Light the World

Hi Mason and Landon!

It's December!  We are glad it's here.  It means you have been out 5 months and that in a few weeks we get to talk to you!  What a blessing it is to be a missionary during Christmas time.  No worldly distractions of work, school, dating, money, etc.  Just a time to enjoy doing the work of our Savior.  Telling others about him, and really focusing on him during this time.  As we have started the "Light the World" challenge, it's neat to try to act and give as He gives.  Yet sometimes we can easily get distracted and caught up in the other aspects of Christmas and life.  But we have tried... and so far it's been a blessing to think each day of a way to serve others.

Yesterday we were in Salt Lake City and they have these new vending machines in the Joseph Smith Memorial building.  You can buy stuff that will be given to those in need.  Perhaps you have heard of them in your countries.  We waited in a long line, but it was so awesome to see so many so willing to give.  We were able to buy some glasses for someone.

We also visited the lights on Temple Square.  Gracie is learning the true meaning of Christmas as she loves to see baby Jesus about.  And points and says "There is baby Jesus".  

Gracie also knows about Santa and is so excited about all the Christmas decorations and festivities.  

On Friday night dad and I found ourselves with just Gracie.  Lydia was at Christmas Carol and Jacob at a party.  She has become our third wheel.  We went to dinner and then decided to stop over at Riverwoods to see the lights and Santa.  Gracie was so excited to see Santa, just not too close. 

He talked to her and all she really said back was "ho ho ho".  

Guess she doesn't want anything for Christmas;)

Dating with a 3rd wheel! 

 It was really nice cause it was not crowded at all at Riverwoods an they had this cute little train that took us on a short ride.  Gracie loved it.   

 In Santa's sleigh

Other exciting news...... Jacob was Student of the Month for his 5th grade class.  His teacher says "Jacob is an excellent student! He is a hard worker and great problem solver.  He is always willing to share his ideas and help others to be successful.  He is kind, cares about others, and is a good friend.  He is a happy positive leader.  I'm so grateful I get to be is teacher again!"

It was an honor for Jacob to get this award.  We were so proud of him and grateful he's had such great siblings that have gone before him to be his examples.  

Earlier in the week we also went to Lydia's performance of the Christmas Carol.  It was very good and Lydia did such a great job too.  She really loves the stage and she sure shines!  She has 4 shows down and 21 more to go!!!

(far right: the Cratchit family)

Lydia with her voice teacher who is also in Christmas Carol

We also got the Christmas tree up.  It was just Jacob and Grace at home so Jacob snagged the honors of getting to put the star on top.  We also have a new favorite ornament this year  (on the right) place in a propionate part of the tree.   

And lastly, on Saturday before we went to Temple Square to see the lights we went to a German "Christkindlmarkt" with Grandma and Grandpa (they had been up at the Findlays since Tuesday).  It was like going to GERMANY!! And we loved every minute of it thinking of Mason in Germany.  Wow, Mason.  Germans know how to celebrate Germany!! So fun!  It was at "This is the Place Heritage Park" in Salt Lake City.  (remember where we went earlier in the summer this year)  It was a free event which was so nice.  I have a feeling that when Mason you are home you will be visiting this market every year!  

Far right (some German's that were attending, I know kind of creepy that I took a picture of people I don't know but I loved how they were dressed)

Some of the markets.  It went all over the park. It was very nice, fun and SUPER CROWDED! 

Lots of yummy German food and other gifts to buy. 

 This was Gracie's favorite place.  She kept wanting to go back to put her face through the hole to be this little girl.  

The entertainment was really good too.  This guy could yodel, sing, play the bells and the accordion.  We watched him two different times.  We told Gracie that it was music from Germany, where Mason is and she was so excited and loved dancing to it.  I will try and send you a video of her dancing separately.  

Longer post today and just a few highlights of our week.  Much of our week was still the normal, homework, work for dad, chores, cleaning up around the house and other mundane tasks.  But we rejoice in this season knowing that because of Him we are truly blessed with peace in a lonely world. And that He is the only way to true happiness, joy, peace and the way back to our Father in Heaven.  

LOVE YOU!