The Jeffs Family: Jan 6, 2011

Brothers Having Fun

Because I have a brother, I always have a friend.

I love seeing my boys playing together. Their laughter is music to my ears. May they always love each other, look out for each other and be there for each other.

I always tell my boys, that brothers are the most important people in their life. You only have two. You can have many friends, but only two brothers.

The Handsome Three

I've been blessed to have a brother like you,
You're my pal, my buddy and my best friend too.
And it means a lot having a brother like you.

This is the best Christmas photo of the season. Brennan told me he actually liked his new vest because it had a picture of barbed wire on it. Now I know how to make him like his Christmas clothes!

Temple Square and Trains

Dec. 30, 2010

We wanted to take all the kids down to Temple Square in Salt Lake City to see the lights.

We all loaded up and headed to the front runner train station in Clearfield, UT. It sounded like such a good idea until we got there and realized we had 8 kids and only 3 adults. It was quite an adventure. The weather was freezing, but we had plenty of places to visit that were indoors. The kids especially loved seeing the model of the Salt Lake temple.

When I asked Logan and Kolby what there favorite part of their stay was, they both said riding the train. It was worth it!

All 14 Grandkids Together... Again

Cousins are friends that will love you forever!

We couldn't get enough of each other over the Christmas holidays, so everyone made the trip to Utah to be together once again. We all came together in support of Steven Golightly who got baptized on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011. It was a wonderful way to start off the new year.

It was a blast seeing all the cousins together. For a few days, we had 10 cousins sleeping in our house. 9 were boys, ages 2 to 11, and one princess, Tayla. Movies, Wii, popcorn, wrestling, games, snow, food and fun! My boys loved having built-in friends to play with 24/7. We need to do this every year!!

At Christmas, Cousins are the presents under the tree.

Sisters by birth, friends by choice.

Beth and Anna.

I was so excited to have Beth here over the week. We were able to visit the Family History Library in SLC and Beth found some more family. She has done an amazing job researching our Norwegian ancestors. I'm excited to learn and help her. We have wonderful roots in Norway. We hope to visit someday to meet some family.

Alma Golightly – Great Grandpa

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.

We love visiting Grandpa when we are in Meridian. I have so many fond memories of Grandpa. We would help him on his farm when I was little. I remember hauling hay and how hot and dusty you would get. We endured the discomfort because we knew what would be waiting for us when we were done: watermelon and cold pop. Grandpa always had treats for us. When we were in the same ward, we'd give Grandpa a hug after Sacrament Meeting and he'd fill our hands with candy. I always felt so much love from him. I have really learned a lot watching him travel these past years without his dear sweetheart. He is brave and courageous.

His great legacy will live on through the lives of his great-grandchidlren. We were excited to get this photo of nine of his great-grandchildren from Dennis and Eva's side of the family. Photo taken Dec. 26, 2010.

December 26, 2010

The day after Christmas we were able to attend church with mom and dad and Jean, Tyler and Trevor. My home ward growing up, Meridian 1st Ward. It's always fun to visit and be in the building again.

Carmie Golightly, Jean Plaisted and Anna Jeffs

Taylor Golightly, Derek Jeffs and Elisabeth Golightly

After church, the kids had fun playing outside. It was a lot warmer in Meridian than is was in Utah.

Christmas Morning 2010

Merry Christmas 2010!

There's more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer; It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!

We spent Christmas morning at my sister Jean's home. Her two boys, Tyler (11) and Trevor (10), were so excited. My three boys were up early to open presents.

Derek (4), Caleb (23 mo.) and Brennan (7 1/2)

Caleb loved his light saber!

The only thing Derek would ever ask Santa for was, "A bell and candy."

He got everything he asked for!

Jean had been planning this Christmas surprise for a long time. Her boys were so excited when they opened the box and saw Wii. Trevor just kept saying, "Thank you mommy, thank you!" These two boys are surrounded by love and family. They are truly special!

One of Derek's favorite parts about visiting Meridian is Grandma Eva's waffles. He loves it when she makes them for him, puts them in a ziplock bag and writes "Derek" on the front. His smile says it all!

Clint gave dad a mini blow torch. It's wind-proof, water-proof and runs off a lighter.

Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas began in the heart of God.
It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.

Night in Bethlehem
To juxtapose our fine china, candlelit, sit-down dinner, we did a fun casual evening on Christmas Eve. When the families arrived, every child was given a pouch with some coins. Then they went around to the different markets and purchased their dinner.

The markets sold ham, olives, cheese, crackers, veges, fruit, and plenty of treats. Beth made some of her homemade caramels {{yum}} to share. After the kids got their plates, we all sat on the ground on blankets to eat. We talked about how Mary and Joseph didn't have a place to stay and so they had to sleep in the stable. No room in the inn for the Savior.

The children sang some of their favorite Christmas songs and Eva even performed on her violin. It was a fun night and perfect for all the kids who were SOOOOO excited for Christmas to come.