YouTube - MormonMessages's Channel

YouTube - MormonMessages's Channel

OK, I couldn't help but post this one.  I watched it and thought it has to be "our" mountain!  But, looking closely it is not Snow Basin, but it surely has to be Utah?  I love the message and the analogy used about staying within the bonds.  Makes me want to be a Ski Patrol (Wo)Man.  You?

And because He loves us, we have boundaries put upon us.  This YouTube message so clearly teaches us this with a powerful analogy that we skiers (and non skiers alike!) can understand.

- Programs - Mormon Channel

- Programs - Mormon Channel (follow this link)

This morning I have listened to Conversations on the Mormon Channel that featured Christian and Stepanie (of the NieNieDialogues) Nielsen talking about their horrific plane accident of August, 2008.  It is both inspiring and humbling listening to them talk of their faith and their redefined understanding of who they are and why they are here.  It is truly amazing and it is my recommendation of the day and even perhaps of the year!  Listen to it when you can and you, too, will be uplifted by their story.

Finding Mr. Ramsey

Last week, Emily and decided to hit another Minnesota Historical site. Our quest: the Alexander Ramsey House. This man had been the governor of Minnesota not only as the first one, but also the first territorial governor. His house was not going to be as grand as the James J. Hill house, but hey, we wanted to use our membership and get out before Emily began her new job.

So, off we went to St. Paul (a 45 minute drive) on another snowy and very bitterly cold day. I dressed appropriate for the occasion, too! With perfect directions, we arrived at this home. As Emily walked to the front door, a thought occurred to her, "Wait! Is this even open? Is it open only for the Christmas season (which is highly advertised?)." That is exactly what we discovered all by ourselves seeing that there were no other people on the property. We were very disappointed and saddened to think we had to wait until Christmas of 2011, some 12 months away to enjoy this bit of history.

After having been disappointed at not being able to tour the Alexander Ramsey House, we stopped by the Minnesota Historical Society building and toured a great, home grown exhibit, "The Greatest Generation." This was all about those amazing Minnesotans who served in WWII and those who stayed home, particularly the women, and worked to maintain the homeland. We really enjoyed it.

And next year, just you wait Mr. Ramsey! We're gonna come and visit you. Get the crumpets and hot chocolate ready!

hANdY FaMilY ChRisTmAs pArTy!

This is Kathleen, and here are some of the pictures I took at the 2010 Handy Family Christmas Party! Not too many photos of the adults. Somehow, I assumed the post of official Santa photographer! Enjoy. Some of the pics are really, really cute!

Jolly Old St. Nick and just plain ole Nick.

Santa and Elder Jones

Lauren and Santa

This is as close as Grant would get to Santa.

Santa and Lexi

Santa and Brett's family

Addison

Lindsay and Kate

Santa and Jordan

Hey Jude! It's Santa!

Rachel, Ava and Santa

Santa, Ava, Slade and Rachel

Catherine and Caroline

Caroline

Kate and Preston

Kate performing with Santa

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Handy Christmas Party 2010

Huh...blank?  Oh yes.  There are no photos of the Handy Christmas party.  Is there anyone out there who will be posting?

Minne-Snow-ta Again!

I know that you've seen these photos before and think I'm repeating things!  Well, the repeat comes in the repeated storms that we continue to be blessed with receiving!  Overnight we had some 5-6 inches of beautiful snow.  

Braden's 7th Birthday

Sunday, December 19th was Braden Kent Galloway's 7th Birthday.  It's unbelievable how quickly the years are passing.  What a delight and a joy to be involved in his life.  We think he is one terrificly handsome and  smart young man.  We love him!  (Oh, yes, his father, Roger, has his birthday the day after...always:  December 20th).  

"Hello!  It's my birthday!"

In birthday wear:  bowler, shirt and the magician cape courtesy of Auntie Erin and Uncle David.

Leigh, Lindsey, and Justin 

Lindsey, Sidse and Justin. (Lindsey, "Who's that baby?")

Fun in the Snow

One Friday night Ashleigh, Braden and Justin stayed overnight.  Much to their delight, it had snowed hard that night and through the night.  We woke up to this beautiful outside world.  We found clothes for them and they were as happy as could be playing outside and especially so when Auntie Mae Mae played with them, too!

Braden, Emily, Ashleigh

Ashleigh

Ah, Nannie...I can't see!  Help me!

Justin with "someone's" gloves...not his! No complaints though!

The American Swedish Institute

This was the home originally of Swan J. Trunbald, a Swedish immigrant and built in 1908.  He later donated it in 1929 to preserve Swedish-American and Nordic culture.  Emily, Erin, Sidse Rose and I visited it just last week and were amazed at the beauty of the artisan work.  It really was so beautiful.  It is impossible to imagine one family (only one child!) living there.  We love seeing these types of places and enjoying the incredible architecture.  Even Sidse Rose loved it as she charmed everyone who saw her.  She was a perfect visitor.  

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! I love these Mormon Messages that can be found on www.lds.org or Mormon Messages on You Tube.