12 Days of Service: Day 8

Today was a perfect service activity to end our long day. Following the funeral services and luncheon, we drove home by way of Salt Lake. We stopped at Temple Square where Jeff and Dallin went to the temple to do vicarious baptisms for those of our ancestors who have passed on without the knowledge of the gospel or the opportunity to be baptized in this life. Danny, Jonas and I then went to the Family History Center to search for more of those individuals and to learn about our family heritage. This is one of my favorite activities. It doesn't cost a thing and yet we are able to bring the best gift - the gift of Christ - to those who are unable to receive it for themselves.

While at the Family History Center, Danny discovered the Southwicks came from Great Britain. He found an activity where he had to guide a ship through a maze from England to New York...the same route his ancestors would have traveled.

We also researched the Southwick Coat of Arms and Danny created one similar to it.

After we finished our activity, we visited the Church History Museum and had dinner at City Creek Center before enjoying the temple lights. I love seeing the lights at Temple Square. I know Jeff isn't fond of the crowds, but this is one of my favorite nights of the season. Jonas slept through it all so we'll have to see what he thinks of the lights next year.

You can obviously see who was the most excited to be seeing the Temple Lights in this picture.

Alvon Arthur Thompson

On Tuesday, December 15, 2015, Jeff's maternal grandfather, Alvon Arthur Thompson, passed away after having suffered with dementia for the past few months. He had progressively gotten worse over the last month. It was difficult to watch him deteriorate, but I guess, in a way, it made his passing slightly easier. Having lost all my grandparents in 2011-2012, I have enjoyed living near Jeff's remaining living grandparents. Grandpa "T" was a hoot! He was always telling stories and making jokes. The first time I met him, he promptly informed me that if Jeff wasn't good to me that he'd take care of it. I always knew he was on my side. The kids also loved visiting with Great-Grandpa and Grandma T. There was always laughter in abundance when Grandpa T was telling his tall tales. I am so grateful that I was able to know this wonderful man. I am even more thankful for the knowledge that my relationship with him doesn't end with his passing.

Since the funeral was on Saturday, Jeff's brothers, Stan and Brad, came into town on Thursday night to spend time with family. It was fun having them around. I loved watching Jeff interact and laugh with his brothers. You definitely see a different side when you are surrounded by your siblings. Stan also brought Carson with him so my boys had fun playing with their cousin. Dallin went to school on Friday but Danny decided to skip school and play (obviously, it wasn't a very hard decision).

The boys had fun sledding in the back of Grandma Penny's house.

Jonas loved playing with Gma Penny

Saturday we all traveled to Roy, Utah (Ogden area) for the funeral. Gpa T was buried next to his only son who died when he was 15 in a hunting accident. The services were simple. There was a viewing and a graveside service followed by a luncheon. I thought it was a perfect tribute to such a wonderful man. I loved the poem Ashlee read and teared up when I saw Brandon, Brad and Troy salute Gpa T (who served in the Army). I am so grateful to have known and grown to love this fun loving man. Until we meet again Grandpa T.

12 Days of Service: Day 7

Today was another busy day and another activity that didn't take much time, but still represented an act of service and Christmas kindness. Today we wrote a little Christmas card for our mail lady and gave her a small gift. It is never much considering all she does year round to deliver our mail (sometimes in really yucky weather!), but sometimes the smallest token of gratitude is all we need.

12 Days of Service: Day 6

Tonight's service activity was gifting a gift card to someone at Walmart. This is an activity we've done each year. The first time we did it, all the kids were a little timid at giving the card away. That has not been the case in year's since. The boys really put a lot of thought and prayer into this activity. I accompanied Danny on his search. We walked around the store for a good 5-10 minutes as Danny contemplated and searched for the individual or family he felt could use the gift card. Finally he saw a woman and stated that he felt she should receive the card. He confidently approached this lady, introduced himself, then gave her the card before wishing her a Merry Christmas. In years passed, the individuals are usually stunned by the gesture so we don't get to hear their story. However, this year the lady quickly teared up as she explained to Danny that this gift would greatly help her brother with whom she recently reconnected and who is going through financial struggles at this time. Seeing the smile on Danny's face as her story confirmed to him that he had found the right person was all the Christmas miracle I needed. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has needs that we don't know about. I'm just glad she was willing to share her story with a little boy who will forever remember how his service and kindness brought her a Christmas miracle.

12 Days of Service: Day 5

Today was one of the boys' all time favorite acts of Christmas kindness (or service) - the drive thru! Each year, I place an envelope on the counter in the morning. Each participant then donates money to the envelope that we then use to pay for other people's meals at the drive thru. We will keep going to as many drive thrus as it takes for all the money to be gone. This year we hit 5 drive thrus! I love seeing the smiles (and bewilderment) on the fast food employees' faces as we pay for our few items then request to pay the bill of the person behind us. We love to see what kind of car is behind us and theorize about that family or person's life. Hopefully, our act of kindness brings a smile to their faces as well.

12 Days of Service: Day 4

Today was a busy day (as are many of the days leading up to Christmas) so today's activity was one in which each of us could do when we had a few spare minutes. Today we wrote Thank You notes. Often times, we may not recognize or at least publicly thank individuals in our lives who do so much for us. Today's activity gave each of us an opportunity to reflect on at least one specific individual we felt could use a little extra gratitude. It gave us a moment to sit down and really consider what we appreciate about that person. All the notes that were written were given to those in the home. As a recipient of a couple of those notes, I can honestly say that it brought a smile to my face. Christmas is about gratitude.

History Fair

Today Danny's class (and the other 5th grade classes) hosted a "history fair" at school. Each student was assigned a historical figure. The student then wrote a report about that person from which they wrote a small snippet to share with others at the fair. They also had to create an "artifact" to display. Danny was assigned Orville Wright (the Wright Bros). He created a replica of the bicycle shop Orville owned with his brother that they then sold to fund the creation of the airplane. On the day of the history fair, Danny dressed up like Orville. Jeff and I visited the fair. It was pretty impressive. All the students were dressed up and had really clever artifacts. They did a great job explaining who their person was as well. Danny was quite the dapper Orville Wright.