On This Good Day: December 2008

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Beaches & Cathedrals

On Tuesday afternoon, Jim took our guests to Laguna Beach so they could see the ocean while they were visiting. The day was still clear so they were able to have sunshine even though the day was windy.

The lovely couple

In the evening we went to the Crystal Cathedral for the production of "The Glory of Christmas."

Our seats were located in the east balcony, so we had the angels flying over our heads, the trumpeteers standing only a few feet in front of us, and the organist playing the massive pipe organ off to our left! It was awesome to watch the story unfold! We really enjoyed the music and the story of Christmas that never grows old--no matter how many times we hear it.

The cathedral was decorated so beautifully for Christmas.

After the program ended, Jim and Mary drove back to Vegas where they took their plane back home. Thanks J&M for your visit and a wonderful time together!

These two students spent many hours studying for their upcoming boards. But occasionally they would take a break and go for a walk around the block, or snuggle up on the couch to watch a TV program and drink some hot chocolate!

Thanks M&G for a wonderful time together. We'll be praying for you in the days ahead as you take your tests and as you continue to travel and interview for your next job!

Jim & Mary come to visit

On Sunday evening, Gina's parents arrived for a short visit. It was fun to meet them and share our family with them. On Monday afternoon, we drove to Riverside where we met the rest of our kids for a family picture and also supper together.

Once again, this little one proved to be the center of attention!

His daddy found a red wagon and thought that his son needed a ride.

Jim and Mary loved being out of the snow for a few days!

We even had an early birthday celebration for the mother-to-be!

M&B

After our meal together, we took M&G and her parents to see the historic Mission Inn in

downtown Riverside. The decorations were so beautiful, it was like walking through a

Christmas dreamland!

Busy little elves were posted all over the grounds, in every nook and cranny.

The inside of the building was also festively beautiful.

This very tall tree graced the lobby...

...and even there we found little elves hiding in the branches!

A group of carolers in a nearby store window

We walked around the entire block, admiring the beautiful lights and listening to the Christmas music playing from the windows above us.

Sorry, this one is out of focus, but you can see the beautiful sidewalk that we walked through. It was a wonderful evening and well worth the hassle that we had trying to find a parking place!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas

We have been blessed once again to celebrate the Lord's birth with family and friends. We are so thankful for the past year and all the wonderful changes, surprises, joys and also sorrows that it has brought our way. We rejoice with you at the this time of year and exclaim to all

"A Merry Christmas and God bless us, everyone!"

Now we will share with you some of the highlights of the past week...

Of course, our celebration centered around this little boy's first Christmas.

Jayden also earned to climb the stairs while he visited us.

and play the piano...

He crawls faster now and loves standing up and walking beside things.

It was wonderful to have the "big kids" around also! Bec and Gina carefully tasted each jelly belly to make sure that all the beans were correctly flavored.

Krista had to check out Mark's laptop and his latest programs.

The weather on Saturday was cool, but we did enjoy a walk around the neighborhood with this little guy.

On Sunday morning, as Gma was working in the kitchen, this happy little guy showed up. We went to the morning service together as a family, then enjoyed a relaxing afternoon together. In the late afternoon, we had our family celebration and opened gifts.