One Wintry Day

There is magic about snow that seems to quiet the world. The color is white and pure and seems to brighten up not only the sky but all those who take time to play in it and enjoy it. Of course those on the roads often forget how to drive in it and many seems to have to wait hours to get home. Even if home was only a 7 mile trip! Of course here in Oregon we are not used to it as much so I guess that is why. Either way it was a great day to enjoy the beauty of cold falling flakes and have fun! Everyday paths seem to have a magic spell as the snow blankets the ground.
Bryan had fun playing with neighbors and loved sporting his new Steelers beanie that Aunt Annie gave him for Christmas. It sure kept his head warm.
Is anyone ever too old to make snow angels? I don't think so.
Bethany took time to get out in the snow as well. She tried to capture some pictures with her camera but for some reason they didn't turn out so well. Thankfully I was able to capture some pictures of her enjoying the fun.
Later some fun young guys from Church came by to build a fort and play in the snow as well. From tossing snowballs to buidling and crunching through the snow all had fun. I was surpised how well these pictures came out at night but then again the snow helped give some extra light to the sky. The first photo is of Tyson Barfuss and Logan Jasperson and Tyson's friend Brent who is visiting from Pendleton Oregon.
Bethany joined in their fun and spent a couple hours with them at the park near our home. All in all it was a nice wintery day. Especially considering we're supposed to be back to rain tomorrow.

The Secret of Christmas

I love Christmas songs and if I could have it my way I would start listening to Christmas songs in the middle of October. I really can't choose a favorite song because I have too many. But one song that I have always liked is a song sung by the famous crooner Bing Crosby. The song, "The Secret of Christmas" is a song with a message. It talks about doing things all year through to keep that spirit with you. It reminds me a lot of my Dad as well. Here are the lyrics to the song.


Look at the happy people
Christmas is in the air
Well I know the secret of Christmas
A secret I'm willing to share

It's not the glow you feel
When snow appears it's not the Christmas card
You've sent for years
Not the joyful sound
When sleigh bells ring
Or the merry songs
Children sing

the little gift you send
On your Christmas day
Will not bring back the friend
You've turned away
So may I suggest
The secret of Christmas
Is not the things you do at Christmas time
But the Christmas things you do
All year through

Here is a link to youtube so you can listen to the song and Merry Christmas and may the Spirit of Christmas be with you not just for a day or two but all year through

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FePF_W43_zA

Sean Hits the Year Mark

This week marks a year since Sean has been on his mission. He officially hits the "hump" on December 17th. Wow...where did this year go? Sean is loving his mission and trying all he can to find those who are ready to hear the Gospel and learn more about Christ. He has relished being in Germany this Christmas. A country where so many traditions of Christmas began. The Christmas tree, many ornaments, Advent Calendars and so forth. He has enjoyed going to the Christmas Markets on his Pdays. I know this next year will fly by as it usually does for nearly every missionary.
I am thankful that he chose to serve 2 years of his life and have this time to grow and learn so much. It's been great for him and those that he has served with.
Earlier this month Sean and his companion Elder Lyman were able to go to Raimstein AF Base and were able to buy soda and other American foods that you can't purchase in Germany. Sean got clever and made a Christmas tree out of his soda cans. Amazing what a missionary will do
Sean will be staying in Kaiserslautern for at least another transfer(6 weeks). He has been in K town for 2 transfers already and this marks the longest time he has been in one area. He is glad to be here and loves the area. It is a beautiful, quaint town.
Here are a couple photos of the Christmas Markets in K Town. Sean and his Distrikt were able to visit some other Christmas Markets that are larger on some of their other P days. The gingerbread cookies look delicious! I can only imagine how yummy they smell when you walk around and smell them everywhere!
here is another shot of the Christmas Market. I love the cobblestone streets.
Sean and his companion went all out when it came to their apartment. Even putting lights up around the toilet. Leave it to 2 missionaries. What a fun idea.
I hope Sean enjoys his Christmas in Germany this year and the rest of his mission. It will fly by fast now. It's exciting that Becky, Wes and Sean have all served German missions. If Bethany wasn't married by 21 and opted to serve a mission it would be cool if she were called to Hamburg. Then every mission in Germany would have been covered by 1 Whitnah. Kind of cool. I love you Sean!

Bryan loves singing Christmas Carols

For the past few weeks Bryan has reminded all of us along with many friends at Church about the Mountain View Choir singing at Washington Square Mall. Well today was the day and boy was Bryan excited! He was up before 6am and dressed quickly in his black pants,white shirt and Santa hat. He was ready for the BIG day. When Bryan was little he would sing all the time but when he was about 7 or so he just wouldn't sing at all and we missed hearing his voice. I am not sure if it was his former 11 year old scout master who got him to sing or what it was but he decided this Fall to sign up for choir. Needless to say I was excited for him to do this.Mountain View has an AMAZING choir instructor and she has been great for Bryan. Several of the other choir members have helped Bryan as well. It has been fun to see his growth in singing.
Bryan along with the rest of the choir will perform next Tuesday evening along with the 6th and 8th grade choirs. He is so excited for it and I am glad to see him so happy learning and doing something he loves. I have a feeling my Dad, his Grampa, would be very proud of him.