The Kimball Family Christmas Party was last night at my aunt and uncles house, Peggy and Marvin. We look forward to this party every year. We almost always have Christmas lasagna with salad, garlic bread, and desserts. My grandma made pistachio jello salad...above. It was all yummy. I made two bundt cakes for dessert...chocolate and apricot. We had dinner, did the Nativity, Santa came, and we played the white elephant game. We had a good turnout. It is fun to get to see all my cousins who were my best friends when I was little. Now our kids (the great grandchildren) are the majority of the group.
We were sitting around visiting when Santa jovialy came through the front door. It was so exciting. He brought a wrapped box of cereal for all of the kids.
Levi, John, and Thomas are patiently waiting for their turn with Santa.
Sam wasn't quite sure about Santa. John, Emily, Thomas, and Jack were so excited but shy when it was their turn.
My mom had a turn with Santa too but my camera died as soon as it was her turn. She whispered in his ear what she wanted. I'm hoping her wish was for a great guy to come into her life and sweep her off her feet. And I'm praying it happens!!! I love you Mom.
During dinner tonight, John asked little John to put away the cereal boxes. Little John complained and kept saying he shouldn't have to do it because he didn't get them out. During this exchange between the John's, Thomas got up from the table and without a word, went straight to the cereals and started to put them away.
John and I were taken back and watched him in amazement. When he got back to his seat I asked him: "Thomas, why did you get up to do that?" His response: "Because I didn't want the Holy Ghost to leave me."
What a great learning experience for everyone in our family. I think we all stopped to think about what he did and how happy it made all of us.
We love you Thomas! You sure are a sweet spirit in our home!
"Old World Santa"
"Candleman"
Isn't Leslie beautiful?! At the end of the funeral, the kids all released balloons. Little Aaron kept a hold of his.
Here are just a few pictures of the day. Aaron's casket was beautiful. Everyone commented that it is one he would have made himself. It was a beautiful day in rememberance of Aaron. Aaron's parents and siblings, his best friend, Rob, his former bishop (and member of the stake presidency) John Robison, and Leslie spoke at the funeral. Richard, Nairn, Robert, Scott, John R., John, Spencer, Dad, and Mark sang "Be Still, My Soul". It was beautiful.
At the viewing the day of the funeral, Leslie put a picture of little Aaron into Aaron's shirt pocket. It was so sweet.
Leslie, we love you!
We actually at the last minute planned an evening out. We haven't seen each other in over a year or two and one day just decided to go out and we did it. It was so fun and nice to get together. We went to Applebee's then went browsing through Ross and TJ Maxx.
After so long, it was so nice to feel like we picked up where we left off. These are good friends. From left to right: baby Jacob, Sandra, me, Kathy, Denise. We missed Tisha, Lezlie, and Heidi.
I love you girls!!!!
And sadly, this is the best I could do (at the moment) to get a picture of Sam's two bottom teeth. His top two are popping through as we speak. Sweet boy. He had a fever and was miserable for four days. So $20 later and an appointment to the doctor....it's just teeth coming in. I'm grateful for nothing serious. Just a sad baby.
I was on the phone a couple of days ago and Jack came up to me and said very seriously, "Mom, I need to talk to you for a minute." I asked him what he needed and he said "I will give you some money if I can have some fruit snacks."
He already had 4 bags of fruit snacks and I refused to give him more. So he wanted to do some trading for more. Cute kid.
John and Emily had their Christmas piano recital at the Bountiful library. They did a great job. Emily played "Arabesque" and "What Child Is This?" and John played "Strolling" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". I am just amazed at the things they can play. They are doing so great. They have a great piano teacher and I have beautiful children. I love them so much and I love to see their talents.
Thomas and Jack sat on the front row and it will be neat to see them up there one day. I love you kids!!!
Aaron Sverre Harkness
Aaron Sverre Harkness "This is a great man" Aaron Sverre Harkness, 30, our dearly loved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away Nov. 29, 2007 at his parent's home in Bountiful, Utah while in his sleep.Aaron was born March 29, 1977 in Bountiful, Utah to Stephen Harold Harkness and Elida Susen Jensen. He married his love, Leslie Kay Higginson, on August 21, 2002 in the Salt Lake Temple. Aaron is the love of Leslie's life and thankfully, he is the love of her eternity. Aaron was one-of-a-kind, a great man. His greatest redeeming characteristic in life was his generous, loving heart the size of Texas. This vast love for others was infectious, and people were naturally drawn to him. He spent his entire life serving others, often unnoticed and at his own expense. Aaron served an honorable mission for the LDS Church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He loved the Brazilian people and was able to serve in many capacities as a missionary. There's no doubt that his great love for the people touched countless lives. Aaron was an exceptional husband and father. He was amazingly strong, but gentle. A giant both in stature and heart. He was also a passionate outdoorsman. He delighted in spending time outdoors with his family, friends, his dog Ode, and his horse Sheila. Somehow, Aaron always shot the biggest buck and caught the biggest fish. Aaron was a cowboy at heart and he was guiding his son in those same footsteps. They loved spending time together. Aaron spent the majority of his working life self-employed as a carpenter, making unique and beautiful furniture. He had so many talents, so much knowledge to offer. He always tried to take advantage of every teaching moment. He was also employed as a counselor at Discovery Ranch in Springville, Utah. He was instrumental in giving comfort and guidance to troubled youth. There are many aspects of Aaron's life that parallel that of his Savior's life. Christ was his ideal. Although he spent only 30 short years here on this earth, he lived his life to the fullest. Aaron touched the lives of everyone who came into contact with his generous spirit. We are all better people for knowing him. We love you Aaron! Survived by his loving wife Leslie; son, Aaron Sverre Harkness Jr; parents, Steve and Sue Harkness; sisters, Sadie Joy Muhlestein (Nick), and April Starr Whiting (Dave); and brother, Steve Harold Harkness II (Christa). Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Bountiful 34th ward located at 540 N. 1200 E. Viewings will be held in his honor Monday, December 3, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary located at 295 N. Main St in Bountiful, Utah, and from 9:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment-Salt Lake City Cemetery. A college fund is being set up for Aaron Jr. Online guest book at: www.russonmortuary.com Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 12/2/2007.
Leslie, we love you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please take care.
"Knowledge speaks and wisdom listens"
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"Feelings are everywhere. Be gentle."
