Christmas Eve and Morning at Mark's

We arrived in Logan from Boise towards the evening Christmas Eve.  I made a quick trip to Smith's (Fred Meyer) for last minute stocking stuffers, but they were closing when I go there, so we went with what we had.  Liz had made vegetarian chili with corn bread and gluten free cookies.  The corn bread was good, especially in the chili, and the cookies were good.  Traditional opening of pajamas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRgSrV9KHME&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ
We slept upstairs, except for Miranda who slept on the couch.  Every thing was wrapped so the only thing I needed to do was the stockings.  I had gotten plenty of candy.  I didn't get to bed too late.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkFRd-YBz6U&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ
Elliott and Camberly are funny together
Up at 8 and the festivities began soon after.  Caleb sent a picture of the Nauvoo Temple, old and new.  I am excited about getting it framed and adding it to our room.  Tony took in the most goods, a scooter, Bey Blade Warriors, Lego Chima warriors, and a remote control car.  Because of logistics, he played with the Lego warriors, and the Bey Blade set Christmas morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKLSSwPoGRs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ

The highlight of the morning was a Skype session with Caleb.  I was amazed at how happy he seems.  He said they had more than enough treats to last for sometime. 
http://billywardlefamily.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-day-skype-with-calebpr.html
We packed up quickly after the Skyping session, as Mark and Liz were headed South to Lego Land with the boys, and we wanted to see Connie before heading to Charlie's house. 

Happy New Year

We are lazy this year, so watched the New York dropping of the ball on one of the national news stations (9 p.m. local) and I'm headed for bed.  Miranda and Tony are determined to make a night of it.  I don't know if they will make it to midnight, but they have set the goal.  They have done some Chinese sparklers, and have a cookie dessert from Chili's to eat, so we'll see in the morning. 

I worked today, came home an hour early as there was no later train running.  Mark Norman came by with a load of stuff from Grandma's condo, and we have gone through that a bit.  I started with mom's music, and we also moved some books around.  The bed was up when I got home and Grandpa Scoresby, who is visiting, has a place to sleep to night other than the couch. 
After coming home, we started by going to Chili's for dinner.  I had an excellent country fried stake, and also ate most of Tony's fries.  Of course we also had chips and salsa, it is Chili's. 

Christmas Day Skype with Caleb

Christmas morning including a Skype session with Caleb.  None of us thought to take a picture, but Elder MacDonald's mother (companion) did of his session with the family, and posted it on Yahoo.  My impression of Caleb is that he is his happy self.  He seemed very upbeat, even though the weather was like 20 below.
In addition to Elder MacDonald, we met Brother Christensen.  They live with them.  They have the entire basement.  They had a table of goodies, and had enough to last a millenia it seems.  The entire table was covered.  Thank you all who sent treats.  I know Sheri sent some, my sister Sara sent a big box, and the Young Men/ Young Women sent fudge.  They may get fat.
Brother Christensen was making Aebelskiver, a form of Danish pancake made in a skittle pan.  They were eating as Caleb was talking to us.  It seemed his time of talking went much too quickly.  He smiled a lot and truly seemed happy and content, and wanting to work hard.
They are enjoying the work, and God is good.  The hour passed much too quickly.  We had all but two of Caleb's siblings present, as we were at Mark's home Christmas morning.  Charity and Anthony were with us, and Caleb met his niece, Camberly Rose, for the first time.  Both Tony and Miranda also enjoyed sharing some time with Caleb.  He is a very positive influence in our family.
Caleb saved a few minutes to call his sister Natalia in Washington.

Lds.org Video: Look to the Light

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-12-22-look-to-the-light?category=topics/christmas

This movie shows that darkness cannot exist where there is light.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.
This is much more than a Christmas video, but is a modern retelling of the conversion of Alma.  We are presented with four versions of Alma's story.  Alma described his conversion in Alma 36:
13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell;  yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.

 14 Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.

 15 Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.

 16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.

 17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of  death.

 19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

 20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

 21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

Suicide Interventionist: Hero

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865593091/Heroic-act-is-a-lesson-on-intervening-with-people-considering-suicide.html

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_24597413/oakland-woman-still-critical-condition-after-jump-from?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

Sometime you come across a story of people doing the right thing.  We are each other's keeper, and no place is this more important than with suicide.  This is a story of a man who saw a woman jumping from a height, and put himself in her way breaking her fall, which would have been fatal had not he intervene.  The hero is from Stockton, and the person who attempted from San Jose.  I live near Stockton and work in San Jose.  May we all care for each other. 

Ace Train 44: Stadium Progress and Bear, Buffalo and Giant Snowman in Pleasanton

No it wasn't a real bear, but it gave me a start all the same.  Friday I met the family in Pleasanton.  Instead of hanging around the train our, station cold for a half hour, I walked to the Jack-In-The-Box at the corner.  It was pretty dark already, and when I came upon this bear at a bank it gave me a start. 

