Merry Christmas

Today as we are buried in the wrapping paper while the kids jump off the walls from excitement (and sugar highs),  let's not get too buried by the world's idea of Christmas.  I hope that many of you were able give at least one homemade present to a loved one this year.  As I frantically tried to be sure everything was finally done in preparation for Christmas this year, I decided that maybe I should plan a homemade Christmas for next year.  I think it may end up being the best one yet if we stick to that goal.  I received a beautiful scarf hand crocheted by my grandmother for my birthday this year - and it's honestly one of the best gifts I have ever been given!
As I sat at church today with my family and pondered the many gifts our Savior has given us - I hoped that you all were having similar thoughts today.  Instead of worrying about the food for later than day, or continuing to bury yourself in wrapping - I really hope you thought about your many blessing and how you can give more of yourself to the Savior.  How can we improve throughout this next year to result in a better understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ?  We read Luke 2 last night as we gathered around my parents Christmas tree and ate our traditional "Shepherd's Dinner" (we eat similarly to what the shepherds did in those fields those many years ago).   Since half of my children are now old enough to understand that they can indeed give something to their Savior this next year, we went around the circle and told eachother one thing that we could do better at this upcoming year for Jesus Christ.  Little Momma's was to be kinder, Destructo-girl's was to listen to her parents more (maybe that meanst 50% of the time now... I'll keep my fingers crossed for more than that though),  mine was to work on the new Personal Progress/Young Womanhood medallion (that ALL women/girls can do by the way), and the Hubby's was to help the Boy Scout program in the ward function better this new year (I added that by doing this, he could help them have a desire to go on missions - by instilling the boy scout standards into their daily lives - two birds with one stone, right??).   Little Man's can be just learning how to talk more this year to start.  Baby girl can continue being the most beautiful baby in our family and for now that will be enough. 
I know that our Savior knows us each personally and that He loves us more than we can ever comprehend.  I am sure He thought of each of us as he suffered in Gethsemane those several thousands of years ago and willingly gave of himself to allow EVERYONE of us to come back and live with him someday.  There is nothing more He wants to do for us than help us - we only need to ask and He is there. 
So as those new year's resolution lists start up in the next few days, make sure to write your present down for Christ this year so you can focus on your goal all year round and feel joy as it is completed by Christmastime next year.    Merry Christmas to you all - don't lose sight of the purpose of life and the great many blessings you have been given!    Love you all and hope this next year holds many fabulous blessings for you and yours!

8 years down, many more to go

Today my husband and I celebrate 8 years together.  Sometimes it seems like an eternity ago we had our little place in an extended stay hotel for about half a year before he went off to bootcamp.  I have learned so many things in that time.  Bills, kids, budgets, etc.  We've moved about a handful of times as well.  There is still a lot to learn.  By no means am I an expert at ANYTHING.  Generally speaking, I feel like I fail at much I attempt to do.  Maybe that is just human nature (or women's nature) - or maybe I really do need a few pointers.  I know I'm not perfect at being a wife for sure (same goes for being a mother) but I am so glad my husband puts up with me.  In a lot of ways he is much better than I am.  He is generally patient with me - even laughs at me from time to time when I am really losing my cool.  Some may think that is a little counter productive, but it's enough for me to snap out of it a little bit and see the error of my ways. Then there are times he just lets me fume, takes it, and then is there to talk when I cool off.  We have been blessed to have 4 beautiful, healthy children and are very grateful for that.  I really wish we could say we haven't aged a day since we got married - but... time is not always kind - and it definitely hasn't been to us!  We've been through a lot since we got "hitched" - here's to hoping the next 8 years see us with more happy days than sad.  I am glad that you are my husband!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Really have no idea what to title this post exactly, so maybe it will come to me once I am finally done typing it!  Here's to hopin'!  It seems like each year there is so much going on the last 6 weeks of the year, that the moments you get some "free" time, you just kick back!  That's basically what I have done.  I have been exercising, taking care of sick kids (youngest two),  doing Pre-K and 1st grade homework, dinners, a little baking, and kicking back.  I know it is no where near as busy as some of your schedules, but it keeps our little family hopping  for the time being.  

I celebrated a birthday Friday, turning one year older and hoping that it'll be a better one than the year before.   I have fantastic friends and family that helped me feel SO loved on my special day.  Thank you!  I have big plans to go out with a friend later this month (a fellow december birthday) for dinner and a movie.  Really looking forward to that - it'll be SO MUCH FUN! 

I have to put my brain cells to work and get an ornament knocked out by tuesday for our RS project group gathering this month.  We will be exchanging an ornament and I am SO grateful we only need to bring ONE.  Not really sure what I would do if i had to make a dozen or more!   Then we have book club this next week as well.  Not sure if I'll be getting the chance to read the book because I am still struggling to get through another one (I have been trying to get through it for over a month!).   Then there is some Christmas parties at the girls school this next week too.  PLUS trying to get ideas on what to make their teachers for Christmas!  I guess I am WAY more busy than I thought. 

I was blessed enough to give a spiritual thought this past week and I chose Luke 2 (just a few verses).  Where I was getting with it was to remember the reason for the season.  So many times we all get caught up in all the TO DO'S that we don't remember the WHY.  Most of you out there that actually read this thing have several children of your own and are far more busy than you think (just like me) .  Take some time to remember how this Christmas season came to be, who it is celebrating, and how we can make the celebration continue the whole year instead of just a month at the tail end of the year.  FORGET the to do lists and all that "fluff" that doesn't matter.  If a present goes unbought or an item isn't crossed off - who cares!?   Focus on family, togetherness, and love.     It's what it's all about and the one who gave ALL for it to be possible for us to be TOGETHER as FAMILIES FOREVER.    Have a Merry Christmas Season and ENJOY it - even kick back a little!