2008 Christmas Collage

Though we are far away from home and despite experiencing a few moments of longing for our family and traditions of Christmas's past...

This year
**Three wonderful Baptisms,
**Christmas Eve in the homes of new friends,
**Sharing our little home and Christmas brunch with friends and strangers
** A lovley traditional Christmas dinner with Leola and her family. (True friendship stands the test of time)
**Letters from our family of Christmas memories and testimonies read aloud (a pile of wet Kleenex and a heap of damp paper towels)
**Delicious authentic tamales with the Moraga family
(friendships with a gospel foundation quickly become deep)
**Delivering 7 plates of goodies with Christmas DVDs.

All of this and more will make this truly a Christmas to be remembered.

Parable of the Amaryllis

On my birthday- eve I received a gift with a promise. The gift itself was plain and nothing to be desired. It came with a bag of rich brown soil, a green pot and some instructions. For the doubting heart, it might have been considered a thing of naught and quickly discarded. But because I had great faith in the giver, I hoped that following the directions would bring a beautiful reward.

.

So faithfully I read and heeded the directions. I placed the bulb in the soil and added the water. I carefully placed it where it would receive sunlight and and warmth. Then I waited and watched .

I was excited to see the bulb produce a green shoot that grew several inches in just one week. My faith in the gift grew just as the green shoot had grown.

The next week I suffered a moment of doubt. Oh, the shoot grew rapidly it was true. But there was no blossom, no thing of beauty as I had hoped. Still, I continued nurturing and caring for the growing plant. This I did because I had faith in the giver of the gift.

Just about three weeks from the day I received the gift, the reward came. Beautiful bright blossoms. Just three weeks of heeding the word and nurturing my faith and the beautiful gift arrived.

I trusted the giver (my Mother) and had faith in the Word (the instructions). Though it required some effort on my part, the reward was truly a gift.

As the world celebrates the glorious gift of the Savior of mankind. Let us remember to have Faith in the Giver, to heed the Word, to nurture our growing Faith- and the Gift we most certainly will receive will be more Glorious than we could even imagine.

Merry Christmas to all of you,

my dear family and friends

SWEET TRADITIONS

Yummy...aren't these beautiful cookies. They tasted even better than they look. Our friend Liz and her two sons made them for us. I LOVE Christmas cookies.

When the kids were little we would make them every year. I would mix the dough and pull out all the cookie cutters. The kids would help roll the dough out, cut the cookies in their favorite shapes and place them on a cookie sheet. Then when they cooled we would decorate them. The kids helped with everything- except maybe the clean up. It was messy, but worth it. Now I just get to reap the benefits of other people's talents. I like that a lot... but I do miss those chubby little sticky fingers helping me make plates of Christmas sweets.

NEW TRADITIONS

The only thing better than Zone Conference... CHRISTMAS ZONE CONFERENCE

Ward parties

Ronny and his kids- Little Ronny, Johnny and Morning Star. We have been friends with them since we were here in January of 2008. In fact they have become like family to us. Poor little Morning Star doesn't like that man in the white beard very much.

Santa welcomes our new friends to the Christmas party. Amber and Daniel will be baptized a few days after Christmas. The Elders are our zone leaders and very good missionaries.It was a fun party.

Ward Christmas parties are definitely a big part of our holiday tradition. I seem to enjoy them a little more now than when I had to decorate, cook and chase kids every year. Or then again, maybe its just being a missionary that has made me appreciate this annual tradition... I'll give that some thought.

A Christmas Celebration

As long as I can remember, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day have been completely filled. Shopping, decorating, baking, writing Christmas cards and many other things crowd our schedules and sometimes stress us out or wear us down. Still, I love this Season. Don't you think people are just a little friendlier? Just a tad kinder. Maybe more patient- well just a little more. This year we will spend our very first Christmas without family. We are not complaining. We truly believe nothing of importance happens without some level of sacrifice. We are so blest to have phones, cell phones, email, blogs, websites, digital pictures and good old fashioned mail. It keeps us so close to the people we love the most. We are also so very blessed to share this time of year with our Mission Family. There is no finer group of people anywhere. We are unified in the most rewarding work on this earth- bringing Souls to Christ. So, though we will miss the presence of our family- we feel so very close to them as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. These pictures are of the Mission Office Staff- plus President Pfile. We had a little office party in our home. It was so much fun. We hope your Christmas season is filled with celebrations. We wish you joyous times with family and friends. We pray your hearts are filled with gratitude and love in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Fresh Bread Anyone?

