Henry Kent Fontano

Henry Kent Fontano was born Saturday, August 22, 2015 about 8 pm in Cedar City, Utah to Danielle and David Fontano.  He is the little brother (6 lbs. 1 oz. - 19 inches long) of Griffin James Fontano.  He looks just like his big brother and his dad.  I took out a picture of his dad and was surprised to see the resemblance in that hospital picture taken many years ago. 

I found out Dani was in labor about 2 pm and then was surprised to feel the relief that all had gone well by about 8.  I didn't realize I was so on edge but I was and it was such a blessing to know that this little guy was born and all was well.

Henry is grandchild # 23.  I feel so blessed to have some many adorable and wonderful grandchildren.  It is a special thing to be a grand parent.  Some of my grandchildren adore me and some of them aren't so sure about me.  I know that I love everyone of them.  I wish I could know them all well and that they could know of my (our) love for them.  I sincerely thank Heavenly Father that I am so lucky to have this wonderful, eternal family!

May to August 2015

May 18, 2015
Dear Susan:  

I am going to mail this card and gift to you because I have just been unable to get to your house or meet up with you for you birthday. 

So this is my plan.  One day, when you are free (and I am free) please plan to come and join me for lunch in honor of your belated birthday, and then we will go to Bealls and you can use your card to purchase something you like (or need!) 

I am so sorry that this has been such a “fun” filled year and we just haven’t been able to get together as much as I had hoped.   If I had my way, I would be going out and playing with you all the time.  However, as you know, we are both tied to other things.  One day, however, we will be able to find the time to be together more often.

You are my dearest friend ever and I love you and care about you so much.  I think of you so often and as I have said before, I treasure our relationship and the memories we have made together. 

I hope you have a good year and that bright things happen for you! 

Love always,

Kathy and of course Jim too!

June 5, 2015

To our sweet Marien: on her High School Graduation:

We just want you to know how much we love you and how proud we are of you and all that you have accomplished so far in your life.  We have great faith that you can do anything you put your mind to. 

We know you testimony is strong and that your desire to live the gospel is unwavering.  We hope that you will follow your goals and keep close to our Savior.  We know that you will always be blessed with his spirit if you continue to live as you have and do all that you know is right.

You are truly a beautiful daughter of God.  Your sweet personality and inner goodness are reflected in all you do and say. 

We love you so much!

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Kathy

How are you?

Glad to get this email from Mike….

To

Kathleen Fontano

Jun 12 at 5:40 PM

We got your email.  Liana's personal email is now lianafontano2@gmail.com as the non 2 version was hacked.  The other two addresses are good.  Sorry about not getting in touch with you - I'm really bad at that and feel I was much better before I got married, so I blame Liana.  The apartment was great until they opened the pool for the summer.  We border the fence and are on the second level, so we get to hear everything.  The benefit is it's only open on Saturday and Sunday.  It's funny, the place was sold as being so beneficial because it comes with a membership to a tennis club, but it's obvious the tennis club doesn't want us there.  We can't use the normal locker room, we have to pay extra to use the pool, and forget about ever bringing a guest -it's like $25 for adults and $20 for kids to come as guests.  We figure they'd tell us "don't look full members in the eyes" if they could.  Other than that we actually love the place.  

We were a bit worried about Karcher and Hardee and how they would react with sounds - they've always been very protective - anyhow, they've been really good. Hardee is even less likely these days to growl at people, and we take our walks without leashes (except when we walk in front of the office as there is a $25 fee for not having them on).  The funny thing is to see how people with dogs react.  I use to think Cesar Milan was a bit dramatic with dogs adopting the fear of their owners, but people here are super worried anytime they see the dogs without their leashes.  I just call them over and about 90% of the time they listen.  We even went to the dog park and they fared well with dogs 4 times their size.  We believe it all has to do with them being around a lot of people compared to our Laramie place.  We've been very happy with them both, but Hardee is night and day from even a few months ago.  I started feeding him fish oil capsules too, which has helps with the shedding and itching.  I love the dogs - as you may know.  

Jobs seem fine.  Reno is very very slow with CarMax and I've been applying for everything.  Apparently there are enough people applying in everything because I haven't had a single reply.  I did apply for the alternative route to license program with Washoe County and was denied from that.  That was a bit of a disappointment.  Liana seems to like the work, but she had her clique going in Laramie and as much as it would pain her to admit, I think she misses it... somewhat.  The truth is she's been happy for months and often goes on these long speeches about feeling trapped in Laramie, and blah, blah, blah.  The truth is I miss it a ton, but was apparently standing on Liana's shoulders and breathing just fine, while she was under the surface and drowning.  

No official callings yet.  I have been told by the Elder's Quorum President that I will be the teacher for the 3rd week when our current teacher finally moves out -that guy is actually from Vegas and knew Jim in the Stake YM presidency a few years back.  The ward is a very established ward, in the oldest Northern Nevada stake.  Liana often has stories of disappointment from Relief Society.  We were given the assignment to talk at the end of the month, so hopefully they'll see her brilliance after she speaks.  

