MERRY CHRISTMAS 2021

 

Our Christmas card this year; taken 15 years ago.

I am redoing my December blog in that I don’t know how, but on the 27th, I deleted that blog. I can’t remember what I wrote so this one will be much shorter and filled with Christmas pictures. I do know that we flew home from Kristin’s safely and Scott was waiting for us at the SLC Airport. 

 On the 4th,  Riley helped Dad put up the lights in way less time than when he did it alone. What a blessing. The lights really cheer up our home. Riley also helped us bring many of our totes upstairs filled with Christmas decorations.

While shopping at WAL-Mart we snapped a picture of the Orem Temple which is going to be so nice.

Tuesday the 7th we did an endowment in the Provo Temple. George has worked so hard to find many names for us to serve. We love being in the House of the Lord.

                                                            tatted snowflake tree

The 8th we picked up Cameron at the shuttle stop so he could go to the BYU/UTS basketball game. He had some friends from Las Vegas and also invited Parker to go to the game. It was fun to have him for such a short time. We took him to the return shuttle the next morning. BYU won the game, but Cameron loves both schools and had fun with friends.

George loves putting up his village every year.

Later that morning, we went to the Provo Temple to do a session. After the session, I forgot where my locker was and had a very hard time finding it. Two sisters helped me, but I just couldn’t remember and I couldn’t find my locker key. Dad was getting very worried. I finally remembered that my locker was on the other side of the lockers and found my key in my pocket. I was so embarrassed and it was very difficult. Thank goodness for such a good husband who loves me even in hard times. 

It only took us seven days to decorate the main floor of our home. It gets harder every year, but so much fun with the Christmas music playing.

 

 Our very first Nativity that we painted because we could only pay $5. The kids chose which one they would paint.

Saturday the 11th was our ward dinner. It was a wonderful dinner with all the trimmings, but the thing we liked most was a table that was set out with paper and pens so that people could write to our ward missionaries. Imagine those missionaries receiving all those letters from home. 

                                                                Dad's 3-D puzzle

Sunday the 12th Brother Nashiff gave an amazing talk in church. It was so powerful and really made us listen. The gospel of our Savior is so beautiful and full of love and truth. 

Monday the 13th Rowan invited us to her little preschool Christmas. She knew every song and was so darn cute. We love going to these things.

For two weeks we have been working on our Christmas puzzle. We may get it finished by New Years.

                                              

Dad loves Christmas and the train under the tree.

                                                                   

Tuesday morning we did sealings in the Provo Temple. We love doing that because it is the last thing we can do for our ancestors. There is a powerful spirit there. When it was over, a Chinese lady was leaving and said, “Dr. Bayles, you were so kind to my daughter at Timpview High School." He replied, “I was so impressed when you invited me to her recital. She is a special girl." The officiator then told us that this lady had done names for the 1000’s and the 1100’s. We were stunned. The spirit was felt. We were so amazed that she could find these names and do the work. What a blessing for her and for us to know that those people can have these blessings from the Lord.

That evening we went to Rowan’s dance recital. What a kick. She loves everything. This family who have just taken Beth and Scott as theirs were also there. It was a cold and snowy evening and we loved it.

                                               Somewhere in here we had a horrific storm.

The 16th saw us at the Payson Temple with the Seamons. We did a session. We love these people whom we met serving in the Palmyra Mission. It is so good to be with them. After the session, we went to I-Hop and just enjoyed being together. Of course I forgot to take a picture.

We were so excited to go to the Giving Tree.  It is so fun.  It was very crowded.  We pushed the buttons for a goat, 3 chickens, a bee hive and meals.  We are excited to go again next week.  

Saturday we delivered neighborhood gifts and later watched the Cougar Independence Bowl Game. We lost to Alabama Birmingham. Yuck.

                                                                     Camel Nativity

Sunday, the 19th Bailey Savage turned 21. She and Riley will be sealed on the 30th. We love her already. 

                                                                  Bear Nativity

Brother and Sister Cook gave their farewell talks. They are going to serve in the Nauvoo Temple. He gave an incredible message about the early people of Nauvoo and how hard life was for them. He said we all have our own Nauvoo. We need to face our hard things like those early people who gave all they had for their knowledge of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It made us really think about how we can do better with our problems.