Elder Fairhurst decided I should follow in the footsteps of Sister Searle. She made homemade bread for Institute class every Tuesday night. Knowing I am not too inclined to do so, and definitely not that skilled... he bought me a bread machine for my birthday. Its wonderful. Nice hot light bread with very little effort. Its not quite Sister Searle's wonderful light wholewheat bread, but it will do.

We LOVE those Elders

This trio of young Elders attended our Ward Christmas party. Don't you wonder what they asked of Santa? I am pretty sure they have been mostly nice, although once in a while SOME of our missionaries can be just a little tiny bit naughty. Mostly related to the mission cars they drive. Since we've been here our missionaries have "bagged" 2 deer, 1 elk, 1 racoon, a few curbs and 1 flying trampoline. Then there was the brand new car that was victim to a snowball fight which shattered the outside mirrors. Oh the stories Elder Fairhurst has to tell. All those years of dealing with broken down junky vehicles and impulsive teen drivers has paid off. I assure you he has developed a much kinder gentler approach than the one he used with our teens!

Last week we had a beautiful heavy winter snow storm. Perfect to put one in the Christmas mood. A few brave young missionaries were out on foot and dropped by the office to warm up a bit. They were bundled to their teeth. For some it was the first such snow storm ever. We loved the snow... and we sure love those missionaries.

Happy Birthday to... ME!!!

Sunday is my birthday. I must be the luckiest 56 year old girl in the whole wide world. I still love having birthdays, even if I don't much like the numbers. I have so many fond memories of my birthday. I think I was about 8 when Mom bought me my first Barbie. I was so excited. Mom has mentioned her disappointment that she didnt get me a real Barbie (funny... there is no such thing as a real Barbie). But as for me... I was thrilled. So thanks Mom. I remember my 15th birthday. I dieted the summer before and started 8th grade slim and trim. Mom bought me a beautiful sweater that year. I really did feel beautiful. Thanks again! When our kids were little they always made a big deal out of my birthday... and they still do. Thanks kids. Fred has tried various interesting ways to surprise me. Like the year he left to go "pick up dinner" so I wouldn't have to cook. Then he came home with a vibrating back massager (for me???) and a pizza from Sam's Club. Thanks Fred... I think. Sorry I couldn't resist mentioning that one, but it was the exception to the rule. He has always found ways to make me feel loved and appreciated on my birthday. And always tells me he thinks I am beautiful then laughs when I roll my eyes. When I turned 40 Mom and Fred planned the perfect celebration. No crowd ready to jump out and yell surprise. No embarrassment. Just my family, gifts, funny stories and lots of love. My friend Lynda never forgets my birthday. Not even the year she was away on a Disney Cruise. This morning beautiful flowers arrived and no surprise the card said "Happy Birthday Susan, from Jim and Lynda". Mom always calls to sing a few lines of Happy Birthday, no matter where I am. My Grandmother also used to call me every birthday and send me a card with 2 brand new 1 dollar bills. Its been 23 years since she passed away, but I think of her and it makes me smile even though I miss her. This year is bitter sweet for me. Its the first year that I will miss hearing Dad call me Sue Lynn and wishing me a happy birthday. I think about him every day and miss him so very much. Even though my heart hurts, I am so very grateful for him and look forward to the day I will again hear his voice. Loving parents, my sweet Grandmother, a devoted husband, wonderful children and grandchildren- truly the best family ever- plus good friends. I really am the luckiest 56 year old girl in the whole wide world.

Gratitude for new friends

Meet Elder and Sister Grover.