Not too much going on with friends in the area.  Everyone is married with children and I seem to work every Saturday.  We'll just have to plan when the situation is right.  We did see a few folks in March, but haven't really done anything with anyone other than Kurt and Steph - which has actually been good for us.  Their boys are pretty wussy and we're toughening them up.  I don't know how much Kurt and Steph appreciate it, but the kids know us and hug us, so it's worth it.  Nothing else really to report there.  We have eaten at El Charro, but that's the same menu from a decade ago.  It was Liana's choice between that and China East, and she "loves chips and salsa, so...."  I did take her on the old houses tour, which she says I have done a thousand times before.  I'm not sure we made the right choice in coming back here, but Liana loves it and is convinced we're set for life.  Oh well, life goes on.  

Good luck with Poppy - we will certainly pray for you (we're running out of new things to say).  Sorry I couldn't get that guy to contact Dad, I guess he wasn't quite the reliable guy I thought he was.  You guys can come visit whenever.  I don't really foresee anything happening.  It's just a matter of what you'd like to come for, Hot August Nights, or September.  I'll look stuff up and let you know what's going on.  Whatever you guys want to do works for us -we don't have an extra bed yet, so let us know if we need to get one.  I'm not sure if we'll be able to make it over for the 4th.  We shall see.

Mike   

Thanks so much Mike for bringing me up to date.  I am so glad that "some" things are working out... I wish everything could be perfect for you but life doesn't seem to ever work out that way does it!  I know moving to a new area is so hard.  I am just starting to feel comfortable here and it has been over a year and I know a lot of people outside of my ward here... 

I see that you got the text about Dad and no surgery at least for the next month.  Just concerned that his heart will give out although we are pretty sure he'll be okay.  None the less, we can't do anything without the approval of the cardiologist so that is the breaks.  We'll probably look back on this and recognize it as a blessing as we have so many times in the past.

We'd love to see you over the 4th.  I think everyone will be here but we know it is a long ride and you both are in new jobs etc.  We are having a talent show however and that might motivate you.  It is however a family talent show so you will have to include Liana in whatever you do and somehow I am sure that she isn't going to be up for your last performance!

Marien and Clayton are here for the next few weeks to work at the cafe.  Marien is staying with us and Clayton at John's.  HOpe they aren't too board with us old people. 

Went to Salt Lake last weekend and met up with Laura and Nigel.  We spent most of the time eating...  Cheese Cake Factory, Crown Burger, Menchies and Melting Pot.  Yummy but my pants are a little tighter today!

Well, I so appreciate knowing how you are and what all is going on.  If dad recuperates okay then maybe we will be able to come that way at the end of August or in September. 

Keep smiling... LOve you both, MOM

Dear Mack:

This is your pen pal writing from Cedar City Utah.  I got home last night from SG and Grandpa's surgery and finally had time this morning to sit and go through my cute "Grandma Jar" from you!  What a delightful gift that was.  I laughed and teared up and smiled as I read those cute memories.  I am so glad that you can remember so many things.  I am glad you liked to come to our house even though half the time you didn't know where we were living!  I am glad that you look fondly on these memories as do I. 

You are one of my favorite people in the whole world.  You are not able to remember that when you were a baby you would just go crazy to see me.  You always wanted to let me hold you and you would laugh and smile and do all the things that let me know you loved your grandma Kathy.  You hold a very special place in my heart.  I love you so much and I am so proud of you and who you are and who I know you will become. 

What a blessing to have a grand daughter like you.  You are so dear and thank you so very much for giving me such a wonderful gift.  I will save it for ever! 

Love, Grandma Kathy

JULY

4^th of July  2015 – John’s backyard 
Kathryn, Tommy, Tara, Griffin & Marien

Ash Creek Canyon – 4^th of July 2015

JULY 12, 2015

OK, it is Sunday the 12^th of July.  I have been looking over my last week or so and thought I should write some of my feelings of gratitude.  First of all I am going to include a copy of Jim’s thoughts about our family reunion this year – July 3-6 or 7 depending on how long each family was able to stay…

So I am in agreement with Mom--it was a great weekend and wonderful to spend time with the (almost) whole family. I started a list of memories, most of them good but some not as good (missing Natty and Andy, for instance). I got part way through and decided to put it on here and let everyone add their piece.

