Merry Christmas 2012

On Christmas morning we awoke and went to our own ward for church.  After the meeting we took a few pictures of some of our dear friends in the church courtyard.  Both Pres. Reynoso and Dad had on their Christmas ties.

This is the Cejin family.  He is the FM person for this part of Mexico.  He takes very good care of the  problems of the mission home, temple, chapels, and anything else that hangs under his title.  His wife is actually our new R.S. President.

The Reynoso family with mom and also the sister of Micaela who served in Dad's mission.

Then we came back to the mission home for blueberry muffins and scrambled eggs.

We got a Christmas stocking for mom and filled it with fun things.

We even received some little gifts from some missionaries.  This tie and letters came from Elder  Rodriguez who went home in December.  His letters to us meant so much.  The next day we received a Christmas package from his mother filled with little homemade Mexican cookies, jams, and chocolate kisses.  Elder Rodriguez speaks pretty good English and wants very much to go to BYU this summer.  We think he is one who will make it there.  We can't wait to see him again.


Elder Stevens sent us a little Mexican nativity.  Also, sweet Rosario gave us a little set of sunflower ceramic salt and pepper shakers, etc because she knows I like sunflowers.

Mom got a couple of new, beautiful scarves.

Aaron and Katie and the kids sent us new pictures, special  homemade pictures and goodies from home.

The parents of Elder Franklin had a special oil vial made from the wood he got from the birthplace of Joseph Smith and she made me some awesome hotpads.  They are serving a mission in New Hampshire where are friends, the  Wilkey's, are serving as president.

My mother brought us the Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert DVD with David Archuleta and a book with the message from David McCullough about Christmas in 1941.

Camille and Jared sent us workout shirts to get back into shape.  We are excited for that.  We're working on it.

My mom gave Dad a tie.

Marissa created a scrapbook with sound for us with memories of their family with us inside.  It was great to hear their voices.  We also received a gift card from Chris and Tara that we'll be happy to use when at home, a box of See's Almond Toffee from Elder Peterson's parents, and many sweet letters and cards from our missionaries, their parents and wonderful friends at home.  Thank you to all for a great and memorable Christmas.  Our last here in Mexico.   The phone calls with family topped off our day.  It was so wonderful to hear all of your voices and we got to see our family all together for their traditional Christmas Day dinner.