It's Almost Christmas!

                      Moon  rise from the mission training center

Julie's mission friend gave a fabulous piano concert with a friend on the cello. It was wonderful to see her Geneva, Switzerland mission President Larry Kacher, now a general authority Seventy . He and his wife recently returned from their assignment in West Africa (Ghana is area center). The concert was a benefit for Lifting Hands International

A delightful evening of BYU German, Swiss and Austrian Christmas music which also included Alpenhorns and old instruments.  There was audience participation of favorites such as "O du Froehliche," "Stille Nacht," O, Tannenbaum" and others.

We have had very heavy snow the last few days. It is still cold, but the sun is out! Brigham Young has a snowy cape and cap.

Grandson Andrew (far left, top row) is in a select choir in his middle school. His basketball buddies came to support him! All students are required to either sing or play an instrument.

                     It's true! Santa still comes to the malls!

Saturday, December 17, was a very busy day: my annual holiday open house (begun exactly 50 years ago, interrupted only by missions and the Pandemic). Above with Emma Wilson, below, with dear old friends Athelia Woolley, Ellen Holsinger (we all met at Stanford LDS married ward in 1969) and Sharon Hack (we met in high school). Unfortunately I was too busy to take more photos of so many friends, many from Palo Alto. It's wonderful to have new and old friends and family in my home.

A wonderful celebration of the almost 99 year life of our dear friend Nettie Wise. Three of her children told funny, fun and inspiring stories of Nettie, perhaps the most cheerful, optimistic and friendly, non-judgmental person one could ever meet. When Nettie asked what was happening to her and when Janet said, "Mom, you're dying!" Nettie responded "I'm dying after all I've done for you?" and "Don't call 911, call the mortuary!"Almost at the end she was singing her Sequoia HS fight song, a military hymn and silly kids' songs. Photo: Nicole Ricks, Paul Gilman, Tom and Katy Taylor, Ann and Brad Taylor, Amy Ringer, Sara Gilman, Dawne Hollis, Marian Taylor, Miriam, Janet Wise Bice, Kevin and Marlene Meshinski, Rob Wise. 

       We caught Jeff Wise and Nancy Wise Low for another photo

Almost all have moved to Utah. Below is Nettie at my 2021 open house. She's always been the life of the party!

My house with Mount Timpanogos. Below, View of Mount Timpanogos from Steve Young's horse ranch across the street from me

My twin granddaughters Elise and Stephanie danced in the final numbers of the wonderful Jenny Oaks Baker and family concert (Here with twin brothers Luke and John and mom Julie after the performance

Look up Jenny Oaks Baker if you haven't heard their wonderful music.

We celebrated our family Christmas on Sunday, December 18, as the Taylors family would be traveling. Unfortunately Anne and Neil are in England, so we didn't have them. We enjoy singing, performing, and eating 

     and especially exchanging white elephant gifts

Best wishes for a joyous holiday with family and friends. May your days be merry and bright! May your heart be filled with love and gratitude for that tiny babe born in Bethlehem so long ago, whose teachings and sacrifice for us, be your most precious gift.

          And may 2023 be a healthier and more peaceful year.