Mom being sealed to her parents
Dad being able to kneel at the altar as proxy for Grandpa Jim
Having all siblings and almost all spouses in the sealing room (we missed you Dan!)
Taking over the restaurant on Thursday night
and Olive Garden on Friday morning
Teaching Shey what the little white-tipped tubes were at Olive Garden, then feeling bad after Laura found out that Shey was a true Fontano child swallowing the sugar straight
Jayson's socks
Jaykob's hair
Winning Tornado (or whatever it's called) Saturday night at John's house
50-50 Bacon burgers
Jaykob's nun-chuk skills
Dave and Dani's "Uptown Funk" (still having a hard time believing that was a pregnant woman up there dancing)
The Jay Fontano family "Double Dream Hands" routine
Variety hour with Karcher and Hardee (narrated by Mike)
Abbie's worm
Jayson on the pogo stick sans hands
Benny's sweet shooting skills
Liana's sweet shooting skills
Abbie, Shey, and Anna's joke telling
Benny's belly dance
Pete joining Benny on the belly dance
Jack's awesome Neil Diamond impersonation, complete with the blue cooler and the wig as props
Kathryn's cheer routine
Jeremy singing "Berries and Cream" while prancing across the stage
The dice game (what is it called?)
Awesome Hawaiian food
Jack really wanting some dessert after Hawaiian food
Three words: paper umbrella basketball
Singing Neil Diamond "Jazz Singer" songs with John, Pete, and Mike
Getting drenched during the 3 minute storm that only rained while I was walking into the church
The boys trying to convince Marien to stay for Sunday School, and one of those boys retreating quickly after Marien pointed out which guy was her father
Missing Natalie and Andy
Shey being so depressed about having to leave on Sunday
Nigel and Laura's shave ice business
The parade
Sam's really big smiles
Dan's really big back flip (or was it back flop?)
Donny and Ollie's kung fu skills, and making the chair not-so comfy
Jeremy, Ben, and Mike playing some kind of flinch ball
Marien, Clayton, and Kathryn's EFY dance routine
Those bean sprouts. Crazy good.
John working the meat grinder
Jack pulling the plug, repeatedly, on the big vacuum at the church
The only person to stay for all 3 hours of church? Clayton. (Well, at G'ma and G'pa's ward, anyway).
Ollie dropping trou and peeing in the bushes at the temple

AND THEN ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS FROM OTHER KIDS (FAMILY MEMBERS)

JOHN:  Great list there. I know I've been inspired by it. So much so that I think I'll build you a rainbow.  I should also mention the down pour that hit us in the middle of Ash Down Gorge and a few nervous nieces and nephews that made it down the trail a lot faster than the pace we were hiking up it.

PETE:  It was a great weekend. Wonderful to see all of you. Abbie asked if we can do the same vacation every 4th of July week from now on.

AMY:  I enjoyed benny's belly dance that pete joined in on.
Also abbie's smack talk the entire time we played fry 'em, lightening.. [whatever everyone calls it] towards her brothers and mike.
Jack sneaking up behind the random group of girls at the park and scaring the crap out of them.
The awakenings ball throwing.. drooling involved.
The ribs.
The 3 little boys being dragged behind grandpa's jazy at hawaiian night.
Sam crawling for the first time!! BAM!

JAY:  Answering "Why did Uncle Pete take off his shirt?" wink emoticon Getting schooled on the basketball court at the church by Ben and Jeremy. Coming down the spiral stairs in the temple. Being politely asked to get out of the way for the photo shoot at the temple. Karcher and Hardee swimming across the creek. Hiding out under the big rock waiting for the storm to pass. Nacho was really PO'd at the man with the sticks. John saying the only thing that would make the hike better would be if there was a landslide. There kinda was one. The Ruby Burger. Just being together.

ME:  Amen to that... again, a weekend never to be forgotten!!! Better than I could ever imagine! Let's try to top it next year!!!

Of course from this weekend of fun we went to Jim headed for back and arm surgery at Dixie Medical Center.  I was a bit frazzled about it all since we have had such good luck in the past year and I just don’t know how long Heavenly Father will want to bless us… I guess the blessings are still coming.  Jim came through and out of surgery beautifully and only had one bout on Friday morning with some dehydration.  He diagnosed it himself and they gave him a couple of IV’s and he bounced back. 

We are now home and he is resting up.  Not eating too much yet but other than that he seems to be doing fine.  Went to Walmart yesterday in his Jazzy and then came home and slept for about 4 hours.  Had some dinner and then went back to bed and slept all night.   His attitude and patience amaze me.  We have learned many things this year but I think #1 is to TRUST IN THE LORD.  He’s got us covered and he will take care of us.

July 31, 2015- this boy is one of my Tender Mercies… today he is 39, I can remember the day he was born and his baby days like they just happened.  He was such a good baby and that was a blessing and tender mercy in itself since he had 3 older brothers who were already running me ragged and none of them were in school yet!

Happy Birthday Jay.  I keep track of tender mercies in my life and I think you are one at the top of my list.  You are a special son.  You are humble and you work hard to be righteous and obedient. 

I appreciate all of the kind things you have done for me and for Dad over the years.  A day doesn’t go by that I don’t look at the picture of the Kolobs and think about the  time you came and painted that sitting in our front yard. 

I also am grateful for the times we have spent together when you lived here in Cedar and although less frequent, the times in Denver and now in Springville. 

I also appreciate how you serve in the church and serve the people around you.  I know that you can be shy and step back but I also know that you care about others  and reach out to them in times of need.

You are a blessing in my life.  I love you and I love your family.  You all bring me great joy!

Love MOM

July 31, 2015

Last night Jim’s cousin Sharon Lewis and her daughter Afton came over to our house.  We probably haven’t seen Sharon in over 20 years if not longer.  She was so recognizable.  We enjoyed our visit with them so much.  It was like we had seen them last week.  Family is such a blessing.  When explaining Sharon to our kids I mentioned that she was just good and righteous.  For sure she radiated all that was beautiful and worthy and her daughter as well.  Only a short visit but one to be treasured.

