Traces of Time . . .
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It is in very tiny font: Older Posts} Week ofDECember 22-28, 2025
It is in very tiny font: Older Posts}
Week of
DECember 22-28, 2025
On this blog I share with family and friends my daily thoughts, doings, what interests me, and--at times--tributes to my eternal sweetheart, Walt, who graduated to heaven on 8-21-2020.
Dedicated to our seven children--Janie, Gary, Steve, David, Julie, Brian, Jen, their spouses, our 39 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and posterity to come.
Dedicated to our seven children--Janie, Gary, Steve, David, Julie, Brian, Jen, their spouses, our 39 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and posterity to come.
THIS WEEK-
DECEMBER 22-28, 2025
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025Family is Everything... Sunrise: 7:47 a.m. Sunset: 5:05 p.m.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACEE"23" College Coed
DECEMBER 22-28, 2025
MONDAY,
DECEMBER 22, 2025
Family is
Everything...
Sunrise: 7:47 a.m.
Sunset: 5:05 p.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACEE
"23" College Coed
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2025
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2025
Family is Everything…It was 
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** 6 years ago...Dec 2019Walt's last Christmas with us.WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019 Family is Everything... 
"A humble Mary wrapped her child in a swaddling cloth and laid Him in a manger. The King, the Teacher, the Savior was born.With the angles that rejoiced His coming, I testify of the birth of the Christ Child.
...with shepherds
Shepherds came to worship Him...
...the wise men came
The Wise Men brought
gifts to the Christ Child...
Wise men, wise women, wise teenagers, and wise childrenstill follow HIM...He is the SAVIOR of the world! He will come again in Glory to rule and reign forever.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ...and because the Wise Men brought gifts to The Christ Child...We, too, give gifts to each other, and the symbol of giving gifts is a fun part of childhood and adulthood...S a n t a C l a u s
...this is the image
I remember from my childhood...
Here Comes Santa Clausleaving the North Pole...
Now I am quoting parts of"The Night Before Christmas"written by Clement Clark Moorein 1823." 'Twas the night beforeChristmas when allthrough the houseNot a creature wasstirring, not even a mouse..."More rapid than eagles hiscoursers they came, And he whistled and shoutedand called them by name:On...
...Santa Claus is Comin' to Town...Saratoga Springs, Utah
"...the stockings were hungby the chimney with carein hopes that Saint Nicholassoon would be there..."
"...So up to the housetop thereindeer they flewWith a sleigh full of toysand Saint Nicholas too.And then in a twinklingI heard on the roofThe prancing and pawing of each little hoof."
"...As I drew in my head and wasturning around, Down thechimney Saint Nicholas came with a bound..."A bundle of toys he had flungon his back, And he lookedlike a peddler justopening his pack...He spoke not a word butwent straight to his work,And filled all the stockings,then turned with a jerk.
"...laying a finger asideof his nose, And givinga nod, up the chimneyhe rose.He sprang to his sleigh,to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flewlike the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight...'Happy Christmas to alland to all agoodnight.' "
...and here is our home after Santa came:
...and here we are onChristmas morning with Riggy.
Jackson was very surprisedby a wonderful new trombone.
It will be remembered as
the Christmas of the trombone...
Yummy Christmas breakfast ofwaffles topped with strawberries
and whipped cream...
Beautiful Winterberry Christmas
dishes add to the beauty...
A magical time...
After Christmas day naps,the turkey is ready for
John to carve...
John's Dad and Mom, sister Nicole,
and cousins Jasmine and Jada,
along with Gary and us
...are thankful for all
those who prepared
...a delicious 
...Christmas dinner!
Gary and Grampa agree...
...that pumpkin pie should havea lot of whipped cream on it.
We always enjoy being with
John's family!
Later Geni, her daughter Tayler
and [soon-to-be-son-in-law]
Aleva Hifo, BYU football
player #15, joined us.
(Julie, did you get any photos
of them on Christmas evening?)
