out two for us to work with.  He'd assign one to me and I'd go through his or her IEP and work on things like letter and word recognition, early reading skills, multiplication and subtraction.  Each kid was unique and on different parts of the spectrum.  Some couldn't talk, others were more verbal.  One cute girl loved it when I'd come in and would like to softly pinch my arm!  I enjoyed working with a second grade boy on reading skills.  He loves science.  He can draw a pretty accurate model of the heart and explain to you how the human heart works.  Amazing!  I loved being there with those kids and really grew an appreciation for what you do for James on a daily basis.  He's a lucky boy to have a mom like you!

Better When I'm Dancing

Here's a fun little video Savannah made for everyone to enjoy. I'm posting it a tad early to get everyone in the service spirit. Thanks to all those who submitted a dance video.

https://youtu.be/CGGDcyP5HRk

Merry Christmas Brian! love, Bruce

My service person is my son-in-law, Brian. I'm sorta behind with my service for him - but that doesn't mean I don't love him! My gift will be directly for him (well, and Liz). I'll be to your home sometime next week - probably Tuesday the 5th - so start making a list of what you'd like done. Love - Bruce