There was a buffalo at the bank where the bear was.  Crossing the street there was a jogging trail, so I followed it.  There was a Christmas Tree vendor with a giant Frost (not Wendy's but snowman).

I followed the trail right to the restaurant and I got dinner to go.  We were headed for the temple. 

I have seen the Christmas Train in Bernal a couple times, but too slow to get pictures.  I do have a couple stadium pictures: $9ers is done except the cosmetic stuff. 
I can actually see some progress on the Earthquake Stadium.  It is amazing because for so long they seemed to be preparing the ground. There is actually a steal frame work there now. 

One last travel to work story.  At Diridon Station I make the transfer to the light rail.  You have to cross the light rail tracks with gate on either side.  A homeless person was struggling, but getting through the first gate.  So being me, I held the second gate for him.  He gave me and "F' you, I don't need your help."  So I continued on my way, and as I passed him I said, "Merry Christmas."  That got me a couple F' yous.  I guess he just wasn't in a Christmasy mood. 

Merry Christmas from Children

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-12-24-kids-and-christmas?category=topics/christmas

An Art Linkletter type synopsis of children telling what Christmas means to them.  It is through the eyes of children that Christmas has the most meaning. 

Merry Christmas

Tony at Veritas School first grade

Tony and the K-3 grades at Veritas school put on their holiday program on Thursday.  Tony is wearing a nice sweater.  He is saying his favorite Christmas song is now "Jingle Bell Rock."  The place was very crowded, and everyone was entertained by their little one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azE4Je4ORT8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ

Night at Temple Hill

Our motivation for going to the temple was to see "Behold the Gift," a presentation of the life of the Savior in dance.  The show has both the Bible story and the Book of Mormon story.  My review is http://mmboebillywardle.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-dance-concert-review-behold.html
The dance presentation was very timely.  I slipped to the visitors center to catch some music, (I listened to a couple songs) and then skipped back with family to look at lights.  I caught the live nativity at the end, but I saw Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus, and the shepherds and the wise men.  A live nativity brings the story to life, and you can feel like you are there.
We walked around the top of the temple and looked at the flower gardens.  No lights here, but the views of Oakland and San Francisco are excellent.  Also looking down and the decorated Temple Hill grounds all lit up was cool.

Merry Christmas: Mormon Tabernacle Choir: What Shall I Give?

This shows a few scenes, and three men try to get to a family nativity pageant where they are to play the three wise men.  They arrive late, and others are waiting for them, but as you see the reasons unfold, you see they are have been giving good gifts.
Merry Christmas

Savior of the World: Musical Theater, Turlock Stake

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-11-86-savior-of-the-world-2011?category=topics/christmas

This link is an interview of some of the Conference Center performers of "The Savior of the World.  Tonight I attended the performance At Hughson Unified High School produced by the Turlock Stake (perhaps a multistake production) of the Savior of the World.  Anthony, my son-in-law was in the cast.  Charity was rehearsing, but couldn't balance baby and production.

I am not sure how it compares to the original, as in the Christmas spirit this production stopped at the birth of the Savior.  Even so, it was very moving.  They said we needed tickets, and then we didn't.  I would encourage people to see it if the can, tomorrow at 7:30, and Saturday there is a Spanish cast performing. 

Camberly in Rebeca Raggs outfit

Bell Choir and Orchestra, Temple Square

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-54-the-bells-on-temple-square-with-orchestra?category=topics/christmas

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-52-the-bells-on-temple-square-part-2?category=topics/christmas

The first link is an actual performance, while the second tells the story of the Bell Choir on Temple Square which has been in existence over ten years.  Very interesting.  The use the big bells, which makes a bell choir complete.

Elder Uchtdorf, The Perfect Christmas vs. the Sublime Christmas

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-0010-president-dieter-f-uchtdorf?category=topics/christmas
The perfect Christmas is unattainable, as sooner or later something will go wrong, the dinner may be burned, the baby may cry, we may over extend etc., etc.  However if we focus on the Savior, and give Him our love, we can have a sublime Christmas.  The Savior gives us immortality, forgiveness and eternal life.  These gifts are given through the atonement.  We should keep the fire of the Spirit of Christ in our hearts the entire year. 

Caleb's Mission: Pray for 550 and a Couple Pictures

Caleb is to the left of the yellow shirt

I found a letter of Caleb on the internet and wanted to share, he also sent an older picture home, in Hiawatha.  Both of these pictures are before his transfer.
Caleb had a couple things to say in his letter today.  He is asking everyone to pray that his mission can achieve their mission goal of 550 baptisms in 2013.  They are 89 short right now, but have that many baptisms challenged. 