Here's what Geni posted six
days later--Dec. 31...
Congratulations to
Tayler Tausinga and
Aleva Hifo.
We do love being with John's
family...Brent and Vicki and
any of their 9 children and
fun grandchildren.
Thank you, Julie and Johnand everyone.It was a very Merry Christmas day!THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 Family is Everything... 
...day after Christmas.
...apple, pumpkin, and pecan.
Marci came to help Walt.
We had a slow-paced dayrecuperating.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019 Family is Everything... 
What a view...
That is the actual Salt Lake Templeout the window...
We had lunch at The Garden Restaurant onthe top floor of the Joseph Smith Building.
Gary took a photo, then Daniel took a photo with Gary in it.
Gary, thanks for driving usinto Salt Lake for thisfun rendezvous.
We got to stand by theJoseph Smith statuein the lobby...
...with Heidi and Pono
Fishers Then they went to see theLights at Temple Square.
When they got to Saratoga Springs,we played games and just hung out together.
Love just being together.
Katie and kids...
We just talked...
Of course, Julie had some
inquistion...
A fun circle of conversation
going on...
"Uncle" Michael is so good
with Taitum and Diesel.
We talked for a couple
of hours or more...
Katie, Parker, Taitum and Diesel
headed home at 10:30...
Great evening with the
Fishers, Andersons,
Petersons, and Petersens.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019 Family is Everything...
over Saturday morning...
Fishers helped ussort family photos...
All too soon it was timefor the Fishers to headback to I D A H O . . .
Fishers, thanks for thre carloads of you driving the
four hours down from Rexburg...
Saturday afternoon . . .
Gary came over this afternoon
and we watched the College
Football playoffs to see who
will be the NCAA Champion
for 2019.
LSU vs Oklahoma Sooners. The
Louisiana Tigers won. The
Heisman Trophy winner is
their quarterback: Joe Burrow.
SUNDAY, DECEMER 29, 2019 
Jackson helped Grampa get
into his chair.
We had another deliciousroast beef Sunday dinnercooked by John. 
We had a fun surprise from our returned missionary, Hermana Angeles Cortes Salamon, her husband, and two darling daughters. (John took the photo and will e-mail it to us.) *** *** ***
At the end of this December 29th,we pray you have had a
Back to 2025...WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2025
Family is Everything…
It was
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
6 years ago...Dec 2019
Walt's last Christmas with us.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019
Family is Everything...
"A humble Mary wrapped her child in a swaddling cloth and laid Him in a manger.
The King, the Teacher, the Savior was born.
With the angles that rejoiced His coming, I testify of the birth of the Christ Child.
He gave of his time healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and spreading love. He gave all of His strength as He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane in the hope that each of us will turn to Him and not suffer for ourselves. (D&C 19:16) He gave His life on the cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and rose again three days later in order for each of us to be able to do the same. (John 11:25-26)
I testify that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real and available to all who are suffering pains, afflictions and infirmities of every kind (Alma 7:11-12) and can be accessed through the power of prayer.
He knows us personally and loves us eternally.
As this Christmas season settles in, it is easy to become wrapped up in what needs to be bought instead of what can be given. As we follow the example of our Savior we will find true happiness throughout the year and our lives..."
...with shepherds
Shepherds came to worship Him...
...the wise men came
The Wise Men brought
gifts to the Christ Child...
The Wise Men brought
gifts to the Christ Child...
Wise men, wise women,
wise teenagers, and wise children
still follow HIM...
He is the SAVIOR of the world!
He will come again in Glory
to rule and reign forever.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
...and because the Wise Men brought gifts
to The Christ Child...
We, too, give gifts to each other,
and the symbol of giving gifts is
a fun part of childhood and adulthood...
S a n t a C l a u s
...this is the image
I remember from my childhood...
I remember from my childhood...
Here Comes Santa Claus
leaving the North Pole...
Now I am quoting parts of
"The Night Before Christmas"
written by
Clement Clark Moore
in 1823.