AUGUST 7, 2015

Dear John,

A quick note to wish you a very HAPPY 42^ND BIRTHDAY!  It is hard to believe that 42 years ago I held you in my arms for the first time.  You looked up at me with that adorable face and we began a life together!  It really does only seem like yesterday…

You were such a sweet baby and such a determined little boy!  You have accomplished so many good things.  You are still sweet and still determined.  We are proud of all you do.  You are a great father and a good son.  You have always been a good worker and a spiritual giant.  Each year you take on greater challenges and you seem to keep it all together.

We hope that in your life you find a woman who you can love and trust and who can bless your home.  That would be our sincerest wish for you.  Perhaps such things will happen this year!!!

Treat yourself to something just for you with this Amazon $.  We love you and continue to pray for you and for your family.  You bless our lives with laughter and with joy and we are glad you live so close by.

Have a wonderful year.  We love you so much.  MOM & DAD

AUGUST 8, 2015

Dear Mike,

A quick note to wish you a very HAPPY 36th BIRTHDAY!  It is hard to believe that 36 years have gone by since I held you in my arms for the first time.  You looked up at me with that adorable face and my life was never the same!  It really does only seem like yesterday… 

You were such a sweet baby and you just took your place in our family and we all loved you to death!  You have accomplished so many good things.  We are proud of all you do and your actions of love and concern for us and for all members of the family mean so much. You really are a great brother and son.

You have always been a giving person and you have such a likeable personality.  We hope that things are going well in Reno and that you can get into a program that will make it  possible for you to do what you want with your career.  We know where your talents lie and we hope that you can use them.

We also wish you and Liana a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!  You are lucky to have that darling girl.  We love her dearly.

Treat yourself to something just for you with this Amazon $ and then enjoy dinner on us for your anniversary.  We love you and continue to pray for you both!    You bless our lives with laughter and with joy!

Be looking for us toward the end of September… we are trying to work things out to spend a week in Tahoe…

Have a wonderful year.  We love you so much.  MOM & DAD

AUGUST 13, 2015

Dear Jeremy:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the finest young men we know!  We are so glad to be related to you!  

Some people might think that 13 is kind of an un-lucky number BUT we think that this is the year to give you 13 reasons why we think we are lucky to have you for an amazing grandson and why we love you so much:

1.       We love your smile and we love how often you use it!

2.       You are such a sweet boy – always thinking of others!

3.       You always seem happy to see us

4.       You are a great athlete and you work hard to do well at every sport you play

5.       You are an amazing drummer

6.       You are a friendly person to both people you know or don’t know yet.

7.       You are obedient and we can tell you keep the commandments

8.       You honor your priesthood

9.       You are such a great help to your mom and you always hurry to do whatever she asks

10.   You are a good big brother and you set a good example

11.   You are a good student and you make an effort to complete all your assignments for school and for scouts

12.   You love your parents and you show them respect

13.   You work hard every day to be the best boy you can be!!!

YOU REALLY ARE AN AMAZING THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BOY WHO WE LOVE MORE THAN WE CAN EVEN SAY!!!  HAVE A GREAT, WONDERFUL, AMAZING, SUPER-DUPER BIRTHDAY

AUGUST 13, 2015

Dear Abbie:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of our favorite girls in the whole wide world!!!    We are so glad to be related to you!  

Here are ELEVEN (for some reason that number just rings a bell right now) reasons why we love you so much:

14.   You are so adorable

15.   You are so sweet

16.   You make us happy every time we see you!

17.   You are such a “smart” cookie

18.   You are a great worm dancer and soon to be Clarinet player

19.   You are an amazing swimmer

20.   You are an incredible quilter

21.   You are such a great help to your mom and you always hurry to do whatever she asks

22.   You put up with your brothers and are helping them to grow up and be strong priesthood holders

23.   You are very good at smiling and even laughing (especially at your Dad’s jokes!)

24.   You are a happy and kind person

YOU REALLY ARE AN AMAZING ELEVEN YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER WHO WE LOVE MORE THAN WE CAN EVEN SAY!  HAVE A GREAT DAY!

August 13, 2015 – Such a blessing this girl is!

Dear Grandma, 

HELLOOOOOOOOOO

I just felt like telling you about my day.

First I went to volleyball and it was tons of fun :) we worked on blocking and serving. I love to play and I'm very excited for the season to start.

After volleyball, I got to go to the dentist. I got my very first filling! It was weird because I couldn't feel my face for a long time afterward, and I had to go to work with a numb mouth.

My job doesn't pay me, but it's still loads of fun. I go to Hollywood Kids ad help out with the 4&5 year olds :D Right now they are doing Cinderella, and their very first show was tonight. I got to help four kids go on and off stage during the whole show! I even got to go on stage for a little while. I got I wear a gold vest and a black suit coat so I would fit in :D it was awesome.

I hope you had as good of a day as I did. I love you Grandma!