Wardle Family Christmas Letter

Family Christmas Letter December 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
An interesting year to say the least.  Most significant is the shrinking nature of our family.  As we put together this letter we are only four at home. 
Tony continues to be fun and can think of and say the most remarkable things.  He is intent on reading parts of the Book of Mormon.  He is getting better and better at reading.  He is in the first grade, and this year is in a split with second graders.  he really likes school, and does a good job most weeks with his homework.  Christmas presentation is this month.
Caleb has left us temporarily and is in Iowa, Des Moines Mission for the next couple years.  When he heard President Monson announce the lower age he jumped for joy off the couch, and then started putting everything together.  He wanted to leave right when school got out, but had some delay doing dental work, and waiting to go after his call.  He left in August.  He is already in his second area.  He has had five companions so far as twice he has been in threesomes.
Miranda is applying her skills to babysitting for several families from the Ripon ward.  She sometimes sees people she knows at church. 
As far as other children, Natalia and Ty are in Washington still.  Ty is working now in interior design and Natalia teaches.  Mark and Lizzy are in Logan.  Mark is working for an internet design company through Oregon.  Jeremy and Kayla lived with us for a time and are now in Modesto.  They are both going to school.  Charity and Anthony are in Turlock.  They brought their first baby Camberly Rose into the world in September.  Skylar, Jeremy's son who is one is a cutey, as is Elliott, Mark's son.  Mark also has Sebi and Olie who are fun as well.
Not much new on the parental front.  Sheri has been serving as the Primary President for some time, and I teach Sunday school.  I continue at the Callcenter, but major changes at work with the new health plans and everything. 
We love you all and wish you and merry Christmas.
The Wardles

Remember God's Gifts to You to Give Good Gifts to Others

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-0020-president-henry-b-eyring?category=topics/christmas
This is from the 2011 Christmas Devotional.  It is very moving as we remember gifts of light to us.  This presentation includes a very good editing of the Bible Videos and the nativity story.  May we keep in mind this sacred events which surround the Christmas story.

The Nativity: God's Gift to Man

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-067-the-nativity?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ

This is a beautiful portrayal of the announcement to Mary, the angel visiting Joseph, The birth of the Savior, the wise men coming, the angel visiting the shepherds and they coming to visit the baby Jesus.

Life in Manteca 83: Ward Christmas Party

This has become an annual event.  However this year there was a twist.  Instead of this being an event organized by the Relief Society, it was organized by the Melchizedek Priesthood groups.  However there were some assignments given back, especially decorating.  We men just didn't think we could do as good a job as the women.  The dinner was ham and deep fried turkey.  There was also a red cranberry something, green beans and rolls.  For drinks there was root beer and water.  There were several selections for dessert, including an apple something and a cheesecake something.
As for entertainment brother Dye helped MC and I was asked to prepare a couple songs.  We sang a medley of songs, and also Miranda and I sang a duet, "Guard Him Joseph."  This is a Sally DeFord song.
Brother Morgan showed some LDS videos, including the nativity.  Brother Dye told a story including the nativity.  The children didn't participate on stage, but were invited to listen and watch the story.   Three Kings came to give candy to the children.
Stupid me, I had Miranda bring my camera I had left home, but then the memory card wasn't in it.
However the highlight of the day was the baptism of Keanna, a young woman whose father is a member.  She bore her testimony and brought a tear to my eye.

Temple Square Lights

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-53-christmas-lights-on-temple-square?category=topics/christmas
The Salt Lake Temple Square Light are cool.
Merry Christmas

Ace Train 43: Routine

I have gotten a good routine with the Ipad on the train.  I usually read from a book until Tracy on the way out and then sleep.  On the way back I get on the internet and do fun stuff, lds.org has some really cool stuff for Christmas.You have to sit in the car next to the engine to get the WiFi, but it has been worth it.  The train ride home seems to go much quicker.  For example today I watched a movie all the way from lds.org.  I someitme watch You Tube movies as well.  I listed to "A Christmas Carol" also form lds.org.  It has made things more enjoyable, and coming home, since I am at the first stop, I always get a good seat.

The Christ Child is Presented at the Temple: Simeon Prophesies

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-006-the-christ-child-is-presented-at-the-temple?category=topics/christmas

I would have loved to have been there when Jesus was presented at the temple.  This version has the prophesying of Simeon, but he was not the only one who recognized the Savior in a baby.  Anna the Prophetess also recognized her salvation.

Wisemen Still Seek Him

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-019-wise-men-still-seek-him?category=topics/christmas

This short shows three stories of people who are seeking Jesus in their own way, but all through service.  We too can find Jesus for when we serve others, we are only serving God. 

