Livy thinks it's so fun to hang out with Grammy and Grandpa once in awhile. Anyway, I know WE had fun! This particular evening her mommy and daddy went to a Utah Jazz game! We had dinner together, read a few stories, and watched a video. I mean, how much fun can one child have?!
This is the blessing outfit that our oldest son, Ryan Willim Farnsworth, was blessed in. His grandma, Barbara Hulme and I made it. Haven't styles changed?!
One advantage to living in Provo is getting to see BYU Sports, especially basketball because you can sit inside and don't have to battle the elements outside. We have great seats, too, as you can see. We really enjoy going to the games with Brad's dad and once in awhile another family member.
My mom, Barbara Fitzgerald Hulme, and I try to spend some time together every week. My mom doesn't drive any more so I get to be her chauffer sometimes. Today we met some of her friends at LaJolla Groves in Provo for lunch. These friends are people we knew from California who have transplanted to Utah and still enjoy getting together and reminiscing. They have know each other for almost 40 years! I know alot of these children so it was fun for me to see them and catch up on old times. 
I love the way the light comes through these glass windows. I thought I might worry about the privacy but it seems just fine and we love it. I haven't missed the screen door yet! Little by little we are replacing and updating our home. Home sweet home! 
Today was our last Sunday at the MTC. This is the last district that we worked with in Branch 23. They are leaving on Tuesday and Wednesday. Most of them are going to the California Fresno Mission, except for the hermana on the left who is going to Phoenix. We have loved our 7-8 months there working the Shumways, Wilkins, and Warrens and the numerous missionaries-in-training. It was a nice transition from the mission field but now we are back in the mission field here in Provo. We had a chance to bear our testimonies which was nice and also welcome the McDonalds who will be serving there now. 
No, this is NOT my quilt, unfortunately! This is a sample of a dresden plate quilt made by my mother's hairdresser and friend, MaryLou Fryer. It's it great?! When we came back from Spain, I brought a tie from each of our missionaries. I want to make a quilt using them and this is one of the ideas I might use to put it together. Don't the little spokes of the wheel look like ties? One of these days I will be posting a picture of MY quilt. By the way, taking my mother to get her hair done on Thursdays is one of my favorite things to do. It is so fun to spend time with my 88-year-old mother. She gets her hair done as we enjoy the company of the ladies there, then we usually go and get lunch. She's never eaten so many french fries in all her life!
We were blessed by another visit from Olivia today! She is learning so much and growing so fast! She loves these jungle animals and will line them up on the bench and then one-by-one take them over to the couch and line them up. She growls fiercely when she looks them in the eye. (Somehow we need to teach her that a cat doesn't growl!)
BYU started today. After we had prayer and Brad was on his way out, I yelled, "Wait!" Of course I needed a picture of his first day of school. You have to remember this was about 7 am and he was already smiling! Brad is teaching 2 Missionary Preparation classes and 4 Book of Mormon classes. He's a busy boy!
We are so blessed to have some of our children living close by with their cute little ones. Olivia Jackson came to visit today and had a little Grandpa time. It doesn't get much better than this!
Brad got a new calling today! He was set apart as a counselor in the Utah Provo Mission Presidency by President Pitts, Utah Provo Mission President. Three of our children and their families were able to attend, along with Brad's dad. All the Priesthood leaders were able to stand in the circle. We are so grateful for our wonderful family. Afterwards we went to IHOP to celebrate and had a fun brunch. We are sorry to leave our assignment at the Provo MTC but we are excited to still be involved in missionary work. His first assignment was to speak in our own stake conference on January 8. We felt like that was a little tender mercy. We look forward to the adventures this new calling will bring. 
This little guy was actually purchased in 2000 for Y2K and is still shaking and wiggling in his 13th season!! He laughs and giggles and says, "10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, Happy New Year!" Then he plays "Auld Lang Syne" while he wiggles and shakes and then says, "Welcome to the Year 2000" and laughs and giggles again. It is hilarious. Our kids thought it was funny 13 New Year Eves ago and now it's fun to share our little New Year's snowman with our granddaughters! I hope he's around for another 13 years! Welcome to the Year 2012!!!