Our dear new friends. They run the mission office. I think they actually run the mission, but don't tell President Pfile.

The Grovers have served for over two and a half years. Guess what? Just when they were about to be released, they immediately put their papers in to serve another two years. They are amazing. They live about 75 miles away. Each weekday morning, they drive their car to a Park 'n Ride and catch a bus to Colorado Springs. More than an hour later, they get off the bus, hop into their other car and drive straight to the mission office. They reverse the process at the end of the day. Day after day, week after week, and now year after year. They just don't understand why EVERYONE doesn't want to do the same. They are so much fun. Everybody loves them, especially us. We just wish we could keep up with them.

Grateful for traditions

Don't you just love the Holidays? I especially love traditions. Most families have their own versions Here are just a few of our traditions.

Years ago I began decorating my kitchen cork board with family pictures embellished with seasonal decorations. Not very long after we were settled here in Colorado, I realized I really NEEDED a cork board in this kitchen. Here is my Thanksgiving display. Sorry for the glare- but I couldn't eliminate it no matter how hard I tried.

For the third year in a row, we are holding our Christmas Jar contest. All through the year we throw our loose change into a large jar. Near Thanksgiving we post a picture of the jar on our family website and invite everyone to guess the total. The person with the closest guess receives the amount in the jar. It has been over $150 each year. Its so much fun to see what the little kids guess. One year our grandson Kaden guessed "3 minutes"- he almost won!

Every Christmas, Fred's mother would make hundreds of popcorn balls. She was careful to make sure each family had plenty of their favorite kind. Personally, my favorite is raspberry. My sister-in-law, Candi, started a tradition in her honor. Sometime in November, family members who are available gather and make her famous popcorn balls. Her birthday is November 13th and I know she is smiling down to see her posterity remember her in this manner.

I guess that will do for now.... but be warned... I am just getting started.

Grateful for joyous memories

Yesterday we drove out to Fort Carson to check on a young family. The address sounded familiar- with good reason. It soon became clear that we were visiting the very home we had lived in over 35 years ago. It was an amazing experience to walk through those doors and have memories come flooding in. The kitchen where I cooked meals for our little family of four. The yard and playground where 4 year old Leslie and 2 year old Randy played. We were young then. We were broke most of the time. Yet this home is Holy ground for us. It was here that Fred was taught and excepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Most of last week was spent attending Zone conferences. One in particular brought tender memories. As we sat in the Relief Society room at the Broadmore Building, I was overwhelmed as I recalled that it was in that very room I came back to the church after years of inactivity. I had met Elaine Rice at a Squadron party. She invited me to attend RS with her. At that time it was held during the week. She came and picked me up. I was a little nervous walking into the building, but the minute I heard the hymns of the Gospel I knew I was home. I am so grateful for her simple invitation.

Grateful for our Leaders

Meet President and Sister Pfile. They may well be the busiest people I have ever met. When I drop to the couch at an end of a busy day, I often think about them. For there really is NO end to their day. You could say they have about 150 children to watch over. Adult children, but children still. They counsel, advise, lift, inspire, motivate, serve, pray for, cry with and ever love their missionaries. Despite all these demands they radiate joy in all they do. They are truly filled with the Spirit and an abiding sense of gratitude. So as we prepare for Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to serve with these wonderful leaders. We feel their love and our Savior's love as we labor daily in this great and marvelous work.

Ahhhh... Zone Conference

We are in the middle of Zone Conferences. If you have no idea what that means, picture a family reunion of totally unrelated people who love each other and are thrilled to spend a few hours together. Then imagine that it is a group of about 30 people where the vast majority are between 19 and 22 years old. Think energy, enthusiasm, motion and Spirit. Remember to picture just a few older missionaries less entergetic - but who still have the enthusiasm and Spirit. What do we do? We learn of Christ. We share stories of success in spreading His word. We are taught how to show His love to others by the way we treat them. We laugh together. When touching stories are told, a few tears may fall. There may be a few practical jokes. Or even some gentle scolding from our Mission President. In short, it is a wonderful inspirational experience. We are motivated to try harder. We are filled with love for the Lord, for each other and for all those we serve. We LOVE Zone Conference week. Elder Faihurst and I inspect the mission vehicles and train the young missionaries about vehicle safety. So we get to go to several zone conferences every six weeks. I hope the spirit of these occasions comes through in these pictures.

