Goodbye 2024

We survived another year. Some days it felt like just surviving. Gary had two surgeries this year. We had thought this would be a year without surgeries. This picture was taken four days after his second surgery. The good news is he is starting to feel better. No AFib since the surgery in November is the best part. He is frustrated that he is still getting tired and his belly still reminds him if he tries to lift anything too heavy or do too much. 

We didn't get to do any traveling this year, but we spent a lot of time enjoying time with our girls and their families. We like spending time with one another and with our family. 

I've had to remind myself of this a few times this year. It is hard to help others if you aren't taking care of yourself. 

Gary and I have been talking about this recently. We don't know how many days we have left, no one does. We need to appreciate each day and the many opportunities we have to help others which helps us to not dwell on the things that we can't do at the moment. 

I looked back on blog posts from this last year. Not everything we thought would happen this year did, but it was still a year full of love, fun, family, and friends. 

Love others for who they are. 

There is beauty in the journey, even when the journey is not exactly what you planned. 

Be kind!

Some good lessons learned and good reminders for the future. 

Reflecting on the last year is encouraging. It wasn't an easy year, but there were so many blessings we received. We keep learning to adjust to the situation at hand and be grateful for what we do have. 

Here's to a new year full of so many dreams, hopes, and possibilities. 

Christmas

Christmas Sunday at church with the Aina family. 

Our Christmas celebrations, like Thanksgiving change depending on what is going on with everyone. I just ask to have a time when we can all gather and exchange gifts and share a meal. 

This year, everyone had their own family Christmas and then we met at Sarah's house around 5 for a meal and gifts. We all brought food to share for the meal. The kids were so excited to show us what they got from one another. They were also happy to help unload our car and sort the gifts. We just had a fun evening enjoying time together. I didn't take very many pictures because I was just enjoying the time together. 

I surprised Sarah with some fun Harry Potter gifts. 

It was a fun time. 

Ezra helped Tony unwrap his gifts. 

New phone case and Harry Potter popsocket

My Izzy

Liz and Clay

Liz with her pain day comfort kit Sarah put together for her.

Isla loves her Peachybby slime

It was a fun evening. It was loud and crazy and full of love. Family time is the best. 

Hot Chocolate Stand and Caroling

The Rays had their annual Hot Chocolate Stand

I try to go each year and support them in this fundraiser. This year they were donating the proceeds to Hospice. Hospice is near and dear to their hearts and to mine. My mom spent her last week in hospice care. I also love that they use my hot chocolate mix for their hot chocolate. Gary couldn't make it this year, but I went to support them. 

The Ainas stopped by and caroled too. 

They sent me a video of them singing later. 

You can tell Ezra was tired. They go around and carol to different people each year. What a fun way to spread Christmas joy. 

Ward Christmas Party

Our ward Christmas Party was fun. Alecia, our Activity leader, asked several people to decorate a table with the theme being Christmas Around the World. I decorated a table and chose Germany. I included my German nativity pyramid and the German pickle. 

I took some pictures that other ward family members shared on social media and included them in this post. It was a fun night. 

Jackie also decorated a German table, but she used Nutcrackers as her theme.

Japan

Netherlands

Ukraine

Scotland

Africa

Amy organized an international nativity display. My Ukrainian carving is here. 

Johnna's beautiful set from Italy

My set from the Philippines

My Tanzanian set

Everyone enjoyed a pasta bar, lasagna, salads, and garlic bread. I brought a gluten free lasagna for Gary and the others in the ward who have to eat gluten free. 

There was also an Italian Soda bar 

After dinner we traveled around the world to see what Christmas is like in other countries. We even had passports and got them stamped in the various countries we visited. 

Alecia and Josh are the party host and hostess extraordinaire. Alecia has planned some amazing ward activities this year and Josh is always there to support. Alecia has a way of getting people involved and making the activities fun for everyone. We played a fun Christmas carol game. 

Steve Howell shared about New Zealand

He served his mission there. 

Sarah dressed as St. Lucia

Sarah Cox shared about Christmas in Sweden. 

Sister Maddox is from Germany and shared about Christmas in Germany. 

Bro and Sister Maddox

Cherissa and Noreen shared about Christmas in Jamaica

This game was popular with the teenage boys

Ben Grondel shared about Christmas in Mexico, where he served his mission. 

McKenzie and Ben

Nancy and Sam Baldwin shared about Christmas in Guatemala, where Nancy is from

Kimmy Hunt shared Vietnamese Christmas traditions

Everyone could make a Vietnamese style Christmas card. 

Sam Wiest served his mission in Brazil

He shared what Christmas was like in Brazil. 

We all headed back to the cultural hall to have cookies and chat with our ward family. It was fun to be together to learn about Christmas around the world, to enjoy delicious food, and have a wonderful evening with our ward family as we get closer to Christmas.