Gifts that keep Giving

I really struck it rich this Christmas.  I received so many thoughtful & meaningful gifts.  The number 1 most meaningful gift that I have ever received (besides sweet Angela who came 21 years ago as a gift 3 days before Christmas) in my life was from my sweet husband.  He made me a DVD of my life.  He scanned in all the pictures from my childhood, he interviewed my parents, my siblings, my children & several of my friends (even from high school).  He put pictures of my ancestors on it while my parents told stories about them.  There were video clips of our wedding, early parenting, etc.  It was beautifully & thoughtfully put together.  The whole DVD is about an hour long.  He spent weeks on this project where that is all he did 2 weeks before Christmas.  Boy, was I surprised.  He kept it a secret until Joshua said one day "Dad has a great surprise for you, I can't tell you what it is but it's on the computer".  Those are the kind of gifts that win the heart of a women.  He didn't spend anything but his time was worth all the gold in the world.  Stan is incredible.  I told him when I die you already have my life story all done.  I love you sweetheart.

Angela & John gave us a really cool digital picture frame that can hold a bunch of pictures.  They had downloaded a bunch of pictures of our family from this past year or so.  We just keep it plugged in and the picture change continuously.  I will find Joshua & Jacob just in the living room watching the pictures change.  I find myself doing the same.  I just love it.  It adds such a homey touch to our living room.  Thanks guys!  I love you.

Many of you know I love beautifully framed religious art.  Randy & Brittney gave us a gorgeous canvas picture of one of my favorite bible stories.  Mary, Martha & the Savior.  It is a gentle reminder to keep life in balance and choose that "good part".  It to is a beautiful addition to my living room for all to see.  I sit in my recliner some mornings studying and look up and it reminds me of the balancing act we as mothers have to provide for the physical and spiritual well-being of our family.  Joshua the other day came in and said "Mom, I want to spend time with you".  So we went in and played Star Wars guys for awhile.  It made his day.  Thanks Hendersons  for the lovely picture.  Sure love ya

Another time filled gift was from Spencer.  He downloaded all my music c.d.'s, conference talks, books on c.d., motivational c.d.'s on my ipod.  It took him hours & hours.  My ipod can hold 120 g.b. so I think Stan figured I could listen to stuff for a month or so straight without repeating.  Doing laundry, dishes & dinner is a lot more fun now I have all this great stuff to listen to.  Thanks Bud, your so thoughtful.  He also gave me a David Archeleta c.d. & a cool alarm clock.  I am going to miss him when he goes on his mission.  I love you!