A Little Bit of Christmas Cheer

Wow, what a wild and crazy but fun December.  I can't believe it's all over.  All of our festivities started right in by doing something every night the first week.  All of us were excited to finally see the snow come.  It wouldn't be Christmas without it.  Even the big boys enjoyed playing in it.  Spencer and Benson must have laid on the trampoline for an hour catching the snowflakes in their mouth.  The were soaked when they came in.

They  then proceeded to bury Princess in the snow.  I can't tell if she enjoyed it or what.  Maybe it was like the igloo principle.  Needless to say she is quite a trooper.

One cold December night Stan went out in the garage to get the animals in for the night.  This is what we saw.  It was way to cute to not take a picture.

We decided to take advantage of the snow and take everyone sledding.  Caleb didn't like it to well.

To start off the holiday season of fun I read a wonderful book by Richard Paul Evans entitled, "The Gift".  On Tuesday December 2nd  I went to a enrichment book group to discuss it.

On Wednesday we took our whole family to go see the "Forgotten Carols" at the McKay Event Center.  It had all been years since we have seen it.  We all left with such a warm loving feeling for each other.

On Thursday, Stan and I went to the appraisal institute dinner at the state capital building.  Gary Free (his boss) got sworn in as the new president of the institute.  It was a nice evening but we had a hard time hearing with the acoustics in that historical building.

On Friday we all went to BYU Mariott Center to see Spencer perform with the BYU folk dancers in Christmas Around the World.  Spencer's team danced a number from Mexico where the men proved their skills by boastfully displaying their mastery of the machete, an important to0l used in daily agricultural life. Spencer is an amazing dancer.  He was awesome.  Of course it thrills me to no end that he has continued with his dancing talent.  He ballroom danced for BYU in junior high and a little in high school until he gave it up for more "important" things like cross country & track.  I didn't even know he tried out until he text me one night and told me he made the team. 

On Saturday Stan & I went with Brittney & Randy to the company party at the Zermatt Resort up in Midway.  It was really nice.  The food was amazing and the entertainment was fabulous.  Then the following Monday December 8th we went on a train ride at my mom's neighbor's house.  They re-enacted the Polar Express and took the kids to the North Pole to see Santa.  They do such a wonderful job with such beautiful lights and gorgeous pictures of the Savior (kind of like Thanksgiving Point).  Even though the kids get to see Santa he talks about the true meaning of Christmas with the meaning behind the candy cane and also gave them a picture of Jesus.

Jacob was the first to sit on Santa's lap telling him all about the cool truck he wants.

Joshua was explaining in great detail what he wanted so Santa would not forget.

And of course Benson isn't to old to sit on Santa's lap.  Benson asked for organic vegetables & fruit (I have no idea were he gets these absurd requests).

Joshua & Jacob were amused by Santa's workshop and the cool toy train.

Spencer, Benson & I went up to Salt Lake to see Jon Schmidt's Christmas concert on Saturday Dec. 13th.  It was amazing.  He is truly remarkable.  We arrived home just in time for a High Priest Christmas Open house at our home.  Oh and did I mention Benson had a violin recital earlier that day at a assisted living facility.  Am I tired yet?

By the time Wednesday Dec. 17th came around I got sick so I didn't make it to the Bar J Wrangler's concert at the McKay Event Center.  Stan, Spencer, Benson & Justin Mortensen (He took my ticket) went and had a lot of fun.  Stan & I saw them up in Jackson Hole had enjoyed them so much that we decided to take our boys

Grandma Craft made us these darling pillows and bed topper for Christmas.  We got to open them up early so we could enjoy them for Christmas.  She is always so thoughtful in her present giving.  She starts thinking about Christmas in March.  I wish I was that organized.

One afternoon I decided to let the boys paint these darling little wooden ornaments.  We saw them at Wal-mart for only .88 a piece.  I bought some paint and brushes and it provided hours of fun.  Playing with them before they were painted, painting, admiring their work and playing with them afterwards.  Who would have thought you could have so much fun for .88

We had such a fun December.  Our family also spoke in church and I taught Relief Society.  We watched Caleb for 3 days while John & Angela went to California to photograph a wedding.  We also had a orchestra concert at school and a 2 family Christmas parties.  Did I miss anything?  I am definitely going to need a long winter's nap in January.  I guess I still need to blog about Christmas.  Well that will have to be another day I'm tired.

A Star for Steven

On November 5, 2008 Steven  L. Baird left his mortal journey to return to live with his Heavenly Parents.  His father Keith Baird (our home teacher) made us this Christmas Star several years ago after I commented how much I admired the one he had made for their home.  This year we hung our Christmas Star in memory of Steven who filled our neighborhood with lots of love and joy.  He was exactly 1 month older than Stan to the day and year.  When Stan served as Bishop Steven would visit our home on a regular basis and rub in the fact that he was older than the Bishop.  Steven was born with Downs Syndrome and had the most happiest childlike disposition I have ever known.  After knowing Steven I understand more fully the scripture that says we should be as little children and try to develop that Christlike love.  After Steven passed on I was trying to find the perfect gift to give to the Baird's.  My daughter Brittney found this plague that read," The best way to have a little bit of heaven in your home is have someone you love in heaven". 