Love, Kathryn 

Christmas Remembrances

CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCES

JIM

So the 12 days, huh? My earliest 12-days memories are from Sandy, I think. I'm sure we did it earlier than that, but anything pre-10 is getting fuzzy anymore. I remember one year doing 12 days for the Rigbys. It was supposed to be a secret, but Tony had figured out it was us. I learned I wasn't a very good liar.

My favorite part was delivering. That's probably everyone's favorite part, huh? Places like Sandy and Carson were fun, because it was cold and frozen and hard to sneak up to the doors. We'd drop and run like mad, through the cold and ice and snow and just be terribly afraid we were getting caught. I'm sure I made deliveries in Hawaii, but I don't remember the fear of being caught there.

The yule log always confused me. Why would we give people a piece of wood?

And in Hawaii, I remember one year we were giving audio tapes with Mannheim Steamroller on one side, and some crazy Christmas music on the other. I sat at the stereo copying tapes all evening--we must have had a dozen people on the list that year!

I remember one year in Sandy when Grandma Vi and Grandpa Al were doing us for 12 days. I couldn't figure out how they happened to show up at our house one night just after the secret Santa had just dropped ours off. I guess I was a little slow. Pretty sure the folks had caught on.

Overall, the best part of 12 days for me has been picking people who had a need and doing something to bless their lives. Although my family hasn't kept the 12 days tradition (we travel too often over the holidays), we have always picked one or two families in need and provided Christmas for them. It's not quite the same, but it is similar and it makes a difference.

In 2013, I did the Twelve Days of Anniversary for Clorinda. I guess that counts.

I hope that is satisfactory.

JOHN
December memories.  Well, they are Christmas centered.  The entire home had to do with Christmas.  Decorations - wow.  I don't even know if it is possible to pack up one more plastic tote with Christmas decorations.  The entire home is transformed.  I always enjoyed putting ornaments on the tree a kid.  Decorations were actually quite amazing and gave a special feeling to the home.  We read Christmas stories each night.  I might even shed a tear or two these days when reading one of these stories to my kids.  Twelve days of Christmas was simply part of our lives.  I remember those we did when we first moved to Hawaii and the families that were so touched there.  That may have been the first time I realized how special of a thing Twelve Days was for people as well as our own family.  I don't recall pops being as cavalier as others envision him.  Perhaps it was years of precaution finally relaxing a bit.  I don't know, wasn't around for that stage.

Christmas Eve was always a special time.  I quite enjoyed those Christmas Eve celebrations when mom would pull out a stash of all the goodies she had been giving away in all these 12 days packages.  Finally we could partake of the goodness.  Nasty Candy!  I don't exactly recall what was in it but it was chocolate covered goodness and I loved it.  We had good times together.  I do recall being at Grandpa Al and Grandma Vi's for Christmas Eve one year and exchanging gifts with cousins.  I got the Cindy Lauper cassette that had the song 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' on it.  I couldn't quite understand why I was given that gift.  I took it graciously and learned all the songs on the album having listened to it 'time after time'.  I certainly found myself routing for Cindy Lauper to pull off something amazing in USA for Africa, We are the World.  It was the only cassette I owned at the time and I felt a certain loyalty to Lauper.  Is it possible to get through a Christmas Eve without having to play the chimes?  I don't know.  Those things are painful.  More recently I find myself quite enjoying the white elephant gift exchanges and displaying the white elephant for the year.  Every time I step into the kids bathroom I grin in admiration of Dave gift from last year.  A lovely painting of a colorful stallion. 

Stealth Mode:  I was one who lacked patience for presents.  I had to know what was in the gifts.  I couldn't wait for Christmas morning.  Our cousins the Leroy's would send gifts.  One year, could have been 84.  Anyway, their gifts arrived and so did my curiosity.  I couldn't wait. I took a stealth position behind the tree and carefully opened the package.  Pocket sized tool kits.  Very exciting.  After retiring for bed I would sleep for a bit and then would wake up, sneak out of my room and check the contents of the living room.  It was fantastic and was hard to contain the excitement.

I am not Left Handed.  My first Christmas home from the mission was excellent.  I was excited home and with family.  To make it more exciting I got my first set of golf clubs.  To make it even more exciting than that was when I discovered they were left handed clubs.  I thought it was the perfect little scheme as pops got a new set of clubs.  Nicely played.  I did get some clubs a few days later.  We went to the driving range.  I was feeling like I was gripping the club too tight.  I decided to try a looser grip.  Didn't hold.  My club went flying out to the middle of the driving range.  I don't recommend the loose grip.

December is certainly a fun time of year and a time for reflection.  I am grateful for our family traditions.     

PETE

JAY

MIKE
December.  Again, Thanksgiving into Christmas is just one continual feeling.  My memory is the day or two to switch from Thanksgiving to Christmas decorations.  I assume everything I could say here will be said, but my memories include thinking Dad was way too cavalier with 12 days, kind of just pulling into their drive way, honking his horn prior to us dropping stuff off - he didn't, but it felt that way some times.  I remember doing it in Dad's impala that had a very unique smell to do it, which I attributed to it being a lead gasoline car, but I don't know if that's a real thing.  I remember music too - Mannheim Steamroller mainly, but a few others.  I certainly remember the excitement and anticipation of Christmas morning.  Dad's bathroom break, the fear of going into the living room prior to being allowed to, and then the process of opening gifts in whatever order it was.  I remember certain traditions such as cleaning up after the fact, and trying to take a nap under the tree.  I don't know that I ever did.  Overall I think the memory was the majesty of it all, the feelings of the whole month that existed in the house.  It was likely the fact that we tried to read a story, drop off 12 days, open 12 days, and everything else.  

