My Latter-Day Warriors

"The pure gospel of Jesus Christ must go down into the hearts of [our children] by the power of the Holy Ghost. It will not be enough for them to have had a spiritual witness of the truth and to want good things later. It will not be enough for them to hope for some future cleansing and strengthening. Our aim must be for them to become truly converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ while they are with us....Then they will have gained a strength from what they are, not only from what they know. They will be disciples of Christ." -Henry B. Eyring

My baby blue

I could stare into those baby blues all the day long......

Christmas

Emmy's calendar-so she always knows what day it is!

Noah's blocks, the kids' blankets and art portfolios

Noah's picture via new paints

Adam got a dump truck from Grandma and Grandpa

We had a mellow and enjoyable Christmas. The kids kept their focus on giving rather than getting throughout the season, and Mom didn't go overboard on presents. It was great. I think celebrating the birth of our Savior was a success this year!!

"And now, my (children), remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation wheron if men build they cannot fall. " Helaman 5:12

Noah's arm

The cutest little sling I've ever seen!

Noah, his wrapped arm, and his big brother, Chris.

"Ain't nothin' gonna breaka my stride....."

There's the cast- orange with sparkles!

Emmy, mom and dad signed it

My little Noah broke his little arm! It was so sad. He was a very sad boy. He fell off a barstool. He has fallen off household items literally hundreds of times, usually without so much as a scratch. I was very surprised when he wouldn't stop crying, wouldn't eat or drink anything, and wouldn't use his left arm. He felt better after we went to InstaCare and they splinted and wrapped it. He got a cast a few days later. The orthopedic doctor said Noah must have hit something on the way down from the barstool, like the top or side of the stool with his arm. He is doing fine, although being left-handed, he has had to adjust to using his right hand all the time.

First Snow

Emmy and Noah were so excited to help mom shovel after the first snowstorm of the season. The excitement quickly faded. Adam stayed warm and happy indoors.

Dancin' Machine

Here are Noah and Emmy starting the Christmas festivities this year with a little bit of movin' and groovin'.

Watts Family Recital

Getting ready for our performance!

Adam loves to play Grandma's piano!

John and Lamar

Winston

Stanley

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Watts Family Recital at Sunshine Terrace for Grandma Emeline!

First, John Watts (my uncle) played some jazz on the piano and sang two songs from the Watts Family Songbook- "May you be joyful this Christmas" and "Moooon over the Wasatch", accompanied by Lamar Watts (my cousin).

Next, John's grandchildren (Jeff's) A.J., Hope and Hannah all took their turn to play a song for Grandma.

Eloise Watts (my mom) then sang two songs from the songbook- "When the sun hangs low o'er Cache Valley" and "Crumpets and Tea" (a song she wrote the words to), and a Primary song, "I often go walking", all accompanied by myself. Then we sang "New Zealand calling" together (another song from the songbook she wrote the words to), accompanied by Lamar.

Lamar played a beautiful piece by Lizst, followed by a one-armed Christmas piece played by his daughter, Lauren (she had a broken arm, so Lamar filled in.)

Winston Watts (my uncle) was unhappy to have to perform after Lamar, and protested, but finally played a mean boogie-woogie that we all loved.

Stanley (another uncle) played his accordian, and we only got to hear a few minutes from him due to time, but we loved his renditions- especially "Ghostrider in the sky".

Lastly, we all sang "Silent Night" together, accompanied by Winston.

Grandma had a great time and so did I. I hope we can do it again soon!