Here Steven is at our home showing us all his metals he won at Special Olympics.

Spencer had the great opportunity to be Steven's partner during Special Needs mutual every Thursday night Spencer's last year in high school.  Here they are at a dance.

A Grateful Heart

I couldn't let Thanksgiving come & go without listing a few things I am grateful for.  I have many blessings but these a just a few (sorry if this post is too long to read- I am doing this more for my benefit).  These are in no particular order.

1. Friends- I have many good friends but few extra-ordinary friends. Here is to highlight 3 of them.

Stacy & I have been friends for about 10 years or so.  I don't think I have ever known anyone that lives so close to the Spirit.  I asked her once if she has EVER missed a day in studying the scriptures (family & personal).  She said maybe once when I fell asleep before I had a chance to study.  This means when you're sick, the day you have your baby, etc.  That's commitment to the Lord.  She truly inspires me to be a better person in every way.  She reminds me of the scripture found in 2 Nephi 25:26 which reads..." we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ..."  She is not without hard trials but continues to be so valiant.  She is my forever friend, I love her so much.

Shawna is the kind of friend that comes around only once in a lifetime.  If I were to cross the plains in a handcart in the snow, heat or rain I would definitely want Shawna by my side.  The words that best describe her are stalwart, steadfast, strong, unwavering, determined, persistent, happy & kind.  When she sets her mind to something it doesn't matter how much sleep she has had, how busy she is, she keeps her commitments.  She inspires , motivates and makes me takes a good look at my life and evaluate what I can do better.  She is the kind of person that loves babies & children with Christlike love.  She makes everyone feel special.  She has a magical touch when she hold babies.  Her Spirit speaks to children in a way no one else can.  She brings out the best in you and knows how to ask all the right questions to really get to know someone.  I love her a million times over.
Michelle is the kind of friend who loses her life in service.  Just yesterday she just brought us dinner because she knew I had been having trouble with my back.  She is more than willing to do anything that will lighten your load.  I can't even count how many times our family has been the recipient of her amazing cooking.  She volunteers to watch my kids without even being asked.  I am definitely not the only one she does this for.  She is happy and never complains.  I have never met anyone that is so easy going as Michelle.  She has her priorities in the right place.  Her home is a house of learning.  She is always seeking for opportunities  to teach her children.  She is the best cook and is so patient.  How many people do you know that would take 5 children (3 her own & twin neighbor boys) under the age of 5 on a train ride into downtown Salt Lake for an all day excursion and not think anything of it?  I still have a lot to learn from her.

2.  I am thankful for children & their excitement for the simple pleasures of life.  (Riding the train up to Salt Lake)

3.  I am grateful when I get help in the kitchen.  

(Joshua learning how to make a salad for the first time using a real knife).

I wasn't quite sure if they would eat any of this poor guy after watching me prepare him for the feast.

The night before Thanksgiving we had quite a show in the kitchen with Stan & Spencer's cooking show ( I should have gotten it on film).  It was pretty hilarious hearing them talk about the different cooking terminology.  Press & set ( how do you do that?)  Cool (with a mini fan).  Moisten ( with a little spit).  Whip ( who writes these recipes anyway).

4.  I am thankful for amazing parents who taught me the important things in life & how to love the Lord.
5.  I am grateful for time alone in my bedroom to search, ponder & pray.

6.  I am thankful for sleeping boys

7.  I am grateful for a beautifully set table & family gatherings

8.  I am thankful for a husband that thinks he is still young (no one has told him otherwise).  This is a picture of how he sleeps at night with all his infirmities (a neck brace, an elbow brace & a wounded finger).  

The ward football turkey bowl Thanksgiving morning landed Stan up in the emergency room with a major laceration on his finger.  All the skin on his finger was totally ripped back.  They couldn't even stitch it they just had to cut away the skin.  I said out loud the night before, "I wonder how long it will be before he retires the football on Thanksgiving morning?"  He didn't even last an hour.  This guy will be playing football in his 90's (at least in his dreams).
9.  I am thankful for good food.

10.  I am especially grateful for Joshua's guardian angels last Monday.  Joshua had a close call as he was riding his bike to school.  He was riding on the sidewalk and a car in our neighborhood was backing out of their driveway.  Neither one of them was looking.  The man's wife screamed and he slammed on his brakes.  Joshua smashed into their car with the side of his face and then hit his head on the concrete.  Luckily he had his helmet on.  If it had been 1 second sooner Joshua would have been run over.  Pretty scary.  It shook him up a bit.
11.  I am thankful that the pilgrims & the native americans became friends


12.  I am grateful for smart children.

13.  I am thankful to be able to go the temple when ever I want to.  This is one of my favorite places to be.

14.  I am especially grateful for a patient & tolerant dog.

 

Who is truly a real princess