We were able to again participate in giving with Service for Humanity. Dale, Danica and I went around to the homes of four Sr. Citizens and sang carols and delivered gift bags. It's always a joy seeing their faces light up. Danica and Garrett also got in on the wrapping of gifts for the families that were sponsored. I can't think of a better way to kick off the official Christmas season---I feel very fortunate to have been able to help out with this effort for the past 14 years.
Dale, Garrett, Danica and I went to Salt Lake to see The Blue Man Group preform at Kingsbury Hall. They had the whole crowd involved in their program through movement and song. It was very unique as well as entertaining. We all had a great time and were sad to see it end. To curb Garrett's ravenous appetite we had to stop at In N' Out Burger so he'd be able to make it through the show. I had Animal fries---not bad, but I'd recommend they use real cheese on the fries instead of that imitation stuff. :)
I was able to serve in the Youth Center twice this month. Once with an adorable 7 month old that hardly ever made a peep and once with a darling 2 yr. old that wouldn't stop talking until we got out in the hall and were heading up to the sealing room. It's like she knew what was going on and the sacredness of the temple. I thoroughly love serving in the Youth Center and seeing families sealed for eternity----seeing God's precious children all in white kneeling at the alter, priceless!!!
Danica's friend, Josh, had his mission farewell and then left for the MTC on the 28th. She made sure she got in as much "quality time" as possible she could with him----we had to split on who went where when he had his farewell because Dale and Garrett had agreed to sing in our Sacrament Meeting the same day. So, the Mallory's went with Dale and Garrett and Andrew, Lindsay, Danica and I went to hear Josh speak. They both did a great job.
We met at Val and Nancy Potter's newly remodeled house for the Hansen Christmas Party. We all fit very comfortably and enjoyed a tasty ham dinner, games and visiting with the family. Thanks Potter's for hosting this, I have a feeling we may be doing more of the same in your "great room" in the near future!! (Or until someone spills red punch on the carpet)
For the Petersen Christmas party we went to a live Nativity that was put together by Craig and Janet's boy, Michael. We took the scenic route in getting there, but we made it just in time to see the program.
We met at Casper's Malt Shoppe after for ice cream treats. I had a "Hot Shot", it's hot chocolate with ice cream. Very satisfying!!
Having the Mallory Clan around added the excitement that we lacked for the holidays with a wedding pending. We even made graham cracker houses, I haven't made those in forever! There's nothing better than seeing the wonder in a child's eye and hearing the joy in their voices.
Dale, Garrett, Andrew, Grandpa Hansen, Josh and his dad all went rabbit hunting near Yost. With very little snow it was more of a challenge, but they still seemed to find them. All had a good time.
Zandra recieved her endowments in the Logan Temple on the morning of the 23rd. What a special day it was for her. I was her escort and felt very blessed. She was so excited and just beamed the whole time. She's anxiously awaiting when she'll be sealed to Garrett and become Mrs. Garrett Hansen. We had a small group at the temple and went to dinner at The Bluebird after to visit. It was a neat experience for us all.
Dale and I made another trek to Salt Lake and we took in the Manheimn Steamroller Concert. We left early enough so that we could walk around Temple Square and take in the whole Christmas spirit. It was a wonderful evening with all the sights as well as the fun, funky, and delightful music. What a way to truly get me in the spirit of the season.
We had Danny, Terry and Lance, along with Grandpa and Grandma Hansen, Andrew and Lindsay, Garrett and Zandra, Danica, Dale and I here for Christmas Eve. We followed tradition and went and lit luminares and caroled at Dad and Mom's grave and then had warm soups, a cheeseball and crackers and vegetables. We went caroling with the neighbors and did our little program with the kids each participating. Danica split up her time with us and even brought the Whitman's here to get in on the program. I must say Andrew and Lindsay perfected Jingle Bells on the pipes! Garrett and Zandra kept the music going and we had a nice reminder of the Life of Christ.
Christmas morning was quiet, but we still carried on tradition and the kids here piled on our bed as we read from Luke 2 --- the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Then we moved onto the gifts---Santa was good to us again this year. I have music filling the kitchen again!! (Dale gave me a nice CD/radio/IPod player). With church falling on Sunday we all went to church where our choir put on the program. Dale and I are both in the choir, so we were probably more spiritually fed. I love singing the songs of Christmas. We had a nice meal here and then went and visited Dale's folks. Merry Chritmas Everyone!! You know we don't even have much snow, but it still felt like Christmas. I guess it's what you make it.
Danica went to Kaysville and went to a soccer try-out for Iowa Lakes Jr. College. She felt good about how she did and is hoping to hear from them next month. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
We got ALL the family here again because of the wedding. What great help they were in setting up the room. Thanks too, to Danny, Terry and Stephanie for all their help!! I'm sorry if I got a little crazy---it just happens when I'm a little stressed. We officially met the Dennis family and decided that Zandra did alright by them. They are very easy to get to know. We're already looking forward to when we go to Washington in May, to hang out on their turf.
Grandpa Hansen sealed Garrett to Zandra in the Logan Temple on the 30th. We had all of our kids in the temple (except Danica). It was also neat to have Zandra's mom and close friend there as well. We did a ring ceremony right after the sealing at the Logan River Golf Course where her dad gave away the bride and Garrett and Zandra exchanged rings. Then we ate dinner at the Tandoori Oven and headed back to the golf course for a little program that Garrett and Zandra put together for close friends and extended family. The reception followed and we had a great turn-out and a fun time. Jaxson and Kennlyn were the cutest couple out on the dance floor (sorry Garrett) and we all got to see Garrett and Zandra's friends do some serious swing dancing. There was plenty of hot chocolate, cake, cheesecake, cake balls and clementines to go around and the place looked beautiful. We all lined the sidewalk and lit sparklers for the new couple to run through as they headed out as Mr. and Mrs. It was a wonderful day---thanks to all for making it happen. I've been blessed with some great friends and an awesome family.
I must say, my bed did feel good that night-----
We brought in the New Year by having all our family around as well as Zandra's dad, mom, and brother. We ate and played games and even set off fireworks to bring in the New Year! I do have to say that the Hansens do know how to party! The guys even took the challenge to see who could improve on their body image the most in the next 3 months. They took pictures and will track their progress through skype. Dale's determined to win---he's bought a pull-up bar/exercise system and been running already. We'll see who wins---I'm not sure what the winner gets other than bragging rights and a new look though.
Now all the hype and excitment is over it's kind of a bittersweet feeling. We're down to just having Danica, Dale and I in the house. It's definitely going to be a change, but at least we'll know when to turn out the porch light!! It's been quite a month, but I wouldn't change it for anything---loved it!!!
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