LAURA
Christmas lasted the whole month of December in our house.  I loved the feeling of the house totally decked out in holiday decorations.  I remember Mom baking and freezing cookies, puzzles seemed to always be out and being worked on all month, too. Of course there was always FUDGE out the wazoo... I loved when I was old enough to start helping make it.  I loved the way the whole counters/table would be lined with red bowls filled with fudge.  And delivering the fudge was always fun, too.

There was always the race to hang up the advent ornament, and no one will ever forget the glass Christmas trees filled with m&m's... and then taped shut so we couldn't eat them before Christmas day.

I remember the Christmas in Las Vegas when we got Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas, and all the older boys were so excited, but I had no idea what it was.

I remember coming 'home' to our new house in New Harmony, and the Christmas tree John had gotten that was as fat as the whole living room!

I remember doing Secret Santa for families every year.

I remember swimming on one Christmas Day in our pool in Hawaii.  I had my brand new barbie swimming with us.

Dad playing Santa for various parties.

Reading Christmas stories every night, being annoyed that Mom always cried through them... I don't think I understood what they were talking about or why they were special, but I enjoyed sitting around listening to them.  Especially the first year we got the Forgotten Carols.

Jerusalem Dinner... especially the year we had the Grovers come over.  Mostly because I was annoyed that Michelle got to be Mary, which was obviously MY role.

Getting 12 days from mom.  Always with the popcorn tin one night, and the trail mix another night.  And always being annoyed when the gifts were 'for her'... decorations, etc. :)

Delivering 12 days was the best.  I loved getting big enough to go with my brothers.  Peter driving some big hill in Carson and I swear we flew every time.  And listening to Cheech & Chong or whatever it was that they had us listening to every time.  Going with Dave when we were in high school, clicking each other's seat belts and chasing deer in downtown New Harmony.  Being so scared that we were going to get caught or that someone was watching from inside... 

McDonald's gift certificates from Aunt Judy/Uncle Dale.

The slipper socks we all got in Carson one year.

Wasn't bowling a Christmas Eve occurrence?

And lets not forget the HIDEOUS wreath that Dad had on the front of his truck, I'm sure just to embarrass me!

Mom, I'm not sure how you survived this month-long holiday year after year! But it was ALWAYS magical, so thank you.

DAVE
12 Days was always one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I remember going along for the ride back in Carson City back before I was able to be a "runner". I think Mike, Laura or Jay would do the running but I'd sit in the car with Dad and watch. I was excited for the time I could be the runner. I think the first time I was able to do that was in New Harmony though. I enjoyed putting on our disguises. I wore my paintball mask a few times. I went with Laura one year and it was extremely fun. We would take turns running and then mess with each other while she drove. Unbuckling seatbelts and putting the van in neutral, probably extremely unsafe. Nevertheless, extremely fun. I can't remember if she made us listen to terrible music then or at other times in our youth, probably both. After my mission I went and delivered with Dad. He had lost all sense of reconnaissance and did everything short of honking out front to alert them that we were there. He'd pull up in their driveways with the lights on, turn them off, tell me to get out and deliver. His super spy skills had grown callus over the years. This is the same reason I could never accept 1980's Roger Moore as 007. His spy light had grown dim, unbelievable. Perhaps the throwing of hats that removed peoples heads and underwater cars should have clued me in on the far-fetchedness as well. That's beside the point. It was still quite fun and perhaps I exaggerated the story a bit, but I learned that from the master as well. That light remains bright in Pops. The time with family of 12 Days was certainly the best. Family time is most definitely my favorite part of Christmas and something I've missed since having to share Christmas with the out-laws, excuse me, in-laws. Hopefully this is up to par.

AMY
I remember getting promised a trip to the beach or Hawaii or a cruise or something like that that we never got for 12 days.. I mean.. I probably  got it.. but it doesn't count because it was supposed to be with Dave and laura.. and I think michael. I think it's time to make a big trip happen.. we will all have to pay for ourselves now.. but a cruise sounds good.

I loved going bowling every Christmas eve.  I love doing fondue every new years.. or Christmas time.

I do remember I slept in Laura's  room (I think it was pre sixth sense) on Christmas eve.. and I was convinced she never ever pooted.. and she let one go that night.. nastiest smell I have ever inhaled. We laughed for a long time after that that night. 

I also remember you, dad, laura, dave, and myself went to see the lights at tuachan... us kids were dancing on this cement pad thing.. and Dave was spinning in circles and bending down.. he says to me and laura in mid spin: "just to warn you.. every time I bend down I fart". I think it might be a problem that all of my memories are of my siblings farting.