Monday we did things for our ministering people. We love doing that.

Tuesday we went to the Payson Temple to do Initiatories.  I realized when we got there that I forgotten my names.  At least I could do something for someone else.

The next day Clark and Riley met us at the Timpanogos Temple and did a session. We could live in the temples.

                                        Joseph nd Mary finally made it to the Hills of Judea

Christmas Eve, the 24th, we always have dinner at Scott and Beth's. She is an amazing cook and we just love to be with all the cheer and excitement. They always open one present each, which is always matching pajamas. Even the dogs got a Christmas scarf around their necks.

                                                           They made  it to the manger.

                               Clark and Dianne celebrate a Jerusalem dinner every Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning we just enjoyed being together. I’m not allowed to drive so I had Scott do all my shopping. We opened a gift from Kristin which is always a beautiful calendar with pictures of our family every month. It is professionally done and is always a treasure. 

We then went back to Scott’s to see what Santa had given them. They were so excited and just had a great morning. They are so cute together. 

Scott then gave us a present from all of our children. It is amazing. It’s an electrical screen that has pictures on it. They play for a few seconds and then another picture shows. The kids can add pictures whenever they want from their phones. Technology blows us away. It has been playing ever since and we love it. 

We then went to Clark and Dianne’s. They are so fun. They showed us their things and shared pull a parts with us. Then Dianne gave us gifts. We were surprised because that morning we had opened the family present so we were not expecting anything. She had made us jackets that match our fun times. They are perfect.

Celebrating the birth of our Savior is so wonderful when you have so many blessings and can enjoy it with the family whom we love so much and are so blessed.

Monday was wonderful because Erik’s family surprised us with a visit. We enjoyed this time so much and love having them in our home. They are a great family filled with love .

The next few days found us taking some Christmas decorations down because Titan is coming. We are now ready and excited for him to bring his family from Vegas. Everything he can't reach is still up and festive.

Rowan Nowell celebrated her birthday on the 27th. It was fun as always. She will be 5 tomorrow, but celebrated today. The house was filled with noise and laughter. Her castle cake was on fire. We have never seen such a thing. There was fun for everyone.  She adds so much joy to our family.  She is very loving.

The 28th we were again at the Payson Temple doing sealings for five couples and eight children. Snow was falling and it was a beautiful drive.

The next day was Shanelle's birthday. She can do anything and everything. She is a perfect mother for four boys who are all hard working boys who set a great example for friends.

Today Tiffani's family came to go to Riley and Bailey's marriage in the Payson Temple and reception.  It was just a perfect day, December 30,2021.  It was a cold, snowy and perfect day.  We froze while pictures were taken which didn't bother anyone.  

Dianne did the entire luncheon and she fed everyone so perfectly.  No one was hungry when it was over and there was plenty left over.  The grandchildren from both families gave a tribute to the bride and groom which was so fun and wonderful.  

                                                            family and friends

                                                     Parker, Erik, Shanelle and friends

                                                             Us, Tiffani and Dave

We then went home and rested until the reception which was just wonderful.  Everything was just perfect and so beautiful.  

While there we ran into Cathy Cosby's sister, which we didn't know her husband was a police officer with Bayley's Dad.  Later a young girl came up to me and asked if I remembered her mother, a teacher at Canyon Crest, where I taught.  What a fun thing.  I loved working with her mother and the daughter works where her boss is our Clark.  It was a great evening.

                                    

                      Some of our grandchildren;  Ava, Lauren, Rowan, Jonny, Clara, Nixon, Asher.

Friday we had cinnamon rolls then Tiff's family drove to Farmington for Bumper Cars on Ice with Erik and Clark's families.  They said it was so fun.  

The highway was thick with snow and traffic was awful.  We have had no snow since this morning.

Dave and tiff decided to stay another day in that the roads were so bad.

New Year's Eve, Parker invited Cameron for the evening with some friends.  The twins stayed home, played with Titan and watched TV.  BORING, but they didn't seem to mind. 

                               Us oldies just watched football until the big ball in New York dropped.

