Christmas Collage

Christmas Day

I wasn't feeling great so we kept really quiet today. In fact, I am not sure any of us changed out of our pajamas. We took a few naps in between our activities. It was actually a great day.

We opened gifts, watched some movies and just visited. We ate a pork chop breakfast feast.

Santa brought Just Dance 2 for the wii, so we had fun playing that together.

Dad and Kelsey made a gingerbread house, while Maryn made her snicker train.

And we laughed.

Christmas Eve

Christmas eve found us with family and friends gathered to celebrate our Savior's birth. We dressed up for the party and took some pictures before our guests arrived. We started out with dinner. We kept it simple and served soup and rolls. Then we played some games--the dice game and of course sedarach! We brought out the pipes and made beautiful music together. Then we read and sang the story of Jesus' birth. The reason for the season--the reason for everything.

Snicker Trains

Part of the joy of Christmas is the magic that children find in the season. When we were making the list of the activities we wanted to do to celebrate snicker trains were definitely on the list. But, we knew it would be more fun if we had some little people around to make them with. Kelly asked John if we could borrow their kids and they were delighted to share them. So we had John, Stephanie, Cameron and Rachel over for dinner and we showed them the delight in making snicker trains! It was a wonderful--so much fun. We laughed and ate till we were sick! It is so fun to see everyone's creativity come out. It is amazing what beautiful creations you can make with candy. Not to mention the smiles.

Winterhaven

We got our decorations up! I love to have the house decorated inside and out! We took our annual trip to Winterhaven to walk along the streets enjoying the lights and fun conversation with family.

Love really spelled T-I-M-E

Choose Faith

Reading in Mormon today made me a little sad. To read of Mormon's description of just how far the Nephites "fell" They were once taught and blessed by Jesus. He was in their midst and there was not a happier people found, then they became a miserable people, doomed to destruction. I couldn't help but wonder if they were lost forever? They willfully rebelled and passed up so many opportunities to repent, but will they get that chance after death? Will I be more sorrowful after I die to find they were some of my friends in the premortal world?

I thought about my own life and the struggles I have, the struggles those around me have and once again realized how important the teaching is 'to watch and pray always". Satan will never give up trying to bring us down. You are never "safe" enough to let your guard down, your testimony and relationship with Heavenly Father need constant nourishment. I couldn't help but think of Avon and how bizarre the things are in her life right now. We are never too old to be tempted.

So much depends on our action-our desire, our work, our choices. We can't just be idle, we have to seek and knock, experiment and choose. Bishop Edgley urges us to choose faith, a choice of peace and protection. We are promised that we will move mountains-mountains of despair, sin, and pain. Faith is the bridge between the unknown and the known.

I don't know all that lies in store, the struggles or even the blessings that lie hidden ahead. I do know that clinging to my faith, nurturing  it continually, will keep me from following the wrong path.

Christmas Begins

We got December off to a great start with our ward party celebrating Christmas. It was simple, just dinner and the nativity, but it set a great tone for how our holidays should be. Simple and focused on the Savior! It was fun to see the primary kids participating as cast members and in song. I love Christmas music. The youth also shared their varied talents during dinner by performing more musical numbers.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2010 Part 2

We worked hard and played hard this weekend. Friday morning we got up and worked on our patio extensions. We really wanted to get some pavers laid, but there was still a lot of prep work to be done. We were hard at work when the Green's called to ask if we wanted to go shooting. Of course we wanted to, but we knew this was our only day to really get work done. So we told them of our dilemma and they offered to come and help! Our heroes! They helped us so much--in just a few hours we actually laid some brick!Then we went shooting!  The girls really had a fun time. And they are pretty good shots!

View Full Album

Here is a fun shot of Noah. I think it is perfect depiction of boys will be boys! And then a fun shot I took of the shadows we were casting. On Saturday, the girls went to "Beauty and the Beast" while Kelly and I attended two baptisms. It truly was a great weekend.

I am thankful for health and strength-for me and my family. We have worked hard and played hard this holiday weekend and none of it would have been possible without the blessing of health.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2010

The very best part of our holiday was having everyone together!

Our thanksgiving holiday really isn't just a day, it is a weekend. It has been that way for a long time now. This year that stayed the same, but we did have a pretty big change. We spent Thanksgiving day here at home--without other family around. There has been so much stress in the familial relationships, I just couldn't see adding the holiday stress that always occurs to the pile of "complaints". So we chose to stay home. And it worked out well for us. I didn't spend days with regrets and hurt feelings. It was nice!

We invited the Alegrezza's over to share our turkey dinner, with all of our favorite trimmings. They brought some of their traditional food too. Norma has her two grandson's Marcus and Owen living with her right now, her husband is in Afghanistan and their family is under a lot of stress with the circumstances. Our invitation helped them have a good day and it definitely helped us! Valerie and Steve came as well.

After dinner, Kelly talked them into a game of Acquire--so even that tradition was in place! We had fun preparing the food and the table. It felt so good to share our blessings with others and help them feel of the holiday spirit. They wanted to be here, they were excited to come and that felt wonderful.

I should have taken some pictures of our feast! But here is a picture of the table and the cornucopia's we made.

And then here is a picture of Kelsey getting some left over's later that night. YUM!

She is a goof!

Thankful day 22

I am thankful for roses trying to bloom in November....(insert tire screech sound)...

NOT! (I took this picture today-honestly)

I am truly thankful for prayer. When I read about Jesus' visit to the Nephites and realize in the limited time he had that he chose to spend that valuable time teaching them and showing them the power of prayer, it strengthens my own testimony of prayer.