Uh.... one year I got a cotton candy machine. I was very excited.. it only made about a tablespoon of cotton candy at a time.. but it was the most delicious bite.
I've been very impressed with yours and dad's ability to give.. always.. but especially  during Christmas time. you've both made an impression on me and making me want to be more giving and not think so much about what you are getting but rather what you are giving.
I always enjoyed taking fudge and goodies to the neighbors.  Just the whole giving aspect of Christmas time is always my favorite. Makes me want to be more like I am or feel during Christmas time throughout the whole year.
I've always loved white elephant.. but I love the new way that you have to display it for a year. It's been fun when people come over and ask "what the heck is that?!" And having to explain what your family does. It's fun to find the most ridiculous thing at di or wherever you find your W.E. and just know that someone  has to display that.

MOM
Christmas letters:  Every year I wrote a Christmas letter.  It began with telling out activities for the year and then later I would tell people about what was going on with each of the kids and their families.  It was a good re-cap of all that we had been doing during the year and as I went through the names that I put on the envelopes it helped me to remember dear friends and family who mean so much to us.  I remember that over the years, the kids have read the letters and each one always had a comment to make about what I had said about them or what I hadn’t said about them.  I even got complaints last year about the order I put the names! 

Christmas cooking:  I had some favorite things that I only made a Christmas time including fudge, some different candies and cookies, and special meals.  The fudge tradition was handed down from Grandma Vi and the actual recipe was labeled Fern’s fudge (her sister).  It is a creamy and delicious fudge and people always commented on it so Jim and I started making it and delivering it to neighbors and friends.  We made it a part of our 12 days tradition but also took it around to many on Christmas Eve as well.

Over the years we had different things for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner.  Sometimes we would have make our own subs, we liked Jim’s famous Pork Tenderloin, we had Christmas rice, fondue, and clam chowder. 

Jerusalem Supper:  Usually the week before Christmas we would have a special meal to remind us of the Savior’s birth.  We would dress like Mary and Joseph and the shepherds or the wisemen would have dressed.  We ate food that was middle eastern like falafel, pita, and other dishes of the area – sometimes we would make things that were more to our liking and put them in the pitas like fajitas, olives, tomatoes, onions.  After dinner we would act out the Nativity. 

Decorating for Christmas:  Both my mother and my mother in law were great Christmas decorators and so naturally I have felt the need to deck the halls so to speak.  I remember the first Christmas Jim and I were together we did a tree in gold balls and white lights.  We thought it would be beautiful but it was a live (dying) tree and it just about looked dead by the time the holiday came.  After that, although we had a live tree for many years, we would make and add new ornaments.  The next year we were in Fremont and we made little Snowmen and Santa Clauses out of felt and pom poms.  They were on our tree for many years.  We started the tradition where each of the kids got to pick out an ornament of their choice to hang on the tree and put their name on.  Later, as we have had Grandchildren we give each of them an ornament with their name and the date on it for their trees.  We had live trees for many years and even had a growing tree one year in Carson City… unfortunately Laura was allergic to it and broke out in hives.  One of our first years in Carson City the Relief Society did a home tour and our home was part of it.  It was early in the month and we bought our tree only to see it fall apart about 3 days before Christmas and so we had to take it all down and re-decorate a new tree.

I have also made many crafts and inherited a few crafts.  I can remember a large wooden soldier, a large wooden nativity, a quilted nativity, several Christmas quilts, a quilted table runner, a quilted Christmas house and many more.  A lot of these I would make for my sister and Jim’s family and then one for us.  We also have had a couple of advent calendars that the kids (even as teenagers) would fight over to put up each ornament each day. 

Jim almost always gave me a decoration(s) for Christmas.  I have some cute Santas, nutcrackers, angels, and snowmen.  My favorite is my collection of Nativity Sets.  I think at one point I counted that I had over 30.  Some are large and some are small, some are ornate and some are quite simple.  One came from the Holy Land and is hand carved from olive wood. 

Christmas Family Time:  Of course the best part of Christmas is family.  We liked to do the 12 days of Christmas every year for the kids which would include games, puzzles, videos, ornaments, tooth brushes, books, decorations, movie tickets, a big popcorn can, treats and whatever else sounded good at the time.   We would open these every night and then try to read a Christmas story.  It was a good time to bring us all together and I think all of us enjoyed it. 

The 12 days of Christmas is something that Jim and I started doing the second year we were married.  Grandpa and Grandma Fontano had received this from someone and then Grandma Vi had us help her deliver little gifts the next year to the members of Grandpa Al’s bishopric.  We learned the ropes and decided it was something we wanted to do.  We have done it (with the exception of maybe 2 or 3 years) ever since.  We started out by giving little treats every night like jam, cookies, pickles, fudge, candies as well as little gifts like a star, bell, santa, candle, ornament, Christmas napkins, Christmas stories and for Christmas Eve we always gave a yule log and for Christmas morning we often made a bread wreath. We progressed to a themed 12 days where we would talk about the symbols of Christmas and over the last years we have purchased a nativity set and then wrote a poem/story about the nativity and gave a member of the nativity each night ending with the Savior.

