Merry Christmas to All Our Family and Friends!!!!

David, and Gavin Poulsen, Sam and James Mason, Boone Poulsen and little Rose Mason
is Mary. We were happy to share this sweet scene via google chat.

Another picture from our trip to the world's largest Christmas store, Bonner's Christmas Wonderland. While we were there I picked up a little brochure that had such a good message that I wanted to share it. "When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, the personal importance of His coming was emphasized. Luke 2:10-11 'And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' Have you ever thought that it was for you the Saviour was born? Do you realize that when God sent His Son into the world, He sent Him to become your Saviour?...Yes, it was for you that Jesus came. " .....(by Dr. Willard M. Aldrich)

This was our very first Christmas with just the two of us in the forty five years that we have been married. I would be lying if I said I wasn't lonely for my family, but we really did have a lovely day. We had more time to think about the true meaning of Christmas; I love Jesus Christ so much and am so grateful for His birth and His atoning sacrifice for all of us.

Craig and I had our own fondue party Christmas Eve and, because we are such creatures of habit, we had our own little program which was me sharing a Christmas thought and then Craig reading the Christmas story out of Luke. We then hooked up with the Clovis bunch and watched their Christmas Eve dinner and program via Google video chat. It was wonderful and we got to chat with some of our children and grandchildren, listen to Ian recite a scripture, Michael play the clarinet, James play the french horn, Gavin share his origami talents, Seth at the piano while he and Connor sang "O Holy Night", witness the annual live nativity scene, and all the other wonderful Christmas activities that were going on. We almost felt like we were there. Technology made being away from our family so much easier as we were able to see or talk to all of our children and it has been wonderful. We are also so grateful for all the cards and letters from friends and family.

Because most of the MSU students are gone during the break, we have been able to start getting prepared for next semester's classes. We are also cleaning out closets, and organizing the kitchen at the institute getting ready for a very busy next semester.

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

The Christmas tree in our humble little apartment. As you can see, our family has taken good care of us as far as presents go. We will miss our annual family Christmas get together, but will try to share with our kids and grandkids courtesy of iPhones and Skype. What a wonderful time of year as we again celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We miss very much not only our family but all of our wonderful friends, and wish for each of you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.

Last Saturday, on our preparation day, we drove to Frankenmuth, MI. which is up in the "thumb", near Saginaw. It is a Bavarian themed town, settled in the mid 1800's by a group of Lutheran missionaries. One of the big attractions there is Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. It is 8 acres of CHRISTMAS ! They have in the huge store over 600 kinds of nativity scenes from many countries, and over 5000 different Christmas tree ornaments for sale! Fun place to jump start the Christmas spirit. We walk most mornings - unless the temps are single digits or below - on the MSU campus and along the Red Cedar river, which flows behind our apartment and through the campus. Whoops...did I say "flow"? Until spring, any water movement is below the ice and snow, as the river is mostly frozen over. Beautiful sight, though!

Weather Report: 14 Degrees Feels Like -1 F

We got our first big snow storm today and it was quite a storm. I looked out the window at church and it was not only snowing, but the wind was blowing the snow all over. I really do understand now about those coat closets in churches---people actually use them! It is super cold here, but so gorgeous. It felt like Christmas morning when we woke up this morning and looked out our bedroom window and saw everything covered in a blanket of snow. (I worried for the little squirrel I saw clawing at the snow covered ground looking for something to eat.)

We had another baptism in our ward after church today and we also had one last Saturday--two really wonderful young people. The ward mission leader organized both baptisms and they were so well organized and very spiritual.

The young people in the ward never cease to amaze me. Today the elder's quorum president so gingerly helped a new deacon pass the sacrament for the first time. It was touching to watch as the new deacon is completely blind. We have another student who is blind in our ward and everyone is so helpful to her as well. Her name is Jo and she lives in the apartment here in the Living Center and lives independently. Our dear friend Michelle, who is a student here at MSU, told Jo that she would give her a ride to the airport in Detroit. Thinking it over, Michelle realized it would probably cost her about $40 dollars to take Jo to the airport with gas and lunch not to mention the time it would take and the hassle of the airport. (Michelle works at a local convenience store so I am sure money is tight.) Michelle found out that she could get a shuttle for Jo which would only cost $30, which Michelle paid for it. She didn't stop there. Michelle then called the airport to make sure someone would be available to assist Jo with checking in etc. when she arrived at the airport. What a dear sweet person Michelle is and Craig always says she reminds him of our Heather. These young people continue to teach us a lot about being Christlike. We are looking forward to a wonderful holiday season.

A Joyous Season begins....

Last night the Lansing Stake had an event prior to the Salt Lake First Presidency Devotional. It included many choir numbers celebrating our Savior's birth, performed by the Childrens Choir, the Youth Choir, and the Adult Choir. It was excellent, accompanied by a pastoral symphony comprised of organ, piano, flute, oboe, cello, viola and violin. We have some amazing musical talent in our Ward among the MSU students. There was also a display of many creche's and, finally, a living nativity by the University Ward. What a great way to start this season of gratitude for the birth of the Savior. btw that is a real live baby being held by Mary...he was calm and restful for the entire presentation!

When Karen and I headed out for our morning walk, about 7 AM, it was "24 degrees, feels like 13". That's code for adding in the wind chill (locals call it "lake effect") factor. We made it about a mile and decided it was time to get smart. Brrrrr!