We had a really cool experience Friday night, one I'm sure we'll all remember. A few years ago papa Steve received a box, from a relative, full of unknown things belonging to his father who had passed away when Steve was a young man. Steve being a patient, because of two different sons weddings, and wanting the whole family there, waited two years to finally see what's inside. Talk about self control. I totally would have said forget it, and opened it right away!! He gathered all us kid and invited his sister Aunt Pam over for a special dinner and reveling of the contents of this mysterious box. Inside were things like old photographs, some which none of us have seen. Souvenirs he had brought back from his mission. And probably one of the coolest things were a bunch of letters written by him, to him, and about him while he was serving his mission and just other important times in his life. It will take us a while to get through all the letters but we are looking forward to it. My favorite letter so far was one written by him to his parents, thanking them for all the love and support they had given him. It gave me goosebumps reading it and gave me an itch to research more about his and other ancestors lives. Reading these letters, I couldn't help think, who will someday read some of my letters? Are they worth reading, will they make them feel anything, will they be special to someone someday?
Russel Williams Janson
(Ethan and Russel could be twins)
Have you ever heard the saying, "it's better to give than receive"? Well we have found this to be soooo true this Christmas. Grandpa Russel and Steve both served in the Army and because Ethan just joined this year, we decided to give Steve a three generations picture display of the Janson men. This has probably been one of the most rewarding gifts we've ever given. Watching Steve open this was something I will always remember. Ethan and Steve both teared up and I could tell it meant a lot to each of them. I'm so grateful for these men and their service to our country and the examples they set for many generations to come.
FINALLY!! About a year of being married plus our dating/engagement period, I have been asking Ethan to play the violin for me without success. Now I can honestly say that he does play. And pretty dang well for having not touched the thing in over a year! Best part was grandma Hunt accompanying him. It melted my heart, a bit.
With this being our first Christmas married we decided to do our own little thing first thing in the morning then meet up with family after. Ethan really spoiled me. It was so exciting just to the two of us starting a new tradition that will some day be accompanied by our own kids. I hear it's more fun that way. ;)
Christmas morning line up tradition at the Jansons. Usually it's oldest to youngest out of the brothers but this year it was between the grand babies. And no Ethan is not announcing anything...just didn't wanna feel left out!! haha
Favorite Uncle Ethan :) Just missing a picture with Ty.
To sum it all up, our first Christmas together and my first one with the Jansons was a hit! I am so grateful for family and for the real meaning of Christmas. For my savior Jesus Christ and his birth. I'm grateful for his life and the example he set. I'm especially grateful for the sacrifice he made and for the atonement that we have to take part in and become more perfect like our savior. That we can someday live in peace and happiness with him and our families for eternity.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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