2024 Countdown: The Top Ten (part 1)

 Here we go — the first five of the Top Ten for 2024!

10. How many missionaries tell you they've been out "about a year"? Here are some telltale signs.

9. How do you count your blessings?

8. Some songs seem appropriate to sing around the campfire, almost like they were written with that in mind.

7. There's more than one way to tell the difference between companionships!

6. Some prophets had greatest hits. Samuel the Lamanite had greatest misses.

Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve! Come back tomorrow for the rest of the 2024 TopTen!

2024 Countdown: The Runners Up

These are the gags that were favorites, but just missed out on being in the Top Ten. We sometimes call it a tie for eleventh place.

Our Shakespearian Turkey Players had a lot to say this year. This was the favorite.

Perhaps the reference to The Raven was a little obscure? Or perhaps there were questions as to why his companion is nowhere to be seen. This poke at Poe still makes me giggle.

When our second missionary returned home, his shoes were held together by faith and shoe polish.

How are your Family Home Evenings going? Do they need a little more excitement?

Speaking of activity...

We just finished reading the Book of Mormon for Come, Follow Me. Can anyone else relate to Lehi?

 

Not officially part of the Countdown

As our esteemed panel of judges reviewed the cartoons from 2024, including stats and feedback, we've been able to determine our Top Ten and the Runners Up. Those will be coming later this week. There were a couple that were so close to the mark and the judges liked them, so we're running them today.

Here we go: the ones that didn't make it.

There are always quirky things with missionaries and their companions. Here's one that drew from a real-life experience:

All callings have their challenges. For example, working in the Nursery can be an amazing calling. However, there are some days...

Missionaries always want to look their best. But things don't always go according to our wants.

OK. Consider these as the teasers. The REAL Countdown begins tomorrow with the Runners-Up!

2024 Countdown - The Sketchbook. Part 2

 The rest of the Top Ten from the Sketchbook!

5. From the story of the Jaredites.

4. Those talks that never seem to end...

3. Raise a joyful noise, indeed!

2. Yeah, they had a love/hate relationship. Mostly hate.

1. There's a temple out there somewhere!

Next: The Runners up

2024 Countdown - The Sketchbook. Part 1

 Here are the bottom five of the top ten from the Sketchbook!

10. Borrowed a bit from Dennis the Menace and Taylor Swift. That’s a pairing you probably won’t see anywhere else!

9. There are many gifts. 

8. It's tough to make adjustments. 

7. Open your door. 

6. Holy Week, missionary version.

Tomorrow: Part 2

The Countdown Begins: The other stuff

One of the biggest entries in the "Other" category this year was the Disney cartoons. Here are a couple from this year that you seemed to like!

Even though this one isn't in the book, there are enough people who have memories of Splash Mountain that this was a popular one.

Been to Disney? Buzz speaks for us all!

Yup. This was the most popular Disney cartoon from this year. Are you surprised? The Force is strong with this one!

Merry Christmas!

 

Favorite Christmas

Happy Christmas Eve!
 

They shall sing a new song

I like how they're rolling out the periodic updates to the hymnal. Some of them are familiar, and it gives us a chance to listen and learn the new ones in bite sized pieces.

But I'm pretty sure they're never going to include Rudolph.
 

The nice list

Don't judge me. I'm currently serving in the Primary, I know whereof I speak!
 

A taste of winter

Around here, all you'll get is a mouthful of rain!
 

Sketchbook: Side benefits

When I was little, I envied the kids who got baptized in December. They didn’t have nearly as much stuff to repent of to ensure a spot on the Nice list!
 

The Zombies of Christmas Yet to Come

I totally get this kid. Too many ghosts, not enough monsters!
 

Seek ye the best gifts

I've made a lot of cool discoveries this way. A lot of gross ones, too! 
 

Finals time

Issues persist. We continue with reruns.
 

In memoriam

My sister-in-law passed away unexpectedly a short time ago. Today is her memorial service. 

A few years ago she asked me to illustrate some of their family stories. Here are some samples of those illustrations. 

From the top: 

One of the daughters learns what it’s like to go camping with the boys. 

Waking up daddy with a head butt rather than a kiss. 

Kids only get sick when they’re on the top bunk, at the top of the stairs or just outside the bathroom. 

Fun times with the blue paint! 

When you’re potty training and wander into the laundry room rather than the bathroom. 

Static electricity makes for a shocking kiss!

We’ll miss you, Jeanie!

Sketchbook: It’s all in the pronunciation

Candles. Wicks. Wick. Ed. 

Frans of Keanu Reeves’ character John Wick have run into the same problem. 

There’s a reason why some of these stay in the sketchbook!
 

Pepperoni service

My brother-in-law brought a pizza to the hospital for us just after my youngest was born. It was one of the most memorable pizzas I've ever had!
 

Share your talents

This is one of my favorites ever. And it almost stayed a sketchbook!
 

All I need for Christmas

I like the phrase, "pay it backward."
 

Thinking of you

Due to some unusual circumstances, I'm going to be revisiting some of my favorite Light the World cartoons this week. Enjoy!
 

Sketchbook: Feeling Groovy

It's time again for Light the World, one of my favorite Christmas celebrations!

This year, the Light the World team came up with 50 Ways to Let Your Light Shine — 50 ways to love your neighbor.*

Have a great Christmas season, and let your light shine!

*Musical History Note: Many years ago, musician Paul Simon had a chart-topping hit, "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." Now you know.