The Family Party

This year my sister, Celia, offered to host the family party at her home in Mesa. I enjoy opportunities to spend time with my brothers (ok, only Duane was there) and sisters. All the cousins have a good time together too.

My mom gave the following presentation before we opened our presents:

"Aprons stir up memories of home, family, and love. Reminders of recipes, special times, and holidays, aprons are homemade symbols that represent a family's bonding. Aprons tie us all together. The strings which bind us to each other get stretched and pulled with years. An apron is like armor, shielding our clothing against the splatter and tatter of everyday living. Wear an apron and you guard is up. Paul, the apostle, wrote about another kind of armor in Ephesians 6:11-18. He admonished us to put on the whole armor of God to "stand against the wiles of the devil...to withstand in the evil day." He explained that this armor is one of truth, righteousness, preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit (the word of God), praying always, and watching over one another. As you wear this apron made especially for you with much love, use it as a reminder to keep your guard up. Please know that our prayers are continually in your behalf and for that of our family that we will be tied together as a family unit eternally."

The we opened our gifts. My mom, with assistance from Dad and Grandma Payne, had made each family member an apron with those in each respective family matching each other.

We were also given some year supply items.

Thank you for your hospitality Celia.