Maple Mountain Writer's Guild

Twice a month I meet with an incredible group of people. Talented, creative, side-stitch funny, and the most supportive bunch that ever graced the writing world. I present, with love, the Maple Mountain Writer's Guild. We all lead extremely different lives, but share a common passion: We write novel-length fiction.

This is a picture from our Christmas Party. To steal a phrase from Mitzie (far left): "Bask in our awesomeness!"

As Requested

Little Boston is approaching the four month mark. I can't believe he's growing so fast! Here are some pics. (I had to include one of Liberty and Casey as well.)

A Living Nativity

Last night I had the good fortune of attending a "Living Nativity" with my family up in Alpine. My sweet mother crocheted scarves for all nine grandchildren, we bundled them up in their snow clothes, and headed out.

After an adventurous shuttled ride, we were greeted by a sheperd who told us the story of the nativity around a fire before sending us off to experience the magic. And magical it was! Roman Soldiers, dress in full uniform, on horseback petitioned us for taxes as we made our own personal journey to Bethlehem. Along the way we meet Joseph, Mary, and the donkey that carried her, as well as children in authentic little tents playing Christmas music

Once we arrived in Bethlehem, we entered a huge lodge filled with animals, merchants of the time, and craftsmen. I'm talking three gigantic camels, sheep, geese, goats, etc. Casey got to pretend he was buying a sack of oats; weighing the grain using a scales system used around the time of Christ.

After we left the crowded busy city of Bethlehem we followed the imfamous star to a quiet stable. I can't tell you how special it was to see Mary and Joseph kneeling before their sweet baby. Yes, it was a real baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. As a mother, I was so impressed with my children. They went from bouncing around and the excitment of the animals to complete and utter reverence. I think we all felt the sweet spirit that entered our hearts at this miraculous sight. I honestly can't think of a better way to celebrate the season.

And the cost . . . Free.

There had to be at least sixty people volunteering their time in this crazy Christmas season. They did have a donation table were you could donate to Operation Smile and the Huntsman Cancer Insitute. This was all inspired by their mother who died from painkriatic cancer. She wanted her children to come up with a fundraiser to give back to the Huntsman Cancer Inst. after all the assistance they provided for her before her passing.

To all involved with this great production- Thank you. Thank you for helping my children come a little closer to their Savior. Thank you for reminding us, in such a tender way, of the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you.