Party #4!

With Chad in the bishopric, we were talking one night about how we could improve our ward party. I was tired of the same dinner, in a plain gym, singing a song or 2 and everyone leaving. No christmas cheer and no socializing. I suggested a service project and the bishop liked the idea. We all sifted through many ideas but we wanted to find something that would affect Tooele county. We found that through the Tooele School district they hand out weekend meal kits for needy kids. I liked this one but was skeptical of the donations we would receive. But we set a goal to make 50 kits! Here is what was in each kit. 

 We spent alot of hours gathering food, counting, sorting and getting ready to put the kits together at our ward party. Along the way, I somehow got put in charge of the party. I'm not sure if I volunteered or was told but I knew exactly the feeling I wanted to create. So I took on party #4 in our busy December season!

Some good friends came together to help me create a fun back drop for Santa to come visit at and get their pictures taken with! Look how cute!

 Chad helped me string lights because whats a Christmas party without lights? That created a special mood for sure! We had a kids corner with activities and a movie going while the parents ate, chatted or put together the meal kits.

 We of course had Baby Jesus resting in the corner to remind us the reason for the season.

 We ate, Santa came, kits were put together and Santa shared a message about what Christmas was about.

 I had the kids sing a song with me while Santa and Alex, the photographer, got ready.

 And in all her photographer glory, Alex killed it and gave everyone beautiful photos with Santa and Mrs Clause!

 The girls chose to dress up all on their own. So cute.

 And little Brielle's sweet happy face just brings me so much joy!

 Alex snagged Chad and I to make sure we got a family photo with them. 

 We had put together 100 treat bags for them to pass out. We only went through about 50 or 60...so sad we didn't have the best turn out but for those who came, it was magical. I had so many compliments on how the gym looked and so many people told me they loved the service project.

And my Christmas was made as I watched over and over widows and young families giving so generously of their food and time to help us make.....ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY KITS!!!! We blew our goal number out of the water and I was SO grateful for everyone who helped. I was brought to tears many times as we saw the generosity and good hearts of the people in our ward. This is what Christmas is all about. Service, Love, genuine care for those who are less fortunate. As busy as it made our season, I would do it again in a heart beat to see our ward come together for a common good and serve. This party I'll never forget and will go down in my book as one of the best. Not because we were in charge of it, but because my heart grew for my ward members and my community as we were able to serve them.

A $10 Home

One of the challenges for Light the World was to share an family history story. I randomly clicked on my Great-Great Grandpa Gus. And I found this mind blowing story!

From Grandpa Giustino's Life Story

Grandpa and Grandma came from Italy in the early 1900's and arrived in Ellis Island and then settled in Tooele, Utah and bought a house for $10.00 in Tooele, Utah around 1913. They lived there for a few years and then moved to Pingree, Idaho where Grandpa DeGiulio probably homesteaded some land and started farming for a living. Grandma DeGiulio passed away in 1930 when my dad (Joseph) was only 4 years old.

$10.00!! I couldn't believe it! I shared it on social media and my Uncle Rod quickly responded and gave me the address!! I went immediately to drive by the home. And there it was, still standing! I'm sure not much on is is original but how cool to see my family history right in front of my face here in Tooele! So cool!

Dance recital

Dance recital! As if December wasn't busy enough, we added in a Dance Recital! Brielle was so excited to show off her skills and practiced so hard at home and ended up twisting her arm in the process! She sat out the few weeks before her performance because of the pain. Poor thing. She was so scared to try anything on her arm. With a little talking (and bribing) she agreed to perform. Here she is in her leo!

 Carter man was all pumped to do his hip hop routine and sport his new outfit.

 Of course we had to do LOTS of sparkly makeup! Carter wouldn't go for any. :)

 We love seeing our kids perform in whatever it may be. It brings us lots of pride and happiness. I love seeing the confidence it gives them and although it can get pricey sometimes, it is worth it to help them gain some self confidence and try new things!

 Bri tried so hard to do her tricks but she was still quite nervous. She did her best!!

 Look at that back bend!

 And the boys.....

 had some super cool stunts and did a really  job too. This stunt, failed, but I'm sure they'll get it next time!

 So cute. I mean COOL!

 Candy necklace reward!!

Cookies with Robyn

I met a new friend in the fall and we quickly learned we had several things in common and we had common hobbies! I saw on one of her family trips she learned to decorate cookies and I have been wanting to learn too!!! We got together one day and just made the cookies. 

Look how awesome they are! I learned some neat tricks too. 

Then another day we decorated them. SO FUN! I loved filling in the cookies with the royal icing! It was so satisfying!!

And they turned out darn cute too! And were soft AND delicious!

We have several plans to practice up each holiday!

Soccer Christmas Party

Party #3 was Mollie's Team christmas party! It was held at Lindseys house in Grantsville. I organized baskets for the coaches and all the parents chipped in. 

 They had pizza and played lots of fun games. They all had a blast!

 I made the saran wrap game with lots of hidden fun treasures and candy. It was harder for them than I thought it would be! But they made it.

 Alyssas mom mad this fun plinko game where you pull out the candy canes and try not to let the balls drop! So fun!

 Then it was the gift game. Some of them struggled with left and right during the passing story! Funny!

We love this team and the coaches and the friendships Mol has made. We love the confidence it has given her and the knowledge to succeed and work hard. I was dubbed Team Mom in early january and so I hope to have many more fun team bonding moments ahead of us!