[photopress:christmas_surprise_1210.jpg,thumb,pp_style] By Nettie H. Francis
I was in the 5th grade when I finally asked my Dad if Santa Claus was real. Dad shared the story, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, with me. Then he spent an hour giving a wonderful explanation of the magic of Christmas.

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[photopress:Last_Roll___649.jpg,thumb,pp_style] By Nettie H. Francis
It’s fall, and the harvest is in full swing. Yesterday we ate Autumn soup for dinner—homegrown potatoes, carrots, onions and tomatoes. On the side we enjoyed a juicy, red watermelon and some corn—all products of our garden. It was a lovely feeling, to finally reap the benefits of the long, hot summer days, when weeding and watering don’t seem as if they are making a difference. But we persisted, and now we are surrounded by abundance. The harvest is here.

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[photopress:mom_and_boy_1010.jpg,thumb,pp_style] By Nettie H. Francis
I’ll never forget my worst Sunday ever. My husband was attending another ward, so I arrived at church alone with our little brood. Thanks to my missionary-minded children, we also had several neighbor kids along for the meeting. Trooping into the chapel, we sat on the second row, me on one end of the bench and the long row of children stretching out next to me. I felt like the Pied Piper, or Mother Marshmallow, or Miss Hannigan.

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[photopress:family_patio_picnic_910.jpg,thumb,pp_style] By Nettie H. Francis
I’m the second oldest of eleven children. My growing up years were spent taking care of my younger siblings. Changing diapers, feeding babies and entertaining toddlers were all natural activities for me, and I could do many of them almost as well as a mother! It was a pleasant childhood.
Serving in a big family was entertaining, enjoyable and fulfilling.

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[photopress:father_810.jpg,thumb,pp_style] By Nettie H. Francis
I love the story of Adam and Eve and all that it symbolizes. But lately (maybe because it’s summertime and all of my children are home all day) I especially appreciate Adam.

My life right now is one of work. From dawn ‘til dusk I spend my hours cooking, cleaning, caring and cooking, cleaning and caring some more. There is never a dull moment, nor a break in my duties. I don’t mind them. In fact, since I was little, I wanted to be a mother and do exactly what I am doing right now. However, what I have come to understand, more than ever, is that I could not do what I do without a good husband.

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