We have involved the kids in making and delivering the twelve days each year.  We often chose 7 or 8 or 9 families to share with.  We would wait until late at night (after 11 pm) and then Jim and the kids would drive to their home and leave the package on the front door step.  On the last day we would usually identify ourselves and explain why we had chosen their particular family.  We would always pray for guidance in choosing a family that the Lord knew needed this gift.  Sometimes it would be an older couple, or a young couple without a lot of money, or someone we appreciated for their friendship.  We found over the years that people would sometimes try and find out who we were by staying up and watching the front of their house.  Sometimes they would ask us to our face if it was us (while we were in the middle of trying to deliver to them).  One friend called our house about midnight and asked to talk to Jim (who was of course out delivering to them) and that got to us.  I remember, one year, delivering to an older couple and I didn’t know why they had come to mind but later that year the wife passed away and we were glad that we had contributed to their last Christmas together.

Secret Santa:  Along with the 12 days we also often would select families that needed goods and gifts and share them.  We handled that pretty much the same way, secretly delivering and hiding in wait to see them find goodies on their porch.  One year, when we had moved to Hawaii we were very poor.  We still decided that we would do the 12 days – just on a limited budget.  Some friends (the Simmons) brought over Secret Santa gifts to us and were surprised that we had done the 12 days for them.  We explained that 12 days was our Christmas and that we really couldn’t imagine a Christmas without it.  After we returned from Hawaii we were quite poor again and were surprised one day to come home from church and find out whole porch covered with gifts … we found out what it feels like to be so blessed as the receivers and have never regretted being the givers!

Christmas Eve and Day:  For Christmas Eve we would light a bunch of candles (one year I remember putting candles in the window but it was too close to the blinds and I almost started a fire.  We sometimes would write down on papers a bunch of things to do and then do them in the order they were drawn:  read Christmas story, sing carols, play a game, open a gift etc.  I always wanted Christmas to measure up to my memories of Christmas when we would go to my Aunt’s house and Santa would come and fill the living room with gifts.  Jim’s tradition was to open gifts EARLY Christmas morning.  The kids had to wait until he had gone to the bathroom and he would purposely take a long time.  Then they would line up, oldest to youngest or vice versa and go into the living room to find their gifts from Santa by their stockings.  Stockings were always opened first then Santa’s presents and then presents from family.  As the years have progressed, we have sometimes had many kids and their kids home to open gifts and spend the holiday with us.

After opening gifts we would fix some great meal of pancakes and bacon or sausage or Grandma’s Casserole or even Cinnamon rolls.  Later in the day we would have either a big meal or sometimes we had sub sandwiches.  The kids all liked to stay home and play with their new toys.  A few years, when we lived in Salt Lake we would spend Christmas Eve at Grandma Vi’s and Christmas Day at Judy and Dales but most of the time we just spent the day at home.

Some years I remember more than others.  I remember making sugar cookies and Gingerbread houses and having messes all over the kitchen!  I remember putting the kids stockings that my sister had made for them on the mantle in our first house in Carson City and Jay telling me he could spell everyone’s name by looking at the socks:  Jay, Peter-ay, Mike-ay, Jim-ay, John-ay!  Grandpa Jim and Grandma spent that Christmas with us and almost froze to death going home in the snow to California.  I remember when Laura was finally able to be Mary in our Nativity play and Mike was Joseph and Dave was the baby Jesus being not even two months old.  I remember the year that we got the kids a trampoline and Jim had to put it together after they went to bed on Christmas Eve in the freezing cold and snow.  I remember the year we did 12 days for our friends the Grovers while they were doing the 12 days for us!  I remember Christmas in Hawaii where they decorate palm trees with lights and it is warm outside.  We went swimming in the ocean that year and then thought we would go to MacDonalds and use our coupons sent from Judy and Dale but MacDonalds was closed.   I remember the year that most of the family was in New Harmony and we played the Rootbeer game and went caroling to the people in the neighborhood.  I remember the year in New Harmony Marien got dress ups for Christmas and wore them coming down the stairs with the high heels and then fell down the last three and jumped right up and continued her fashion show!  I think it was that same year that the Coe’s came for Christmas eve and we played White Elephants.  Martha loved getting one of the old blue sweatshirts with the polar bear on it that I had made for each family member several years before in Carson City and we wore them to the Ward Christmas Party.  I remember the year in Hawaii when we were in charge of the dinner and Christmas program.  We had Farmer John ham (parmagiana ham???) and had to also have rice (for Bishop Sakamaki).  We had the kids sing Mele Kalikimaka and the whole cultural was decorated with big wrapped candies hanging from the ceiling.  I remember the Christmas in Hawaii when Laura got a kitchen set and the boys each got remote control cars that the batteries wore out on the first day and we went swimming in our pool on Christmas day!   I remember John’s first Christmas home from his mission when we gave him left handed golf clubs!  I remember always putting together that crazy Christmas puzzle that would take us forever but we were always so happy when we finished it!  I remember dad playing Santa for Church Christmas dinners or family dinners all over and one year when Heidi Lee’s sister saw him at Walmart in real not Santa clothes and then said loudly “Oh, I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on!” 

I remember always thinking that we couldn’t possibly have a better Christmas and then the next year we did!