" 'Twas the night before
Christmas when all
through the house
Not a creature was
stirring, not even a mouse...
"More rapid than eagles his
coursers they came,
And he whistled and shouted
and called them by name:
On...
...Santa Claus is Comin' to Town...
Saratoga Springs, Utah
"...the stockings were hung
by the chimney with care
in hopes that Saint Nicholas
soon would be there..."
"...So up to the housetop the
reindeer they flew
With a sleigh full of toys
and Saint Nicholas too.
And then in a twinkling
I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing
of each little hoof."
"...As I drew in my head and was
turning around, Down the
chimney Saint Nicholas
came with a bound..."
A bundle of toys he had flung
on his back, And he looked
like a peddler just
opening his pack...
He spoke not a word but
went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings,
then turned with a jerk.
"...laying a finger aside
of his nose, And giving
a nod, up the chimney
he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh,
to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew
like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim ere
he drove out of sight...
'Happy Christmas to all
and to all a
goodnight.' "
...and here is our home after
Santa came:
...and here we are on
Christmas morning with Riggy.
Jackson was very surprised
by a wonderful new trombone.
It will be remembered as
the Christmas of the trombone...
the Christmas of the trombone...
Yummy Christmas breakfast of
waffles topped with strawberriesand whipped cream...
Beautiful Winterberry Christmas
dishes add to the beauty...
dishes add to the beauty...
A magical time...
After Christmas day naps,
the turkey is ready for John to carve...
John's Dad and Mom, sister Nicole,
and cousins Jasmine and Jada,
along with Gary and us
and cousins Jasmine and Jada,
along with Gary and us
...are thankful for all
those who prepared
those who prepared
...a delicious
...Christmas dinner!
Gary and Grampa agree...
...that pumpkin pie should have
a lot of whipped cream on it.
We always enjoy being with
John's family!
Later Geni, her daughter Tayler
and [soon-to-be-son-in-law]
Aleva Hifo, BYU football
player #15, joined us.
(Julie, did you get any photos
of them on Christmas evening?)
Here's what Geni posted six
days later--Dec. 31...
Congratulations to
Tayler Tausinga and
Aleva Hifo.
We do love being with John's
family...Brent and Vicki and
any of their 9 children and
fun grandchildren.
John's family!
Later Geni, her daughter Tayler
and [soon-to-be-son-in-law]
Aleva Hifo, BYU football
player #15, joined us.
(Julie, did you get any photos
of them on Christmas evening?)
Here's what Geni posted six
days later--Dec. 31...
Tayler Tausinga and
Aleva Hifo.
family...Brent and Vicki and
any of their 9 children and
fun grandchildren.
Thank you, Julie and John
and everyone.
It was a very Merry Christmas day!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019
Family is Everything...
It's traditional to have pie for
breakfast...
We had a slow-paced day
recuperating.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019
Family is Everything...
Janie and Shawn and family
drove from Rexburg to be
with us...
What a view...
That is the actual Salt Lake Temple
out the window...
We had lunch at
The Garden Restaurant on
the top floor of the
Joseph Smith Building.
Gary took a photo, then Daniel
took a photo with Gary in it.
Gary, thanks for driving us
into Salt Lake for this
fun rendezvous.
We got to stand by the
Joseph Smith statue
in the lobby...
...with Heidi and Pono
Fishers
Then they went to see the
Lights at Temple Square.
When they got to Saratoga Springs,
we played games and just
hung out together.
Love just being together.
Katie and kids...
We just talked...
Of course, Julie had some
inquistion...
A fun circle of conversation
going on...
"Uncle" Michael is so good
with Taitum and Diesel.
We talked for a couple
of hours or more...
Katie, Parker, Taitum and Diesel
headed home at 10:30...
Great evening with the
Fishers, Andersons,
Petersons, and Petersens.
Fishers brought breakfast
over Saturday morning...
Of course, Julie had some
inquistion...
going on...
with Taitum and Diesel.
