Christmas 2012

 Christmas Day 2012

The most wonderful evening in the home of Rod Curry

in Richlands, Tazewell County, Virginia

[C.E. friends--do you recognize the Frank Lloyd Wright windows behind the tree?]

 This is Rod with Elder Theurer (pronounced "Tyre") from Tremonton, Boxelder County, Utah.

Prior to his mission, Elder Tyre studied as a political science major
and was a race horse "personal trainer."  Now he is our mission District Leader.

Rod is intelligent, kind, and a friend to everyone.

He is so good to all our young missionaries, and we feel welcome and loved in his home.

Christmas Dinner

Formal dining...fine china...table linens...centerpieces...stemware...

all the details of culture and elegance.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal together, shared Christmas memories, music,

and ended the evening reading Luke 2 followed by Robert Munch's book:

I'll Love You Forever, I'll Like You For Always.

It was a perfect evening....if you overlook my attempt at lemon pie that turned out to be soup.

Evening In Excellence

Arise and Shine Forth, that thy Light May be a Standard to the Nations:
Doctrine and Covenants 115:5

Cassie and Tara

Rosalyn continues to be a silent partner in our mission.

She mailed her block temple from Arizona for us to use in our Young Women's

Evening of Excellence!

Each of our four girls took turns adding blocks and sharing experiences they had this year.

The temple spires were girls camp, temple trips, and scriptures!
Jill Hellstrom, our Pembroke stake YW President love it.

Cassie earned her Young Womanhood Medallion!

Tara was awarded her first value ribbon, and

Nikki and Rita [both new this year] received torch necklaces.

 Tara requested we sing "Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God"

so Rosalyn sent a Mp3 link to download it onto CDs for the girls to learn.

Angie McClure came to play piano for the program, and the song definitely brought the Spirit!

"Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,

A prayer for each of you there is a special part.

That you remember who you are and He who lives above,

Please seek for Him and live his way, you'll feel His love.

Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God.

Be strong--please remember who you are--

Try to understand, you're part of His great plan.

He's closer than you know--reach up, He'll take your plan.

Long before the time you can remember,

Our Father held you in His arms so tender.

Those loving arms released you as He sent you down to earth.

He said, "My child, I love you, Don't forget your great worth."

Chorus

This life on earth we knew would not be easy.

At times we lose our way, His path we may not see.

But please remember always that you are not alone.

He'll take your hand. He loves you! He will guide you home.

Chorus

[Teri....if you really are reading this...you know how long I've been singing and loving this song!]

 Cassie's parents with "MaMaw" Betty Clifton

This family guaranteed elegant success and hospitality with finishing touches on the event

by providing the perfect assortment of food and decor.  Thank you! Thank you!

Left to Right:

Cassie Clifton, "Sister Hunt", Nikki Silcox, and Ritta Stevenson
[plus Tara Call at top of post.]

Richlands Branch Young Women

Paul and Cleo VanDyke

50th Wedding Anniversary

December 7, 2012
Richlands, Virginia LDS Building
50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for Paul and Cleo VanDyke

Food - Friends - Fun
What a celebration!
Cathy McClanahan, Pat Brannon, Kaula VanDyke and I decorated for days.
Cathy cut cedar from her hills to smell fresh and festive.
Debbie Clifton organized the Hors D'Oeuvres to guarantee a beautiful display.
It was advertised "come and go" -- people came...but no one left.  Great party.

Paul Van Dyke

Three brain surgeries...radiation every morning and chemo every night

doesn't keep this man from smiling and finding the good in life!
He asked everyone he met, "Are you coming to my surprise party?"

There is not a more generous or hard working woman anywhere!

Cleo Van Dyke
Paul and Cleo are our landlords, and made our apartment over their garage into a doll house!
We love them dearly.

Celebrating 50 years together...

Jan McClure made a signature friendship quilt for everyone to sign.
Treasured friends - Lifelong memories.
The block I signed is blue.