Well this has been a great year with the Covid and other things but knowing that our Savior has been there every minute has blessed us continually.  We love our Father in Heaven and the knowledge that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ blesses us always and we just need to follow Him and spread the news to others.  We love being in the temples often to help those who have gone before and having family be there with us sometimes.  Life is wonderful and we love our children, grand children, and great grand children beyond our prayers.  May you all be blessed this coming years with happiness and love. 

GIVING THANKS

                                               This month we are thankful for temples

We started by taking Kristin and the kids to the SLC airport at 6:00AM.  They got their first flight but missed the second and ended up flying to Charleston where David picked them up and finally got home at 3:am.  We got home and rested.  We are so grateful that they were able to come and visit for a few days.  We love when they come and we love them.  

Tuesday we were thankful for a home where we hope people feel welcome. Wednesday found us in the Provo City Center Temple.  What a great way to start a day.  We are so grateful for temples where we can feel the Spirit in abundance.

Thursday, Nov. 4th was my sister, Karen's birthday.  I am especially grateful for her in that she is my only sister and is a perfect example of kindness for me.  She has been a perfect sister my entire life and has always been so kind to me.

                                      Dresses my mother made in Nampa, Idaho. Easter 1949

 I don't ever remember her being unkind.  We never fought like some siblings do.

Friday we are thankful that our neighbor, Bryan Piggott, raked his many leaves and carried 2 garbage containers to our back yard and dumped them in our garden.  He helped Granddad spread them over it.  The leaves give us good soil in the Spring.

Saturday, the 6th, was a fun day in that at 9:00  Baylie Savage had a wedding shower hosted by Dianne and her girls.  We are so grateful that Riley found her and that they will be married in the Jordan Temple on December 30th.  They are so excited and so are we.  We are grateful that they have chosen the Lord's way by being worthy to enter the temple of our God. 

 We left immediately after the shower to head to Las Vegas for a concert of The Zion's Youth Orchestra and Choir that Clara was chosen to play her violin with.  We listened to the BYU football game on the way down.  They won by many.  When we got to Tiff's, Dave's Mother and Larry were there.  They are wonderful parents.  We are so grateful that they love our Tiffani.

Sunday was Daylight Savings Day.  Yeah!  We went to church with everyone and then had a great dinner of Tiffani's famous chicken noodle soup.  Only the next day we realized she left the noodles out.  It was still so good.  We laughed and laughed about that.  The girls left for the 5:00 performance of ZION'S YOUTH SYMPHONY AND CHORUS, Featuring Nathan Pacheco.  "The mission of this youth group is to cultivate the Spirit of the Lord and build testimonies of the Gospel through the development of musical talent and performance of inspiring music."  Never have I been so impressed with these young performers.  There were over 200 youth dressed in formal black attire, and in perfect behavior.  The music was unforgettable, powerful, and majestic. Clara was not old enough to be there because they were all in high school and she is just in 8th grade but the conductor, David Skouson, invited her to play the violin with the others. There were missionaries gathering in the entrance giving information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was such a special Sabbath. 

After the performance we crossed over the street where Tiffani had box lunches prepared for us.  We didn't want to leave and the men were coming for the 7:30 performance.  The men came shortly and we watched to see if Camille's (Dave's mother) missionary grandson was there.  Suddenly there he was just across the street.  How wonderful.  Then a minute later we saw a young missionary from our ward and visited with him; two wonderful blessings.  We then went in for the evening performance.  Again, in was perfection.  We have never heard such music.  We were shocked when we realized it was the last number.  We wanted it to continue.  We are so blessed to have been able to experience his wonderful, uplifting evening.  We are so blessed to have Clara work so hard and perform so well at this event.  Hours of hard work and time went into this evening.  It was indeed a blessing to be here with her family'

The next morning found us driving home, very tired but filled with blessings and the knowledge that the restored gospel sf true.  How blessed we are for this gift.

Tuesday, the 9th we were filled with thankfulness that all of our children and grands are so wonderful and filled with goodness, kindness and love of the Lord.  It just doesn't get better than that.  

The next day we did a session in the Provo Temple and then met Lily and Jonny to do baptisms.  We were all baptized 5 times and it was so wonderful and filled with the Spirit.  We are so thankful for worthy grandchildren who love to do this work for our Father in Heaven. We have many who are worthy but all cannot go at the same time; maybe one day.  