We talked for a couple
of hours or more...
headed home at 10:30...
Fishers, Andersons,
Petersons, and Petersens.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019
Family is Everything...
over Saturday morning...
Fishers helped us
sort family photos...
All too soon it was time
for the Fishers to head
back to I D A H O . . .
Fishers, thanks for thre carloads of you driving the
four hours down from Rexburg...
Saturday afternoon . . .
Gary came over this afternoon
and we watched the College
Football playoffs to see who
will be the NCAA Champion
for 2019.
LSU vs Oklahoma Sooners. The
Louisiana Tigers won. The
Heisman Trophy winner is
their quarterback: Joe Burrow.
SUNDAY, DECEMER 29, 2019
four hours down from Rexburg...
Saturday afternoon . . .
Gary came over this afternoon
and we watched the College
Football playoffs to see who
will be the NCAA Champion
for 2019.
LSU vs Oklahoma Sooners. The
Louisiana Tigers won. The
Heisman Trophy winner is
their quarterback: Joe Burrow.
SUNDAY, DECEMER 29, 2019
We stayed home, but John and Jackson
blessed and passed the Sacrament to us
when they got home. They had permission
from the Bishop, of course.
into his chair.
We had another delicious
roast beef Sunday dinner
cooked by John.
We had a fun surprise from our
returned missionary,
Hermana Angeles Cortes Salamon,
her husband, and two darling daughters.
(John took the photo and will
e-mail it to us.)
*** *** ***
We are so thankful for The Plan of Salvation
and the Atonement of Jesus Christ
that makes this Great Plan operational.
At the end of this December 29th,
we pray you have had a
restful , peaceful, and spiritual
Sabbath Day...
We share these truths as our testimony to you...from
President Russell M. Nelson,
our Living Prophet:
Back to 2025...
WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 24, 2025
Family is
Everything…
Christmas Eve
Family is
Everything…
Christmas Eve
*** *** *** *** ***
THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 25, 2025
*** *** *** *** ***
THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 25, 2025
Family is
Everything… Happy Family time...
The magic of Christmas Day
...
The magic of Christmas Dinner...
The magic of Christmas Dinner...
Ham, Cheesy Potatoes,
Califlower in cheese sauce,
Orange fluff, Strawberry Jell-o
Salad with apples topped with
pink banana-filled whipped cream,
hot, homemade rolls, 'n other yummy
stuff...
The magic of Christmas Day
...and all kinds of pies for dessert--
especially Janie's homemade
apple pie, and pumpkin pie.
The magic of Christmas Day
The magic of Christmas Day
The magic of Christmas Day
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***The magic of Christmas Morning
in Saratoga Springs, Utah...
with John, Jackson, Jacee,
Riggy, Maddie, and Julie...
The magic of Christmas Day in
Saratoga Springs, Utah...
Riggy in front, then Jackson,
Maddie, and Jacee.
The magic of Christmas is
everywhere...
*
FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 26, 2025
Family is
Everything…
Happy Family time...
The magic of Christmas Day
...
The magic of Christmas Dinner...
The magic of Christmas Dinner...
Ham, Cheesy Potatoes,
Califlower in cheese sauce,
Orange fluff, Strawberry Jell-o
Salad with apples topped with
pink banana-filled whipped cream,
hot, homemade rolls, 'n other yummy
stuff...
The magic of Christmas Day
...and all kinds of pies for dessert--
especially Janie's homemade
apple pie, and pumpkin pie.
The magic of Christmas Day
The magic of Christmas Day
The magic of Christmas Day
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
The magic of Christmas Morning
in Saratoga Springs, Utah...
with John, Jackson, Jacee,
Riggy, Maddie, and Julie...
The magic of Christmas Day in
Riggy in front, then Jackson,
Maddie, and Jacee.
The magic of Christmas is
everywhere...
*
DECEMBER 26, 2025
Family is
Everything…
time..
SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 27, 2025
Family is
Everything…
President Jeffrey R. Holland
passes away at age 85.
