Christmas at the Williams

Here is Santa Williams, ready to hand out the Christmas gifts to one and all. We had a glorious time this last Christmas in Wales with the Williams family. They made every effort to make it a memorable Christmas for us. It is not surprising however, because that is the way President and Sister Williams lead the Carmarthen Branch with love and great attention to the individual's needs. We are so grateful that we were called to serve in Carmarthen Branch and for the Priesthood direction and friendship that we received from President Williams. Theresa always makes us feel loved and needed with her fun and delightful personality. Thank you both for making us a part of your wonderful family.

They thought of Everything

We couldn't believe how wonderfully we were treated on Christmas Day at the Williams this year. They waited on us hand and foot. We felt the wonderful spirit and love of their family. They knew we wanted the hoodies that the youth got at Youth Conference and HERE THEY ARE!!! Rex's says " Big Daddy " and mine says "Cookie Queen"!! We love them!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe they remembered my favorite drink, "Dr Pepper" and served me in a "Saints" cup. It was the best Dr Pepper I ever drank. It must have been the Saints influence???? Right President? Since that is his favorite team!!! Thank you for an amazing day.

Our Very Special Ross

As we arrived at the Williams' home on Christmas day, we were greeted by a most excited young man, Ross. His whole face was aglow and as he opened his major gift the excitement couldn't be contained!! It has been my privilege to teach Ross in Primary over the past year and I have grown to love him like one of my own grandchildren!! He always knows all of the answers in Primary class showing the great training he has received at home. Each Sunday he greets us with a big hug and smile which means so much to us.. He has a magical smile and personality and will go far in life like his great parents and grandparents. We love you Ross!!

Gareth loved his Christmas

Gareth is a very special young man with a great strength about him. He was delighted with his new Electric Guitar and his handsome jacket and his tie. We will always love and appreciate Gareth as we remember that first cold night in December when we first arrived in Wales. He was there with his Dad greeting us along with Daniel Shambrook. Both of these boys took their priesthood responsibilities seriously and wanted to make us feel at home. Gareth and Daniel have continued to make us feel welcome over the many months. We love you Gareth!!!

Martha's Surprise

I think Mom and Dad were as excited about Martha's beautiful "PINK" bike as Martha was!! It was such a fun surprise for her. It is absolutely the cutest girl's bike I have ever seen. It was such a treat for us to share in this excitement. Thank you Calvin and Theresa. We will always remember this Christmas in Wales because of your family being willing to share your love with us.

Fun, Fun Martha

There is so much excitement in Martha's life. We love being around her because she is filled with a great love for life. Her sparkly personality keeps life interesting for us all and especially her parents. How I love this young girl. I look forward to their trip to America so she can meet some of our grandchildren and enjoy them in their fun activities.

Christmas Dinner

We ended our lovely Christmas Day at the Williams with an amazing dinner prepared by Theresa. She is the best cook!!!! When they come to visit us in America, I will need to brush up on my cooking skills!! Part of the Christmas tradition here is the "crackers" . We cross our hands and take hold of one end of the crackers while our neighbors are holding the other end and then we pull them apart. Inside is a little gift plus a party hat which you see us all wearing. Aren't the Williams children adorable?? Their wonderful grandparents are in the picture also. We really relate to Grandma and Grandpa Williams because they just returned from their mission and they have been so lovely to us. We sure do love them. The meal consisted of the best turkey I have ever tasted, roasted potatoes, parsnips, peas, carrots, leeks, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, dressing, yorkshire pudding and pigs in blanket. All are covered with gravy. Dessert was a delicious peanut butter cheese cake made by our very own President Williams. There was also a variety of ice cream. We feel so spoiled when we go to the Williams because they wait on us hand and foot. The Lord will really bless them for their great service to so many here in Carmarthen.

Talent show at the Mission Party

We had the opportunity to go to Mission headquarters in Birmingham for a Christmas Eve Day Party where we had a very fun talent show, a great meal and a lovely spiritual program. It was wonderful seeing missionaries we probably will not see again since we return home in 5 months. We love these amazing young dedicated Elders and Sisters. Their love for their Savior is humbling. We will never forget this great mission experience.