November 11th my most favorite person turned 77 years old.  He has been my constant for 55 years.  He is a man of God who honors his priesthood and never falters.  I can depend on him always for whatever I need.  He is  great father and great grandfather for our family.  They can always depend on him.  His Grands love him to the moon and back.  I am so thankful for his every day care and the many things he does for me.  We went to Magleby's for breakfast and Outback for diner.  Not very good choices but sure was a fun day.

                                                                    always together

Today, the thirteenth, we bought frames for our wedding pictures.  We have been married for 55 years and no photographer in Blanding.  My dad took pictures on a fancy camera and no photography place could develop them.  We did not have enough money to go to a specialty place. A friend, Dave Freeman, said he would look at them.  He did it and we now have color pictures.  They are beautiful.  We are so thankful to have these wonderful reminders of tht special day. We have others and are excited to frame them too.

The fourteenth, I was released from my ward calling as funeral helper.  I am so thankful to be able to serve in such a small way.  We both have stake callings as facilitators in Finding Strength in the Lord; Emotional Resilience Program.

The 15th, Riley Clark Bayles turned 22.  He has been home from his mission for a year and an elder from his mission lined him up with his sister.  The wedding is next month.  Bailey  is a wonderful match for him and they will be married in the temple.  He is a fine young man and has lived the Doctrine of Christ all his life.  We are so proud of the decisions he has made all of his life.  He is a good man and we are thankful for him.

                                                       These pictures are to impress Bailey

The next day we got ready for our flight to SC, Kristin's, Tybee Island, and the Georgia Southern vs BYU game.  Thank goodness for airplanes.

The 17th Scott picked us up at 4:45 AM to take us to the SLC airport for our fun trip.  We will be gone for 2 weeks.  We are so thankful for a good son to drive us so we didn't have to leave our car for 2 weeks.  We have TSA and George still had to go through security twice and they frisked him thoroughly.

We had to walk forever to get to our gate but when we got to Atlanta, a wheelchair was waiting for us; thanks to Kristin.  We then loaded for Kristin's along with Jalen.  Again, Kristin had a wheelchair for us. It was so fun to be with them.  

We left for Savannah the next morning and I can't even imagine how Kristin got everything in the car we had rented.   She even loaded a walker she had borrowed.  She had rented an Air B&B on Tybee Island just steps to the sand.  It was wonderful.  The only worry I had was 1 toilet with 6 people.  Never had a problem.  We ate at a Sports Bar and walked out on the beach.  The waves made beautiful music.  So grateful that Kristin did all the plans for us. 

                                                                            pier

                                                                       sunrise

                                                                     Jalen on the beach

Kristin found this critter, a Horseshoe Crab, on the beach and took it home and Dad gave it several coats of something and they hung it on the wall.  They are both a little off.

                           David, Baylie and Jalen climbed to the top while we shopped for souvenirs.

On the way to Georgia Southern, we toured Fort Pulaski.  It was so informative and the tour was on our own and we could go at our own pace.  It was amazing.  I couldn't go to everything but I enjoyed every thankful moment.

                                                                    Amazing view

                                                                      North Battery

                                                                       bunker

                                                                           beds

                                                               battlement  on top of wall

The next day we took in Savannah.  We saw the Factors Walk where ships came in and out selling and buying goods.

We absolutely love this place and enjoyed every bite. (lots of good candy stores).  We loved the waving girl statue on the walk.  Every day for years she waved a cloth to the sailors on the ships coming into the harbor.

                                     football players  The one on the left, #0 had 2 interceptions
                                                              

                 

             

                 The beautiful homes in Savannah everywhere.                  

We then headed for the football game.  Georgia Southern is a beautiful campus.  We parked where the tailgaters were and found Tiffani's nephew.  He loves cooking for football games.  The food was unbelievable.  He had several different kinds of steak, potatoes, salads, and yummy desserts.  We were amazed.  We ate until we could not eat another thing.  Thankful for the invite.

                                    Dave Jennings relatives who were so fun and a great group.

We were so surprised when Lynn and Carla Massey and their daughter Kalen and her husband  from our NC Mission showed up.  Kalen was in high school when we were there. They figured we would be there and looked for a BYU group.  We love them and it was so good to get hugs.

The game was not good the first half but they made up for it the second half.  It was just so fun and we had more fans than Georgia Southern. 