Rendezvousing with
POP-TARTS BOWL
Ugly Sweater Party...
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 28, 2025
Family is
Everything… Saratoga Springs 3rd Ward
Family is
Everything…
time..
SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 27, 2025
Family is
Everything…
President Jeffrey R. Holland
passes away at age 85.
Rendezvousing with
POP-TARTS BOWL
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 28, 2025
Family is
Everything…
Saratoga Springs 3rd Ward
** *I am so thankful for The Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ that makes this
Great Plan operational.
At the end of this December 28th, 2025I pray you have had a restful, peaceful, and spiritual Sabbath Day...
I share these truths as my testimony to you...
Heavenly Father lives and knows us each by name. He loves us and wants us to return to Him and Heavenly Mother when we leave this mortal existence. He loves us just as we are at this very moment.
*** *** ***
Jesus Christ came to earth as The Only Begotten of the Father and fulfilled the Atonement. He is the Redeemer of all.
“An omnicompetent God leaves all mortals free to choose, but how grateful we should be that God chose long, long ago to rescue and to resurrect all His children through the Atonement of His Son. Nevertheless, some reject and many are indifferent to these and other divine beckonings, mostly because they are too caught up in the cares of the world. They are strangers to the Savior, who is far from the thoughts and intents of their hearts.”Neal A Maxwell
How Choice a Seer!
Revelation 19:16: -- "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS".
*** *** ****** *** ***I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as the third member of the Godhead. Walt said to me once: "I look forward to thanking the Holy Ghost in person when I get to Heaven. I don't think we give Him enough credit for all He does."
*** *** *** *** ***
Joseph Smith was foreordained to be the Prophet of the Restoration. He is the Restorer of all things.*** *** ***President Dallin H. Oaks is the Living Prophet today for all the world. 
*** *** ***
*** *** ***
The Bible is "the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly" and is a Testament of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.*** *** ***The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most correct book of any book on earth.*** *** ***The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the True Church on the earth today. Because of the restored Priesthood Temple Ordinances families can be sealed for eternity.
PRIESTHOOD
*** *** ***Of these truths I testify in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.Eileen PetersenDecember 28, 2025
** *I am so thankful for The Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ that makes this
Great Plan operational.
At the end of this
December 28th, 2025
I pray you have had a restful, peaceful, and spiritual Sabbath Day...
I share these truths as my testimony to you...
Heavenly Father lives and knows us each by name. He loves us and wants us to return to Him and Heavenly Mother when we leave this mortal existence. He loves us just as we are at this very moment.
*** *** ***
Jesus Christ came to earth as The Only Begotten of the Father and fulfilled the Atonement. He is the Redeemer of all.
“An omnicompetent God leaves all mortals free to choose, but how grateful we should be that God chose long, long ago to rescue and to resurrect all His children through the Atonement of His Son. Nevertheless, some reject and many are indifferent to these and other divine beckonings, mostly because they are too caught up in the cares of the world. They are strangers to the Savior, who is far from the thoughts and intents of their hearts.”
Neal A Maxwell
How Choice a Seer!
Revelation 19:16: -- "And he hath on his vesture and on
his thigh a name written,
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS".
*** *** ***
*** *** ***
I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as the third member of the Godhead.
Walt said to me once: "I look forward to thanking the Holy Ghost in person when I get to Heaven. I don't think we give Him enough credit for all He does."
*** *** *** *** ***
Joseph Smith was foreordained to be the Prophet of the Restoration. He is the Restorer of all things.
*** *** ***
President Dallin H. Oaks is the Living Prophet today for all the world.
*** *** ***
*** *** ***
The Bible is "the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly" and is a Testament of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.
*** *** ***
The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most correct book of any book on earth.
*** *** ***
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the True Church on the earth today. Because of the restored Priesthood Temple Ordinances families can be sealed for eternity.
PRIESTHOOD
*** *** ***
Of these truths I testify in the
Name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Eileen Petersen
December 28, 2025