Sunday morning, December 16th, before church my newest poem, my 4th Christmas one finally came together. The idea for this one came from a dream. I woke up reciting some lines that I was trying hard to remember and not forget.

Christmas Is Near, Is Christ?

Each year when December and winter comes

We bring out decorations so very bright.

Trees, windows, yards and homes are brightly lit.

Carols, gifts and snowmen are part of the scene.

At a young age we learn that Christmas is near.

Santa is who the youngsters dream of each night.

What will he bring to brighten each life?

We stand in lines in malls and stores to shop.

The perfect gift must be found, you know.

And we must hurry for Christmas is near.

Do we remember the homeless and the poor?

The orphan, and the beggar are in need too.

There are so many who are suffering.

With grateful hearts do we share with them?

Do we do it because Christmas is near?

The carols we sing each Christmas season

Teach of a far deeper reason for all.

We remember a long ago manger scene

And of the humble birth of Jesus Christ.

He is the reason that Christmas is here.

We sing of peace on earth and search in vain

It can’t be bought and found beneath a tree.

It can only be found in Christ’s way of life.

In following Him we find our Christmas light.

Christ suffered for all -- He is always near.

When the Christmas glitter is all packed away.

We dream of so many other things to come.

Does Christ, our Lord, get packed away too?

Is He forgotten the whole new year through?

Or is He in your life when Christmas is past?

Does charity and love end with the holiday?

Or is Christ’s love in your heart every day?

Do you see others as He always sees you --

A child of God - worth far more than any gold?

Remember Him always even when Christmas is past.

Charlotte P. Edwards- December 16, 2012

Dec. 17th- evening- It's Monday night, so that means Family Home Evening, with our wonderful members here in the Dartmouth/Cole Harbor Wards. Our Christmas party was at the home of Bro. Charles and Barbara Grant. It was a wonderful evening, and we all had a great time.

Some of the beautiful decorations at the Grant house.

I believe in Santa-do you?

another view of the Santa Collection- Sister Robinson (temple Matron) also

More Santa . . . . . .

the beautiful nativity collection- it reminds me of mine

The Grant Christmas Tree

Below is a Christmas village scene

The "white elephant" gift exchange begins

L to R: Jenny, Debbie, Pres. Robinson, Sister Calvert, Sisters Cliff and Pincent seated on right

L to R: Vince, Bro. Grant, Bro. and Sis. Mepham, Sis. Rodgers, Sis. Charlotte Nelson, Jenny

Sis. Vince Vincent and me.

Time for some carols

We Wish you a Merry Christmas. . .

Seated L to R: Sis. Grant, Sis. Bea Yaciuk, Sis. Haines; Behind L to R: Sis. D. McMahon, Sis. R. Bruce, Sis. Robinson, Bro. Nelson

I have no idea what is reflecting on my face, but enjoying caroling.

 Dec 17th - Our apartment got a wonderful early Christmas present from the Mission Office: They got us new living room furniture! We are so excited.

It's really not pale blue, but more like a seafoam green/grey. It's very comfortable and we love it.

December 5th was another senior couple dinner at the Mission Home. Elder and Sister Foley are completing a 2 year mission and returning home to Salt Lake City. They have been the office couple at the mission home and so very much more. They will be missed very much by all the missionaries.

L to R: Elder Dela Cruz, Sister O'Connor(member-works at temple); me, Sister Tiffany and Sister Dela Cruz at the Leavitt's - Mission home Christmas Decorations.

L to R: Sister Steffan, Sister and President Robinson, Sister Weib, Elder Dela Cruz

President Leavitt and others were delayed, so we sat around visiting.

L to R: Elder Steffan, Craig, Sister Calvert (mission office), and Sister Steffan

Sister Leavitt always sets a beautiful table- we love being there.

Sister Leavitt there in the back against the windows, also Sister Dela Cruz

Craig, Elder and Sister Weib (They are also serving in the mission office now)

The guests of honor- Elder and Sister Foley

How we love working at the temple with President and Sister Robinson

Part of Sister Leavitt's Christmas decorations are several manger scenes- I loved this one.

President Leavitt (head of table) talking to the Leavitts

The senior couples enjoy gathering and visiting with each other.

It's time for farewell gifts- ohh so very pretty crystal candle holder

and a clock to make sure you are always on time in life.

But maybe Elder Foley doesn't want to be on time . . . . . .

Time for testimony bearing

We will  miss you so very much Elder and Sister Foley

Sorry, life has been hectic but wanted to post pictures of our first snow this winter here in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia- at the temple was just a skiff, but 15 minutes away in Preston the scene was different- we passed 2 car accidents on the way home- one was in a ditch on its side- hope that all is well.

Doesn't even count for a skiff I think- but first snow of the season at the Halifax Temple in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-December 15th, 2012

Love the fence that surrounds the temple, look closely to see the snow- December 15th, 2012

Preston, Nova Scotia- a community about 15 minutes away from the temple- more snow, but not a lot more.

Pretty snow when your not out in it!

Drive carefully Elder Edwards, we've passed 2 accidents already.

Dartmouth is missing out of this, hmmmm  December 15, 2012

Monday, August 27th

The license plate for Newfoundland and Labrador- In the reflection of the car you see the Piersons and Elder Edwards!

We bid a fond farewell to Newfoundland on our WestJet ride back to Halifax

St John's air terminal

After the Newfoundland District Conference, President Leavitt asked us to all gather in the cultural hall for a big picture- Pres. Levitt in the middle with the camera

More members of the Newfoundland District

and still more.

Cabot Tower atop of Signal Hill. It was from atop this tower on Dec 12, 1901 that the reception of the first Transatlantic signal was received. It was sent by Guglielmo Marconi.

St John's is at the foot of Signal Hill

Cabot Tower- its construction began in 1898 and completed in 1900

Fort Amherst- down below and across the Narrows

The port of St John's

The Narrows open out into the North Atlantic

Port of St John's

Cabot Tower

Bro Pierson and myself waiting while Sister Pierson and Elder Edwards climbed to the top of Cabot Tower for pictures

Where the world is from Cabot Tower!

A map of the world with Newfoundland at its center!

Cape Spear

This is the Dee-Jay tours boat doing another run like we went on on Saturday

The power of the Atlantic

Elder Edwards and myself getting blown off the eastern-most point of the Americas

same!

Poster we fell in love with!

Cape Spear's lighthouse- a popular tourist attraction

Sunday, August 26th- Happy Birthday to our daughter Shauna Simonson!