Honorable Mentions of 2011

Last fall Texas experienced some devastating fires, practically in our backyard. Curtis took the boys out and Mackenzie every Saturday to Bastrop for a month for clean up. The experience was sobering and very rewarding for all who served the many families who lost everything. Our stake also dedicated a Saturday and close to a thousand showed up to help clear the properties and cut trees. Then our ward at Christmas time chose several families to provide "Christmas" for them. As a ward we wrapped gifts and then the youth took the gifts to the families. The kids came home feeling grateful for their circumstances but also feeling the true meaning of Christmas.















Two days before Christmas our family went & raked leaves for an elderly sister in the ward, best bonding moment ever! We started the project with a few grumblers which quickly dissipated. Before long, we were singing together, laughing, crying and just enjoying the service. Sister Tallmage was so grateful! Her gratitude touched us deeply, we left feeling like better people & a more connected family.