Standiford Family

"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched–none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph–and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby–that’s how Christmas began.

"It is for this baby that we shout in chorus: ‘Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! . . . Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth’ (Hymns, no. 209)."

Jeffrey R. Holland , "Without Ribbons and Bows," New Era, Dec. 1994, 6

I received this link in an email and wanted to share it with those who may not have seen it.

Only 5 more days.

Thank goodness for service man #1.  He returned on Monday and cleaned up the mess that service man #2 left us.  So come to find out service man #2 forgot to hook up the pressure sensor, which is why the washer never stopped pumping water into the tub.  Service man #1 said that he has had a few complaints about service man #2 lately and service man #2 has been in the repair game for 33 years.  Sounds like it may be time for someone to hang it up.  Anyway we are happy to finally be able to use our washer again.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It is a time to celebrate not only the Savior’s birth but also His life and example. He showed us how to live and find happiness whatever our circumstances. He is the Son of the Eternal Father.

As we follow Him and reach out as He did—serving family and loved ones, seeking out those who are sick or hungry or cold or friendless—the joyful spirit of Christmas will enter our hearts. Then this Christmas, and every Christmas to follow, will be filled with hope and love.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Thomas S. Monson

James E. Faust

Friend, Dec. 2005

We bought a few gifts on Saturday getting us closer to being finished with our Christmas shopping.  Megan, Kade, and I went out to the Grape Road/Main Street area a little after noon.  I think that was my first chance to see the masses of people as they were out doing their shopping.  With being so busy I have been sheltered from this so far this year.  It gave me a chance to explain to Megan that patience is a virtue when dealing with so many people.  I tried to tell her that you can handle this as long as you aren’t in a hurry. Anyway  I think we only have a few gifts left to get.  How are you doing with your shopping?

We have had the worst luck with our washer lately.  The saga started about two weeks ago when it decided it wasn’t going to spin anymore.  Figuring I could be a handyman and figure this thing out, I attempted to diagnose the problem.  After I finally figured out how to get the front cover off so I could inspect the belt, I determined that it definitely was still intact and that was the extent of my handy skills when it comes to washers.  So I called in the experts.  I called a few places locally before finally making a service appointment online at www.geappliances.com.

Service man #1 showed up last Thursday ready to solve our problem.  It took him less than 5 minutes to uncover the problem.

Somehow this metal piece that connects the inner basket to the piece that connects to the motor was completely eaten away. Service man #1 said he had no idea how this would happen and of course he didn’t have this part, he would have to order it. He set us up with an appointment for the following Thursday, the 15th. The part would be shipped to our house.

Thursday came, and service man #2 called but we didn’t have the part yet so he said he would call back on Monday. I pleaded with him and he said he could check with us on Friday and see if we had received the part. About an hour later the Fedex truck pulled up with our much-needed part.

Then we finally get to today and the service appointment that is going to get us back in the laundry business. After about 5 minutes of being here service man #2 says, "I can’t fix it." Excuse me? There was a bolt that he could not get off; so more parts would be needed to solve this problem. You’re kidding me right? He says the parts might get here next Thursday but if they don’t it will have to be the next week because they are off on Friday. This is getting crazier by the minute. While he was out in his van ordering the extra parts he has an epiphony. He comes back in the house with a plan to get the bolt off. His plan works and it looks like the washer is going to be in for a long night of cleaning. He takes the washer all apart, puts on the new piece and takes it for a test run. Everything is great. He packs up, overcharges us for labor, and heads out the door.

End of story you say? Nah, not yet. Kelly starts a load of laundry and after some time she says, "I don’t remember the pump (we’re on a well) running so much." I’m afraid to come and look, but just as I expected there was water all over the basement. Whatever tells the washer to stop filling the basket with water never said STOP. The water was just pouring out of the washer. Unbelievable!

Back to the phone to try and get someone out here to fix the new problem that service man #2 introduced. Not satisfied with the first response which is someone can be out there next Tuesday; I get transferred over to management to open a case. After much waiting I finally talk with someone who can get another service person out on Monday. Better than Tuesday, I guess.

Hopefully this will eventually have a good ending. Thanks a lot to Linda for allowing us to bring over load after load of laundry to her house. You learn how much you really rely on something when you have to do without it.

I just checked and my official grades have been posted.  I got a B in World Regional Geography and a B- in Business Law.  I am extremely pleased.

Mattey had another visit to the ER Saturday night/Sunday morning.  This is her third time in four weeks.  This time she was admitted to the hospital for tests.  Ever since she had her high fever over four weeks ago she has been having aches in her wrist and leg, which come and go.  It would hit out of the blue but only last for about 12-18 hours.  This time the pain was really bad.  Mickey took her in and x-rays, blood, and urine were taken.   The x-rays were fine.  Her urine tests were fine.  The blood tests that have come back were fine.  When our doctor came for a visit the pain had subsided some and Mattey could straighten out her leg, but when the nurse asked her to do it about 30 minutes later she couldn’t.  Later in the evening she was walking and then running on her sore leg, the pain was obviously gone.  She and Mickey spent the night in the hospital waiting for labs to come back.  Our doctor released her this morning since she was no longer in pain and they can’t do anything until the labs come back.  She came home early this afternoon.  We are still waiting to see what’s really wrong with her.  It is possibly a virus or bacteria that has gotten into her joints.  What a miserable thing to happen to our little girl.  She is such a fighter though.  And she got a huge unicorn and horse out of these experiences.  Mickey also had an episode in the ER.  Thank goodness his parents happened to go with them.  Thanks to them for taking care of the sickos when I couldn’t be there.  Mattey and Mickey have decided that they don’t want to go back to the hospital for a long time.  I hope it works out that way.  We’ll keep you posted as to what the doctor finds out and what he will do about it.

I just finished taking the final exam for my World Regional Geography class. Since I don’t have a final in my Business Law class, I am officially done for the semester. Now I will anxiously, or not so anxiously await my grades. Those should be available the middle of next week.

I just got my last law test back and I got an 84 out of 100.  All my efforting paid off in a huge way!  I am so excited.  I also turned in my final paper today, so I am officially done with this class.  I still plan on attending class on Wednesday to pick up my graded paper, but other than that minor detail I think it is safe to say I passed Business Law!