                                         BYU had the stadium.  They were great and very loud.
                                                 

                                                 

                                                               Thankful that we won.

After the game we went back to the tailgate party and ate some more that Paul prepared.  Amazing!  David drove all the way home while we all slept.  We got home at midnight and fell in bed. So thankful that David is a good driver and happy that church was not until noon.  

Monday We shopped for the final things for Thanksgiving dinner.

Tuesday we went to the movie, King Richard.  It was powerful.  It's about Venus and Serena     Williams.  It showed how firm their father was about family coming first. We are so blessed when we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and follow him.  We are so thankful for an eternal family who we love so much.

Wednesday, Kristin worked all day on brining the turkey filled with fruit and vegetables.  She also made a delicious pumpkin pie. We are so grateful for a daughter who loves her family so much that she takes the time to make everything so good.

Thanksgiving was on the 25th and Kristin spent the entire day working on a great dinner.  She had all the trimmings and the kids set a beautiful table.  The day giving thanks for our many blessings.  The restored gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ, and His atonement is so beautiful and we are so thankful for the children our Father has given us and the good people they are.  Family headed with an obedient father who honors his priesthood is a very peaceful feeling.  There is no way we can count our blessings; there are just too many.  We spent the day watching football which we all watched together.  Jalen is very much aware of who he wants to win.  It's just fun to all be in the same room having fun.

The best thing about this day was that Ava June became a teenager. 

She is such a fun girl who loves to do anything with her family.  She also loves her cousins and do fun things with them.  She is a very good student and loves to dance.  She is at the Dance Club many hours and now can dance on her toes.  She loves it.  She is a great helper for her mother and father and knows how to work hard. We are so grateful for this young girl.

Friday was another fun day watching football.  We just relaxed.

Saturday is a very fun day in Columbia in that 4 streets are changed into a street market. No matter the weather, it happens.  We absolutely love to go.  They have all kinds if art work, food, flowers, candy, and more.  This is where dad gets some ends for his canes.  Jalen pushed me in a wheel chair the entire time and when it was over the last block was up hill.  He wouldn't let anyone else do it.  It was a long, hard push.  I was so thankful for his help

                                   She dresses this way often during December.  We just laugh.

 Sunday, the 28th, was another good day filled with gratefulness.   We love the Sabbath no matter where we are.  After dinner, David did an absolutely Hollywood version of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.  It's one of my favorite books.  We then had latkes and scrambled eggs  for dinner and the kids lit the Menorah.  We all talked about this tradition in the Jewish faith.  We love tht Kristin does this.  She also teaches about other Religious traditions when the events happen.  

Monday the 29th, we drove out in the country to a town called Ridgeway.  It was a beautiful drive but the little town was even better.  The homes were huge mansions along the main road and they were very old.  We followed Kristin's GPS and went along very tiny roads that seems to go nowhere.  One was even gravel.  It took us awhile but eventually found the house we wanted.  It belongs so the man who makes bottle stoppers at Soda for Dad's canes.  We went to trade a seam ripper for one I wanted.  His shop was huge and perfect.  He was very nice and we will see him again when we go to Soda.

That night we went to Saluda Shoals near their home and saw the most beautiful lights we have ever seen;  thousands of them. We stayed  in our car, rode on a train and a hay wagon. 

                                                    They even had S'mores for us to make.

                                           One was the hay wagon and the other was the train.

Just riding in the car took 45 minutes.  We also took a walking trail which was very cold but amazing.  There is no way to show them on a camera; I don't know how.

                                       

                                     

The last day of this month, we prepared to go home.  This has been a great visit with so many good times.  We love this family but don't get to be with them very often so 2 weeks was just wonderful.  We are grateful that Baylie was so good about giving up her room for so long.  She has been sleeping on a mattress in Jalen's room or the living room.

We love this beautiful restored gospel with a living prophet on this earth today.  It just doesn't get better that that.  Every day we love each other and our family more.

How blessed we are and thankful to be chosen to be the parents of 5 wonderful, helpful and loving children.  We give thanks every day for them and their perfect children.  They are amazing parents and listen to their children's needs and are so helpful in teaching, by example, the restored gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ. Six of our grandchildren have been endowed, we are so blessed and give thanks daily.