Wishing You a Joyous and Memorable 2010!

Over the years, my children have given me many wonderful gifts. As we wind down another Christmas season I begin to pack up memories of Christmases Past. This is the ninth year that I carefully wrap up my my most memorable gift from Christmas 2000. It was given to me by my three-year-old. For many, it was a pre-digital age when pictures were still taken on film. There was no instant review, no easy retake if the image wasn't exactly what was wanted--or expected. This gift was a surprise from my son's Primary class. I imagine the teacher, harried by her own holiday schedule, rushing off to pick up the printed photographs late the night before the Christmas activity. I'm sure she was wasn't prepared for the goofy expression captured by my angelic child. She wanted to retake the picture, but there wasn't enough time. I remember her profuse apologies for the unusual image. I couldn't help but crack up.Every year since 2000, this ornament is placed front and center on our holiday tree. It's my ALL TIME favorite ornament. Admit it, you can't help but smile when you catch a glimpse of the goofy little boy staring back at you! Nine years later and he's even more goofy!

Wishing you and your families a memorable New Year!

12 Days of Christmas, Day 1

Christmas has finally come to the Hyer household. We were beginning to think that the tree would remain bare this year and the house wouldn't have any of the festive holiday trim of years' past. Finally, on Saturday we were able to carve out two hours to whip the house into shape. One of my boys decorated the Christmas tree. We'll use the word 'unique' to describe it. I was just THRILLED to cross it off the list.

Yes, that is a bagel box attached to the tree. One of the brothers 'made' it into an ornament with another brother's gift 'hidden' in it. We have bets on how long the angel will last on top of the tree. Right now she's hanging by a thread.

Sweet hubby remembered that 20 years ago he proposed by giving me an addition to my Woof Poof collection. Of course, I then needed to dig out the rest of set.


What a difference two hours can make!!

Feeling a little guilty that our focus throughout the month might have been a bit self-centered...AND realizing that this could very likely be the last year that we are all together as a family, we decided to make the best use of these last few days of 2009 and start a new Hyer tradition. We are instigating our very own version of the 12 Days of Christmas. For the next 12 days, we will find a way to make the season memorable with some EXCELLENT quality family time!

Last night kicked off DAY 1 with a trip to our neighbor's annual Holiday Music Concert. Colton nailed his Ode to Joy, and the two older brothers made their parents cry with their rendition of O' Holy Night. Tonight we're planning a trip to the movie theater!

Susannah Stone - The book is really READY!

Here is it is, less than a week before Christmas and we're finally ready to announce that Susannah Stone's story is finished!! Yes, it is loooong over due, but we think it'll be worth the wait. There are a few copies left...let me know right away if you want any. We will be printing again in 2010, so have no fear if you don't get a copy first time around.

Here's a sneak peak of some of the pages. We are also thrilled to include a tribute written by Lloyd D. Newell, descendant and voice of the weekly historic broadcast of "Music and the Spoken Word."

Very cool addition on the above page. Jeannie was able to connect with a relative who had pictures of Susannah's parents.
These are also new pictures to the project.Have you seen the bottom picture before? It is a reunion photograph of the Willie Handcart survivors. Susannah was very much a survivor. She had much to live for. By one descendant's estimation, she and Thomas' posterity could number over 10,000!

Are the gifts purchased and ready to wrap?

We cheated this year and actually gave our kids their gifts early...unwrapped and ready to use. Made for an uncomplicated holiday season. It also helped that they are a bit older and so much wiser to the differences between wants and needs!

Thought we'd remind everyone about the perfect way to complete your wrapped gifts with personalized gift tags. Easy to make, easy on the wallet, what's not to like?

Gift Tags for Remembering

Good Things Utah

Last week's three minutes of fame on Good Things Utah was WONDERFUL! We had a blast sharing our love of stories on the show. We've been a bit quiet on the blog front because we are so, SO busy trying to keep up with all the last minute Christmas orders, but we wanted to share our behind-the-scene view of our tv experience...

Here Suni is making sure she has all of her supplies before going on air.

The table is ready for its three minutes in the spotlight. What were we thinking? We thought we'd have enough time to share all of these projects...

Here's where the magic of TV kicks in. The table was prepped and waiting behind the studio audience. During one of the commercials, our table was magically propelled onto the stage.

Nicea claims that she's not very crafty...but Suni helped her finish a Face Button in the matter of seconds.

We had gone to the studio a few weeks ago to see the show in action. Roberts Crafts had planned to feature our Memory Puzzles, but there was a last minute change. Angie Larsen saw a brief preview of the puzzles and fell in love with them. We got her to send us a few pictures so we could make a set for her. I personally dropped off the finished puzzle, planning to give it to the receptionist at the front door. Unexpectedly, I was asked to wait and a few minutes later, Angie herself came strolling up to personally walk me back to her desk as she prepared for the day's taping. What a genuinely kind, bright, darling woman! We felt an extra connection when we learned that she is also the mother of all boys. No wonder Suni and I were drawn to her! Trust me, moms of all boys NEED to stick together!

Yesterday Angie sent us the following note:
"My boys flipped out over the puzzle. I couldn't wait until Christmas to give it to them. They play with it all the time. It is a priceless gift."

We LOVED making the puzzle for you Angie! We've just about finished one for Nicea. It is every bit as cute...even if all she has is girls to feature on it :-)

Lindquist Photography

We recently met Tanelle Lindquist of Lindquist Photography. Let me just say, she is fabulous! I needed new pictures - the last family picture we had taken was over 18 months ago and some of us were nearly unrecognizable! Tanelle was able to get us on her schedule quickly and took amazing photographs.

If you need pictures taken - family, new baby, engagement, graduation or any occasion, give Tanelle a call! You won't be disappointed! Thanks, Tanelle!!