You Never Know

You never know what you can do until you try.
Well, I have always wanted to take an art class but I knew that I had no talent since my high school art class was such a nothing experience. So when my artist friend moved to town I felt safe enough to take a class from her. We started in October or November and I have enjoyed every lesson although every time I go there, the project she has chosen for us to do that day scares me to death! The hardest part is turning off the logical side of the brain and seeing through the creative side. Not easy at all. Since you asked.....here is a sample of what I have been learning:

This is my teacher, Renon and my friend Susie who takes class with me. We are in Renon's dining room/studio

This is a drawing with watercolor.

This was the first day of class. Watercolor. 

This was a snowman that I loved when it was done. It is done with pastels.

Another watercolor.

Picture is not as good as the original oil painting. I couldn't get an angle with the camera that could capture the vibrant colors but you get the idea.

This winter scene was done with acrylics.

On my own, I tried to copy a picture of a grandchild. It's ok but hopefully I will get better.

Now you can see that I have been having fun at this art thing. We are exploring all kinds of materials. I'm not sure what I like the most but I do like the adventure of exploring a new thing in my life.

Constance

This is Constance (in the middle) with her daughter and the missionary (Christopher) who was in the right place at the right time and brought the gospel to her which changed her life! She lives in Utah now and has brought that great zeal of a true convert with her. She feels it is her calling to bring back the lost ones who have wandered from The Church. She is fearless and bold. One day while working out at the gym she had a conversation with a young man who happened to live within the boundries of our ward. She boldly told him that he had a responsibility to contribute his time and efforts in building the Kingdom of God here on earth and that he had to get himself back to church. The next Sunday he arrived at our building asking for an appointment with the Bishop! That's power. There are many other stories I could tell of Constance but we are thankful for her being here and the enthusiasm she brings for the things we so easily take for granted.

Chrissy Boy - The Funky Uncle

This very day in 1976 a little baby boy was born to a grateful family of two brothers and two sisters. We celebrated another birthday Sunday afternoon because of his crazy, busy, work schedule at this time of year. Here are some highlights of then and now and before. Enjoy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER

Let the Party begin!

Who couldn't love this little baby?

A Children's Christmas Program

Every year we look forward to the grade school Christmas programs. There is nothing like this to send you back to your memories of days in school. This year we went to Abby's program which was great as usual. We had hoped to spend a bit more time with her after the show but it was school as usual. She ran out of her classroom to give us a hug and allow us to take this picture.

Sorry this isn't in good focus but you get the idea of how cute the kids are.  Merry Christmas.

The Devine Dinner

We wanted to thank the Bishopric for all their support for David in the ward so we invited them and their spouses for dinner. Our dear friend, Sister Devine, wanted to cook the dinner for us. What a treat that was. She is a gourmet cook and loves every aspect of preparing a meal. Going shopping with her for the food was a treat in itself. She said there just aren't enough meals to cook. I wish I felt like that. It was such a fun night with our friends and me not worrying about the food. I was just able to enjoy it all. Thanks dear friend. You are a blessing.

The Snowbabies

Spencer

Sarah

Analisa

Gabrielle

Katherine

Ansley

Christiana

Matthew

Joseph

Abigail

Eliza Jane

Samuel

Now you all will know which ornament is yours!

Our door is always open.

Just come over.

You all know where we live.

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

Winter has arrived with all it's glory.

I'm not sure that the birds can find their breakfast.

The Grandchildren's Tree

Each grandchild has an Snow Babies ornament purchased the year they were born. Every Christmas they ask "Which one is mine?" I have to go to my list to tell them.

I decided to simplify the mantle this year. Can you find the mice?

Close up of the family room tree.

Close up of the grandchildren tree. This Snow Baby is Christiana's and Samuels is in the background on the left beside the little bird.

This pic is a washed out version of the family room tree. It looks great in person.

So now we are ready and it is time for you to Come over!