So much to be Thankful for

Christmas began for us last weekend, the 18th when we had our own family Christmas-eve. In keeping with our traditions we went to dinner at Organ Stop Pizza and to see the beautiful lights at the Mesa Temple. I always love doing that in such pretty weather this time of year.

Our family gift exchange as we call it (because Santa comes to see us in Utah every year) was great. Each of us had spent our own hard earned money to get everyone else a special gift. The kids shopped at the dollar store because the math is so easy to do there ($1 equals 1 gift) and it was cute to see what they'd selected. From Luke I got a hershey bar and Milk Duds chapstick and Tyler got a mini screw driver set from Ashley. Our big family gifts this year were a new trampoline and the Beatles Rock Band set. Fun for months to come.











That very afternoon we loaded the car and set off into the sunset in the direction of Utah. We drove all night long and arrived at my mom's near 4am. The kids slept the majority of the way and the roads were clear so it worked out well. My mom's home was warm and beautifully decorated as always, it is always so nice to come here for the Holidays. Plus, Ali, Blake and Paige we already here waiting for us too, which was a bonus since I ADORE little Paige!







We busied ourselves with gift preparations, games of raquetball, snowman building, indoor swimming, card games and movies and before we knew it Christmas Eve was here!

The girls in the family (which is all of us except Ty, Blake and Drew) put together a Christmas Eve agenda that went like this: 2:00 Family Pictures, 4:00 Family Dinner, 5:00 Talent Show, 5:30 Gingerbread Houses, 6:00 Home Alone, 8:00 Nativity and open 1 present, 9:00 Bedtime for the kids, 9:30 Christmas Vacation Movie and card games for the adults. It was a sweet night spent together and there was a great feeling in the home as we shared talents, opened matching Christmas pjs, read from the scriptures and reenacted the Nativity (the kids' favorite!).

The kids slept until 7:30 which was delightful. A couple gift favorites for the family included an Oakland Temple painting for my mom from Drew, the BYU football Vault book and John Adams DVD collection for Ty, Wii Mario Brawler and Lego Starwars for Luke, Electronic Guess Who for Ash, Tom and Jerry figurines for Jakey, a DS for Shelly (along with a U of U sweatshirt, which deserves no additonal comment), a mylar balloon for Paigey, Yamaha clothes and a 4 mth gym pass for Drew, a ski pass for Blake and Ty for a day, and lots of clothes for the rest of us. My mom is so good.











After regrouping and organizing for the afternoon we hopped back in the car for dinner at the Hillstead's. I always love getting to Shauna's house for the Holidays too! Upon entering the front door we were greeted by the smell of delicious food and Christmas decorations everywhere. Gifts were piled in every corner. And everyone in the family was there that night! It was wonderful. We embraced the Chaos!!












6 beautiful little girls all in matching jammies from Nanna! The couples gift exchange! The cousins gift exchange! And all the great goodies from Nanna and Poppi! We literally couldn't contain the blessings! I went to bed feeling with my heart so full of gratitude for a wonderful day. I am so thankful for family. I am so thankful to have the gospel and for my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His birth, His life, His example and the joy that I have in my life because we follow Him and keep His commandments.

I love this ornament

When life gets crazy around this time of year I think about this, my favorite Christmas ornament on the tree, and consciously refocus myself upon Whom I should be focusing on.

Just after making this post I received this poem in my email. Another good perspective focuser:
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.

Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"


With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone.."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"

"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room a bove, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet.."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."

With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,
and what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

Sing We All Noel!

Last night's concert was AMAZING!! Honestly, I was bawling my eyes out from the moment I dropped my darling little kids off backstage! The music was incredible! The orchestra, adult choir and all the children's choirs had accomplished so much in only three months. When my kids walked out on stage I was beaming with joy, knowing how much time and practice they had put into preparing for the evening. One of the little sunbeam chorus children sang the most precious solo, everything about the concert was just so good! I got chills over and over and felt grateful for the opportunity to witness this great event and have my kids be a part of it. It was a sweet and memorable night.