Heading for Christmas

We held our family sing-along last Monday with some success.  It went well, although only sparsely attended.  Sheri invited Sam’s family.  Sam is Tony's friend from school.  They are very nice.  They live in the Lathrop Ward boundaries.  Sam and his mom and two younger siblings came.  We also had the Binghams and Charity and Anthony.  We did a little reading from "A Christmas Carol."  It was fun.  The first half was a’capela as Randy was working.  She played when she came home.  Camberly is getting big fast.  She is fun though.  

We had the first rehearsal for the ward party.  We are singing "Behold the Condescension of God" which has never been sung before.  It was rough as our pianist wasn’t there.  However I think it is doable.  It is coming together.  The Elders and high priests are doing the party this year so we are having deep fried turkey.  We will see how it turns out.  Miranda and I are also going to sing the Mary and Joseph lullaby.  I do not know what else is on the program. 

Mom has been doing Stars this year.  This is a jazz dance group directed by Terry Wardle Slaugh.  Mom was in San Jose Friday for dress rehearsal.  I caught the end of it and then helped set up chairs.  We saw some people from the Strawberry Square area when we ate at Wendy's.  Sheri and Randy went back out for two performances this last Saturday and they did the Creche exhibit in Palo Alto.  There is performance of Starzz at Christmas-in-the-Park this week. 

I watched the Christmas devotional.  That talk, "What Happened Next?" by the primary president was very good.  

http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2013/12/what-happened-next?lang=eng 

The Wisemen Seek for, and Visit Jesus

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-007-the-wise-men-seek-jesus?category=topics/christmas

I like this version of the Wisemen.  It gives some as to the length of the journey they must have taken.  I especially like it because it has the Christ child being at least a year old, and Mary and Joseph having moved into a house by the time the Wisemen arrived.  It gives an idea of camel travel in the day.
This short also shows the flight of Mary and Joseph with Jesus into Egypt to keep him safe from Herod.  The value of the gifts helped support the journey.
Very well done. 

The Christmas Story

Click to learn more about the story of Christmas.

Merry Christmas from "The Friend": Our Story Christmas Tree

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-19-our-christmas-story-tree?category=topics/christmas

This Primary song is very sweet.  It reminds us of the symbolism in the ornaments of Christmas.
In addition to the ides from the song what other symbolisms can we think of.  The ornament balls remind us of eternity, and and empty tomb, the lights that shine of the star, the color red reminds us of Jesus' robe, and his blood spilt for us, snowflakes and icicles of the season, but also that eventually there will be a Spring and new life.  The tree points to heaven, the candy cane with red stripes again reminds us of Jesus' blood and sacrifice, as well as the shepherds.  The colorful packages of the kings who came to worship Jesus.

Audio Book A Christmas Carol from lds.org

There is a free audio book presentation of "A Christmas Carol" available from lds.org.  It is very enjoyable and produced by the church.  Sometimes the background noises interfere with hearing the book, but other than that it is very good.  The noise and music is to give some flavor to the reading.   I don't know for how long it be available but it is there now.
http://www.lds.org/media-library/audio

Merry Christmas from Elders Wardle and MacDonald

The Angel Visits the Shephards; They Visit Baby Jesus

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-005-shepherds-learn-of-the-birth-of-christ?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

This presentation is very simple.  It shows the fear of the shepherds at the arrival of the angel, but they take courage when he asks them to fear not, and they visit the baby.

Weather is all relative.

 We are suffering and complaining about the cold in California.  It is not suppose to get below freezing so many days in a row.  To feel better I looked up where Caleb is, and the temperature report was much worse there.  His temp is rarely getting above freezing.  Next Monday it is suppose to be below zero, and the high of 13.  That is crazy cold!  I am glad I don’t live there.

I talked with Matt’s mom, Caleb’s friend who is serving a mission to Winnipeg.  She said he has had temperatures 20 below, and chops wood and shovels sidewalks every day.  That is even crazier cold.  It is all relative.

Right Now

12°F

FEELS LIKE 1°

Today high

17°

HIGH

Tonight

1°

LOW

Mostly Sunny

Mostly Sunny

Clear

This is the report from weather.com for Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  That is cold.

Bible Video: Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-004-mary-and-joseph-travel-to-bethlehem?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng
This video shows the travel of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.  Where Mary was great with child, this was not an easy trip for her.

Caleb's Letter to Santa

Caleb's letter to Santa.  He was talking about needing a GPS system and a basketball.  However after the transfer he no longer has access to basketball court in their church and he says he has a good map and doesn't need GPS. I like his little drawings.

I guess the most important thing is the note at the end, Ooh and letters!!  Everything else I think is taken care of.  His address:

208 Seeley St.

Manchester, IA 52057