The year in review: Top Ten, part I

...and here they are, the first half of this year's Top Ten! Enjoy, and have a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

No. 10
There was a specific demographic — math teachers — who really liked this cartoon.

No. 9
Somebody knows who their customers are!

No. 8
This is another one that found a peculiar audience of its own...

No. 7
Not all of the favorites were fun ones, but I had to pay respects to one of my childhood heroes.

No. 6
There's something to be said for being a modern-day pioneer. Thanks to Mary S. for this idea!

Tomorrow: the rest of the Top Ten!

The year in review: Runners-up

Today we look at the runners-up to the Top Ten — the ones that didn't quite make the cut to make it into the Top Ten.

No. 5
Some news you just can't keep quiet!

No. 4
Fatherhood and sports can be a powerful combination.

No. 3
There's no place like the friend zone!

No. 2
This was super popular for a couple of weeks at least!

No. 1
I guess technically this should be No. 11. And speaking of technicals...

Tomorrow: the first half of the Top Ten!

The year in review: the Sketchbook

Here are the top favorites from the 2015 Sketchbook!

No. 5

Has General Conference merchandising gone too far?

No. 4

Today's Title of Liberty.

No. 3

Ward clerks have many important decisions...

No. 2

Yes, Star Wars: The Force Awakens showed its influence all year.

No. 1

The sketchbook from General Conference is always a favorite!

The year in review: the Others

Let's start the Countdown with some of the favorites from my strips!

First, from Sis. Kerry Jo (who came home earlier this year!):

Next, Zarahemla Times:

And, of course, Good Heavens:

Tomorrow: the Sketchbook

Sketchbook Special Sunday Edition: The Testimony Awakens

I'm sure we're going to hear this a lot next month:

Stay tuned for tomorrow when we start the 2015 Countdown!

Like unto him

Because as every parent knows, it works to compare siblings!

The Nephite Nativity 7

The story of the birth of Christ according to the record in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

"And they knew it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given."

(3 Nephi)

Merry Christmas!

The Nephite Nativity 6

The story of the birth of Christ according to the record in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

“And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.

“And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.”

The Nephite Nativity 5

The story of the birth of Christ according to the record in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

“And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.

"And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid…had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.

“In fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth."

The Nephite Nativity 4

The story of the birth of Christ according to the record in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

“And behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

“Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world."

The Nephite Nativity 3

The story of the birth of Christ according to the record in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

“Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful."

“And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers."

The Nephite Nativity 2

The story of the birth of Christ according to the record in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

“And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully.

“But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite."

“Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet."

The Nephite Nativity

The story of the birth of Christ according to the record in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

“And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a great many things.

“And behold, he said unto them: Behold, for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.
“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld.
“And behold, this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.”
(Helaman 14)

No spoilers

Like many people in this part of the galaxy, people in our home are excited for the new Star Wars movie! I may not be geeking out as much as some people, but we have our big family outing planned for this weekend.

May the Force be with you.

Oh, Brother!

Oh, that Mahonri Moriancumer!

If it's on a hill, it can't be hid

I grew up near Salt Lake City, so at Christmastime when I think of Christmas lights, I think of Temple Square. That's a proper display; that's the standard. I'm still working toward achieving that.

True confessions

I wonder who gives the tougher interview?

Sketchbook: Coming soon to a theatre far, far away

I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes missionaries think about these things...

And yes, around here we're getting a little excited for "The Force Awakens" too. One person amongst us modified the Advent calendar to count down the days. It's hard to tell if he should be on the naughty list...because there is some good in him!