Special Missionary Friends

At the England Birmingham Mission Christmas Eve Party with special missionary friends. The bottom pictures feature the Ogdens and their daughter and her husband and family. What a lovely party for us all!!! Thank you President and Sister Ogden!!! We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 24th Mission Party

Here are more pictures of the Missionaries at the Mission Party on December 24th. In the upper right hand picture are the Ogdens' grandchildren who were here for Christmas. It was so fun to visit with the children because I miss my grandchildren so much.

Christmas with Caryl Llewellyn

Caryl is a most amazing lady that we have met in Llanelli and she is coming out to church all the time now and playing the organ beautifully. We are here at her home wearing some cute Christmas hats that she had. Elder Stoddard and Elder Taylor are the full time elders in the picture and they are serving in Llanelli and we have the privilege of working with them every Wednesday. They are dedicated elders and are like sons to us now. Caryl prepares a meal for us every week and it is a delight to go to her home. We love her!!!

Book of Mormon Reading Program

This week as we visited the London Temple Visitor's Center and saw all of these Books of Mormon from different countries, I thought of the sweet experience we have had this year of reading the Book of Mormon as a branch in Carmarthen Branch. I so appreciate President William's leadership in this great branch and the special time we have had of reading the Book of Mormon this past year with the Hardings, Holmans and Veronica Samuels in one of our scripture study groups. We not only feasted upon the scriptures but feasted each week on Sister Holman's delicious desserts!!! We love you Dorothy!!!

Another Precious Temple Experience

You who know me know how I love the temple. It truly is my home away from home. We have been privileged to come to the London Temple now 4 times on our mission. The first time with President Williams and the youth of Carmarthen. Thank you President for that first opportunity. The next three times were with my dear friend and Sister in Christ, Cheryl Davies. The first time with her was when she did baptisms for the dead, the second time was when she took out her own endowment and the third time was this time and it was for her sister's temple wedding where Cheryl was able to witness a temple sealing. How wonderful to share these steps of progression with Cheryl. This time we had Hue, her husband with us and so it was even more special.

Beautiful Nativity Scene at the London Temple

It is hard to capture the spirit that surrounded the Nativity Scene at the London Temple but it was so very lovely for us.

Beautiful Snow Covered London Temple Grounds

It took us 8 hours in a normal 4-4 1/2 hour trip to the London Temple this week to reach the temple for Theresa and Brian's Wedding. Every minute was worth it because we spent it with Cheryl and Hue. We love this great couple!!! They are eternal friends. Cheryl and I are sure we promised each other we would find one another here in this life. Thank heavens for our mission call to beautiful "cold" Wales!!!

The Temple Wedding

Here in the UK, a couple must be married civilly before being married in the temple. Here are Theresa and Brian outside the very snowy temple steps. We had to use another entrance to get inside the temple. I can't explain how sacred and special it was to be with Cheryl and Theresa and Brian inside the Temple of our God where their marriage was solemnized for Time and All Eternity!!!!!

The Happy Couple

At Theresa and Brian's wedding with their darling bridesmaids and the best man. There was such a wonderful spirit with this special group of people, certainly sparked by Theresa and Brian's love for each other. What a privilege for us to be there.

Close Family Members at the Wedding

Here are pictures of Theresa and Brian at their wedding with Cheryl and Hue, Theresa's sister and brother in law and Brian's parents and Brian's sister and her husband. Both are very loving families. It was so much fun spending time with them all.

Family and Friends' Pictures at the Wedding

Here are family and friend's pictures at Theresa and Brian's wedding. They both are blessed with dear friends who love them and great families on both sides. It was a great gathering amidst much snow and very slippery roads.

Special Friends and Family Members

It was a thrill for us to be given permission to attend Theresa and Brian's civil and temple marriage. Here are pictures of Theresa's bride maids, her lovely sister Cheryl and her wonderful husband Hue, her very dear friends and Cheryl and I who are like sisters also.

Beautiful Decorations and Wonderful Wedding Meal Provided

At Theresa and Brian's wedding dinner the Relief Society and Brian's Aunt provided the most wonderful meal and fun associations.

LLanelli Relief Society Christmas Party

On Tuesday night, I was invited to the Llanelli Relief Society Christmas Party and had the privilege of sitting at Caryl Llewellyn's table. She had decorated it in a Welsh theme and we had a lovely evening with everyone. It was Carly's birthday and I brought her the pretty plant arrangement. She has become so dear to Elder Crandall and myself. She played the piano for our carols that night and the elders performed also as she accompanied them. I accidentally erased their picture. Sorry!!!