Foxy visitor

We looked out our window today to see a

red fox crossing our street.

A real live red fox. He seemed pretty brave to be wondering around among the cars and the humans. When I stepped out on our front porch to snap a picture, he turned and looked at me. I am not sure if it was me or my fuzzy pink robe, but something scared him off. I wish I could have gotten a closer picture. I hate to think about it, but I am pretty sure that the fat squirrels in this neighborhood keep Mr Foxy around.

Calling All Grandkids

The play room is ready. Thanks to Walmart, Target, Craig's list and the Flea Market! We have cars and trucks, ponies and dolls, dinosaurs and plastic heroes, legos and books, doll houses and stuffed animals. Pretty much something for everyone. We just need some grandkids!!!

Family Historical Sites

Last Sunday we took a stroll down memory lane... mostly MY memory. I was pleased and a bit surprised that I could remember these "family historical sites".

This family home was purchased by my Grandfather, William Clifton Butts. He died when my mother was five years old, but the family held on to this home for years. 922 Baltic. I have several memories of living there when I was about 3. Some of you may have seen a picture of me in the front yard in a "fru fru" dress with my Grandpa Spargur.

Around the corner is Mill Street, where several family members lived. This house belonged to Great Great Aunt Grace. She was my Grandma Spargur's aunt. I remember her as a very nice white haired lady. The back yard was tiered and she had lots and lots of flowers. She would give us money when we came to see her. At first it was a quarter, but later a dollar or two.

If you drive a couple of blocks down Mill street you come to Myrtle White's home, she is my Great Grandmother. I have many fond memories of "Gom Gom". We always visited her and she was always loving and kind. Of course I remember this house being much bigger... .but then maybe I was much littler.

There you have it. A few choice family historical sites. What a choice blessing to have these memories and feel the connection to generations.

Home Sweet Home

What fun to live in this 100+ yr.old house. The glorious mountains near by. Beautiful colorful falling leaves outside. Fat squirrels stopping by to say hello. Touches of family are all around us. Grandma White's swing on the front porch. Aunt Dorothy's art and decorating style. Wooden pieces made by my Father. In my mind I can clearly see my Grandmother sitting by the window in the corner reading her book and glancing out at the neighborhood. Memories of holidays and vacations. Memories that bring such joy. We feel such a sense of connection to family members everyday. This little house is filled with warmth and comfort. The two pictures above show that we have added a few Fairhurst touches. We have already had several dinners here. Over the next couple years, much missionary work will take place here... in this comfortable warm family home.

Mr and Mrs Fred Fairhurst

-8 Beautiful daughters and 7 handsome sons

-18 wonderful grandchildren

-21 homes in 5 states

AND...living on the same block for over 30 years

-Having our parents nearby as we raised our family

-More cars than we can remember ie: 4 vans, 3 station wagons,

several pickup trucks, a Studebaker and a Gremlin

& now...A white 65 Mustang for our retirement years

-Trips to Canada, Puerto Rico, South Africa and to...

San Diego, Boston, Miami & DC- just to name a few

-Many deployment separations followed by joyous reunions

-Year after year of no money left once the bills were paid

...Followed by Years of prosperity

-College tuitions and wedding expenses

-ER visits, stitches, broken bones, flu and rashes

-dogs named Gipper, Striker and Mickey,

a cat named Snowball, 2 turtles, lizards and one ugly rat

-7 wonderful Temple weddings

-5 missionary children and now...

1 Senior Missionary couple

-Tears of Joy ... Tears of Sorrow... Tears of Inspiration

Good friends from our youth and new friends to meet

Hours and hours of church service- and ever being blessed

Add 9 beautiful peach colored roses and...

You have 39 years of love and adventure-

39 years of marriage!