Welcome December!

Well, first things first - James had a birthday, today.  I am so grateful for him.  I could write out 47 reasons (yes, he's 47) why I love him, but he would kill me.  That would be one of the 47! :)  Instead I'll just say how amazing he is as a husband, father, priesthood leader, and person.  As I see my sons doing something that reminds me of James, I am so happy.  I am so glad for his example to them.  Shane is such the missionary his dad was and even more.  He had a great example of the love for missionary work and people from his dad, and now Shane is setting that example for his brothers.
Really, the rest of the week was business as usual.  We did have our second post home study.  Nora came and was as delightful as always.  She was very happy with everything and said she enjoyed working with our family.  Jet and Danny were great and so were the other kids.  I think I'll share a touching moment.  In Testimony meeting today, Tony was really coaxing Ryan to bear his testimony.  I couldn't figure out why Tony was bugging him about it.  Then i realized that Tony was trying to get Danny to bear his and Danny said he would if Ryan did.  So Ryan finally went up and shared a sweet testimony about having been baptized and having new brothers.  Then Josh bore his and expounded on all the doctrine he so appreciates in his life. :)  Then Tony and Danny walked up holding hands.  I could see Danny was nervous and I really didn't want Tony to pressure him, but Tony kindly said, "I got this Mom".  So I left it up to them.  As they were sitting on the stand waiting their turn, I could see Danny whispering to Tony with a nervous look on his face.  Then it was time.  Tony and Danny got up together and Danny stood at the mic.  While still holding Tony's hand, he began to say he was thankful for his family and for Jesus Christ.  He said he was happy to be here and in church.  He then said in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  As he walked down off the stand, I noticed everyone turning to look at me and smile.  I could barely see them because of the tears in my eyes and then I saw that everyone around us had tears as well.  And then Tony bore his testimony to the power of faith and how Danny had taught him so much in that area and that the whispering had been Danny saying he was scared and Tony telling him to be a man.  And then right before they stood up, Danny told Tony he would be a man.  Tony said he was so impressed with that and how much Danny has inspired him and how he couldn't wait to share Danny's faith and courage with those he would be teaching on his mission.  I'm pretty sure the whole congregation were in tears then.  And, Tony was kind enough to bring me a tissue from the podium.  A wonderful meeting.
The pics are kind of random.

cute video of  Jet and Tony

The 25 days of Christmas - each stocking has 25 pieces of candy in it to count down the days.

James' birthday.  I made him an aple pie that actually looked pretty good.  Of course i didn't take a picture!

This is a 2 million candle power spotlight that charges in the car or outlet.  James is telling the kids we will take it with us camping so we can see the bear when he shoots it!  Levi doesn't look too worried.

Happy December Everyone!