Twinkle and Binkle, The Starr News: Christmas Celebration, Dec. 25 through Dec. 30, 2011

What was Christmas like at Grandpa and Grandma Starr's?
It was twinkling with lots of motion, running, chasing and teasing, toddlers playing house, boys shooting
laser guns, playing video games, card games, drawing, reading and KP duty.
You add eight children together ranging from 6 months to 13 years old, stir a little, add some laser guns, video games,
a backyard, and a pinch of imagination, throw in a soccer ball, stir it all together and you have the makings
for a good time.
The kids were so excited about their new laser guns they delayed opening presents until later. Eventually the presents were opened and the boys were happy with their denim jackets and the girls liked their outfits. Their Christmas stockings were filled with little gifts and candies.
We ate a big dinner of foods the kids would enjoy, like pizza, chicken nuggets, and mashed potatoes, plus ham and corn.
Later on Lucy asked me, "Grandma, when can we do the show?" "Right now is a good time," I said.
So on her cue, we got everyone in costume, whether just normal wear or special, and in their places, and began rolling the camera. There's only "one take" on our show. No retakes and improvising is welcomed.
Brent was convincing in his betrayal of the soldier who delivers the decree that all should be taxed. Lanny did a good job as narrator, and Micah and Liz did a good job as Joseph and Mary. Stefie and Olivia sang their parts beautifully, and Lucy danced her way to the stable as a torchbearer. Cumorah was also a torchbearer. Liddell and Seth were the shepherds and then came back and switched headgear to become the wisemen bringing gifts to the Christ child. We had fewer here this Christmas day, so we doubled up on parts. Liddell took his part very seriously and had the crowns of the wisemen positioned so that a quick change could be made from shepherds to wisemen. Micah enjoyed nibbling on crust of bread that he had packed in a linen sack and placed upon the donkey. Lanny had attached a light to the stable so that it shined down on the manger. Our stable is a backdrop I had drawn several years ago; our manger is wooden and was built by Brent years ago. Lanny had to do some repairs on it this year. Our baby Jesus is a life size baby doll. Our donkey is from cardboard and probably over ten years old. One of these years he will be turned out to pasture. Lanny thinks the time has come.

Micah and Liddell with laser guns

Giles opening their gifts

Giles rumaging through their Christmas stockings

Brent as soldier reading decree from Caesar

Liz and Micah as Mary and Joseph

Mary and Joseph saying goodbye

"When Joseph went to Bethlehem I think he took great care"

Joseph and Mary look for a place to rest

Jesus is born, Mary and Joseph give thanks

"Bring a torch Jeannette Isabella"
Bring a torch to the cradle run"

Cumorah and Lucy are torchbearers

Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men.
Stefanie and Olivia sing, "Joy to the World"

"The shepherds said one to another, 'Let us go unto Bethlehem'"

Wisemen came from the east to Jerusalem

"Go and search diligently for the young child"

Intermission, Cumorah plays

"Perhaps all through the chilly hours he smoothed the swaddling bands,
And Jesus felt the quiet strength of Joseph's gentle hands"

Les and Janine Michie borrowed the nativity, manger and shepherd scene for the 5th Ward Nativity and they were pleased with it; course that made me happy. In the early evening the Giles loaded up their van and returned home. We were glad they had come and spent the day with us. Christmas continued Tuesday with Gary, Hiromi and kids, and Friday with Larry, Richelle and boys.
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On Tuesday evening, December 28 Gary, Hiromi, Elica and Shogo came for a Christmas visit and stayed for a few days. We cheated and ordered Dominoes' pizza for dinner and later played Rummy. Hiromi won. She is getting very good at the game. Elica and Shogo opened their presents and rumaged through their Christmas stockings. Gary and Hiromi gave us some cinnamin-sugar covered almonds and almond roca candied covered nuts. Hmmmm, very good, course Lanny can't have the sugared ones.
Angie came out and joined us for a while. She was wearing a floral sweater which Hiromi noticed and complimented her on. It was
good to see her feeling good enough to join us.
The next day Stefanie brought her kids back so that they could play with their cousins. When they all get together it's double the fun. They don't have any trouble finding things to do. The boys zero in on showing Shogo their laser guns, they challenge him to video games and DS games, to name just a few. Stefanie's boys like sports, so they do go outside and play soccer or football. It has been such nice weather for December, averaging in the middle 40's with the sunshine and blue skies. The girls seem to occupy their time just as well, but with different things to do. It's fun to watch the two little ones play pretend games. Their imaginations are so vivid and constant. They also like to listen to their mother read to them. Liz does many things, she is like a butterfly, who flits from one activity to another. The dog Izzie has taken to following her everywhere she goes. You may have noticed them together in some of the nativity scenes.
In the evening air mattresses were filled and blankets were laid on the floor for beds, and everyone found a place to sleep for the night. Sometimes it is a wall-to-wall bed lineup, but no one seems to mind.

Elica and Shogo open their presents

Hiromi cleans the crab for dinner Thursday

Boys have lots to talk about

clockwise-Shogo, Seth, Micah, and Liddell

"table for adults and young ladies"
The two smallest girls, Cumorah and Lucy sit at the piano bench which
is covered with a tablecloth, tablesettings and food.
They have been proud of and satisfied with this arrangement. It's just
off from where grandpa is sitting.

Goodnight

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Friday, December 30, 2011, we again celebrated Christmas. Philip, Alexander and William had returned from celebrating with their father and was anxious to open their Christmas gifts. Grandpa and I were invited to dinner which Richelle had prepared and to join them as they opened their gifts. Dinner was great, cheesy potatoes and spareribs. Lots of presents were under the tree and just waiting to be opened by anxiously awaiting recipients. Finally the time had arrived, and presents were passed out by the giftbearer, Philip, and were being torn opened and possessed. Willy had some fun presents he had wrapped for his family and he received some. Everyone got a cute large piggy bank, personalized just for them, even me. Mine had angel wings on it. tee hee. Philip's was purple. Alex delighted in his piggy bank. Willy loved his. The air was filled with giggles and love for those who had put a lot of thought and time into some of these gifts. Everyone got gifts. Larry made a beautiful cedar chest for Richelle which is also referred to as a hope chest plus he built a denim blanket especially for her. William loved his Oven Bake set, Philip his toolbox set, Alexander loved everything including his piggy bank. Larry got a jacket, some stuff for storage, Lanny got a 2011 Budweiser mug for his collection, and I got a hugable bear and a charm bracelet from Alex. I have only named a few of the gifts. There was no doubt that Santa had found the Goodrich place after all.
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for my family which includes my dear husband. Hurry for Grandpa Twinkle and God bless us, everyone. Grandma Binkle, the Snow Queen