El Tour 2010

They worked hard, training on the bike trainer at night and then early morning rides on Saturday's. And the day is finally here! It was so exciting to arrive at the start. First you heard the music, then you see the big balloon arch marking the start line. As we crossed the street, you see what looks like an endless mass of bikers. So much energy in the air as they wait to to get going. Here is how we will distinguish them from all of the other riders! Love it.Kelly and Maryn left to make their way to the back of the pack and Kelsey and I found the perfect place to get a picture of them as they start their 66 mile ride. It was so thrilling! After they got on the road, Kelsey and I made our way to volunteer at the rest station in Rancho Vistoso. It is so fun to help the riders and visit with them. So many of them have such interesting stories about where they are from and why they are riding. We were able to give some encouragement to Kelly and Maryn when they came by too.

As soon as we could get away, Kelsey and I then headed downtown to greet them at the finish line! Once again the excitement was tangible. We listened to music and cheered the riders coming in as we waited to see our favorite two riders! Finally, here they are!! I am thankful for dreams and goals, the idea, no the reality, that you can work hard to better yourself--in a variety of ways. I am thankful for the things you learn along the way.

I am thankful for the sense of accomplishment when you reach the finish line.

And I am thankful to support any such endeavors!

Thankful day 18

One week from today my parents are finished with their mission! Today starts the week-long countdown of all of the "lasts". Last Thursday, last Friday lunch, last weekend etc. We have had a unique opportunity to have them in our home for the last eighteen months while they served. I am thankful we were in a position to be a part of it all.

Sunset

I took these pictures as I sat outside reading my scriptures. I love the sunsets here. I don't love cholla cactus all that much but I thought the sun made them look so beautiful.

I love to feel peace. I felt that in this moment.

Thankful Day 13

Tuesday, for our class activity we baked bread for the Sacrament and wrote thank you cards to the Young Men for their service. We wanted them to know that we appreciate their respect and reverence for this ordinance that is so important to us. The activity turned out great and so did the bread. "He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth."

Thankful Day 12

My little corner of the world. That is what my husband calls it. I am embarrassed to show it so messy, but honestly this is usually how it looks most of the time. Don't judge me! It does get cleaned up. I always put stuff away when I am done with a project, it is just that I usually have more than one going on. I use this space in every aspect of my life-personal, family, friends and for my calling. All the things I love, for the people I love. I am so grateful to have this space and yes, I know I am spoiled. Thanks Kelly! Here are some close up shots that really tell the story. There is scrapbooking, reading, lists, card making, gift giving, shoving Kelly off of his side of the desk. And then there is the computer side--digi-scrap, Photoshop, bills, journaling, more lists, piles of "to do's", camera and phone.

In reading today, it was a bit harder to find something I learned. As I sat pondering, I re-read several times the principles that Jesus taught. I didn't learn anything new but I got some things sorted out better in my mind and I think that counts. Jesus mentions the gate and the way that leads to life as being strait and narrow, and that the way to the world is just the opposite broad and wide, making it hard to find the "right" way. He says there are few that find it. He also talks about beams and motes, the golden rule, judging, a tree's fruit, foundations and asking and as I wrote my notes I separated them as individual principles. I think sometimes we see so many things that way, so many things we have to do to be worthy. Then I read Elder Hollands talk from conference and sat and pondered about what I learned today. That was when I saw all those individual principles become descriptions of the same one, or maybe two. I thought of this same scene in the "old world" instead of the new one, and Jesus states that the first great commandment is to love God, then the second is to love others. Those seem like two, except that when we love others we show our love to God, so that is how they become one. With that thought, I saw how the foundation built upon Jesus, the wise man, is loving God and wanting to do His will, that is the only thing that fits through the narrow gate. If we try to take other "loves" we don't fit through. His will is that we love others, serve them and help each other stay on that narrow path back to Him. When God is first and others are second, we are simply more obedient, less likely to wander off the path.

It puts everything in the proper perspective, including judging others. Jesus taught that we have to be careful in how we judge others, because whatever measure we use is the same measure we will be judged by. Elder Holland stated that each one of us is loved and important to our Heavenly Father. I am important. I am worth it-the plan of salvation. If that is true, than those around me are worth it as well. Judging can be a selfish behavior if we are putting ourselves first, and most of the time it is. That is the beam and the mote kind of judging. But there is also the "fruit of the tree" and the sheep's clothing kind of judging. I have felt the difference. When I am I am motivated by love-the first and second commandment, not concerned about making myself appear better, I can judge the "fruit" of the tree and steer clear of wolves. But talk about a narrow path! The key is to remember the worth of every soul. That kind of judging leads to asking God to direct you on how to help, how to lift, how to give His gift of love. You can know by your own fruits if you are on the right path. The love of God and others will motivate to be better and do better. As Elder Holland stated, more "kind and charitable"--not concerned about beams and motes.

Day 7

I am thankful for 25+ years.

My thoughts don't come from my reading today, still formulating those, but from lingering thoughts from a verse I read a few days ago.

The verse tried to explain that the record contained couldn't record all that transpired among the people in 25 years. I guess it was the similar time period, but I tried to imagine how to record the “great and marvelous things” that become a life shared. You can record the experiences- the events, coming and goings etc. But, so many of the real, “great and marvelous things” are small moments-tender feelings, insight, growth. How do you record the “hundredth part” or what was “done”? How do you record feelings, changed hearts and bonds forged to last forever? For instance, how do I describe how I felt hearing the words, “because you are worth it” when Kelly found a way to come home…for just 24 hours?