Another busy month!!

Where does the time go??? We have had so much going on. Let's see if I can remember it all.

December- We went to Utah to visit with family for a weekend. We missed seeing Melissa and David by a few hours (they went to California). We had a great time visiting and playing games. We found a new game that we will be getting!! We also celebrated Ronan's birthday while we were there and Jonah's birthday the day we got home! The photos all have the wrong dates on them. I didn't realize my camera was off. Oh well, it's fixed now.

Christmas was nice. It was just us here at home so it was quieter than the past few years. We certainly had a white Christmas as it started snowing here in early December and hasn't really stopped!

We hosted a party on New Year's Eve. My parents were here and so we had 2 games of Ticket to Ride available (Thank you Matt and Ruth for the awesome gift!!!). We played several rounds and taught it to a few friends. Warning- it's addictive!! We have played almost every day since Christmas and some days it has been one game after another! Brandon, Fruzsi and I played 3 games tonight. Each lasted about 20-25 minutes!!

Brian is still working up in Big Sky, Montana. He leaves Tuesday morning and comes home Friday night. It's not ideal but it's paying the bills.

We were thrilled to be able to tour the new Rexburg, Idaho Temple several times throughout the Open House! I was especially excited when I went to volunteer on one of the VIP days and found out that Elder Bednar was going to take all of those doing booties (the white plastic things that go over everyone's shoes to protect the carpets) on the first tour of the day. Most of the group were youth but there were a few of us older folks, too. It was a wonderful learning experience and will never be forgotten. It was an amazing feeling to be led through the Temple and be taught in each room by an Apostle of the Lord.

We went as a family on December 31st. What a great way to end the year!! It was wonderful!! The two youngest were so excited but were able to remain reverent throughout the tour. Once we were outside again is another story!! :-) Our exchange student daughter, Fruzsi, met several young men who have just returned (in the past year) from missions in Hungary!! They took her up to the Temple one night and were able to explain in her native language about the different things that happen in the Temple. She went up 5 or 6 times all together and was excited each time. I just wish she could come to the dedication. I know she has felt the Spirit. We have asked the Sister missionaries to come teach her the discussions. I'm going to also ask the Hungarian speaking young men to come so if she needs something explained more fully, it won't be a problem.

We were saddened at the news of President Hinckley's death. However, there have been no tears as we know where he is. I can't even imagine the incredible welcome he recieved from not only his beloved wife but also the millions whose lives he has touched through his aggressive Temple building!! We know the Church is in good hands and will move forward as it should.

This past weekend (the 26th) was the annual Snow Fest here in Rexburg. The kids had a blast sledding down the monster snow hill. Fruzsi braved the icy water and jumped in for the Polar Bear Swim. She wasn't alone. My brother, Rick, and niece, Kelsie, were right there beside her. Crazy heads!!!!! Lucky for them, there is a hot tub right next to the ice tub and they were able to relax in it and warm up. They were next to the last to jump so they didn't have to get out of the hot tub until they were ready. That is them in the photo. We went on a sleigh/wagon ride, watched a chain saw artist carve the White Witch, Aslan and the polar bears out of blocks of snow, went snow bowling, had hot chocolate and watched the bonfire of Christmas trees (the city collects everyone's real trees, stores them at the park and then burns them during Snow Fest. Good recycling, bad smoke). Everyone had a good time. And Fruzsi will remember to dress warmly next time I suggest it. :-) She about froze her feet off, literally.

February is looking fairly busy as well. The Temple dedication was moved back a week. Jonah is participating in the Cultural Celebration that will be on the 9th. Brian and I are serving as Ushers in the Temple for the first dedication session and then we will take Brandon and Jonah to a later session so they can be a part of it, too. I have baptisms and endowment sessions already scheduled for us as soon as the Temple is open for work. I love having to make appointments!! It makes me commit so much more, it's on my calendar and nothing else will get scheduled, I have no excuse!! I can even walk up there if something happens that I can't drive. I love it!!

That's the update on our lives. I've got photos, too. See you next month!!