So Much Fun!

It was a rare occurrence but surprisingly enough, I was prepared for Christmas – much more ahead of the game than what usually transpires. Without gifts to wrap or the many last minute worries that usually accompany me this time of year, I really enjoyed the season – the spirit of it, the traditions, my children and family – ALL of it!

For our 2009 Santa endorsed Scavenger Hunt, the kids were left sleds. Going out to the hot tub to find them in 10 degree weather was not something they were too fond of but they were grateful nonetheless.

We had to try out the new gear and the snow yesterday and accepted the invitation to go to Kory’s house and use the “perfect sledding hill”. Russ invited Jed & Laura North and their family to go with us. Jed brought his 4-wheelers to help haul the sledders back to the top. Without the 4-wheelers, I think the kids would have been good to hike it 3, possibly 4 times at max. Since they had personal chauffeurs, they lasted 3 hours! Russ and I went down a couple times and had a blast. I can see why the kids enjoy sledding. In our group were 20 children and 7 adults. The few children that were on the hill when we arrived soon departed. You might say we dominated the area!

After sledding, Jed and Laura (and her sister Jennifer and husband Steve), Tina and Steve and their 4 children and Steph and Jeff and their 4 children came over for dinner and to play games. Some of our kids played at the North’s house until we picked them up after 11:00 last night. Our house was rocking with competition on the game boards and a bit of rivalry with the Guitar Hero/Rock Band. I’m almost a little frightened to know what happened at the Norths. I guess some things are probably better off unknown.

It is too bad Russ has to work next week - Otherwise, we could have rematches. We may just have to sneak one in anyway sometime soon. Thanks everyone for helping us make good holiday memories after celebrating such a great Christmas!

5 Days and Counting

The gifts are purchased and most are wrapped. Nearly all of the baking is complete and neighborhood gifts have been delivered. Our house is adorned with Christmas decorations (OK, except those that have not escaped ChanMan's touch). I'm feeling closer to being ready for Christmas and our biggest family traditions associated with Christmas Eve.

Though Russ has taken vacation this week, I foresee him sleeping more than being alert - until the kids come home from school. The past 2 weeks have been anything but smooth and seem to have left him restless. That is okay though. I have a few gifts to finish making and then it is on to delivering them to my Young Women on Wednesday. Russ and I also hope to make it to the temple Wednesday morning. We need the peace of the season to inflitrate our minds.

A phrase hit me strong at church today, "Christ died for us." While this is true, I've also thought about how Christmas celebrates Christ's birth. So while I agree that part of Jesus Christ's mission was to die and rise again, I feel it is more important (at least to me right now) to concentrate on his life and HOW he lived as well as the examples he set.

So this Christmas Season, I'm focusing on how I can better live my life for Christ, the way He lived for me.

Thoughts on Opposition and Trials

Yesterday at church the topic of Sacrament Meeting was basically centered around Growth and Survival of Opposition. Many thoughts and insights were shared by individuals who have seen quite a bit of opposition in their lives. I thought about my life and the trials that I've been through. It has weighed heavily on my mind so I read further some of the talks from past conferences and quotes from wonderful men and women who have really experienced life.

The insights I've gained? Well...really, I already knew these things but feel it important to remind myself frequently: Trials are never fun and sometimes stretch us to a capacity that we don't realize we possess. Though I'm grateful for trials after the fact, I'm also slowly coming to the realization that refinement is a tough process and definitely necessary for personal growth. I suppose I have always known that, but now I'm really appreciating some of the trials I've had in the past. (Still, I don't look forward to more trials - though I know they'll be placed in my pathway as I have yet to be refined in the way that I need to be!) I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who thinks I'm worthy of refinement!

Russ was put back into Elder's Quorum yesterday. I don't know why this doesn't scare me but it doesn't. Is it because we've been through busier callings? Is it because I am getting older and "old hat" to some of these positions? Is it because something else in our future? I don't know. I do know that our conception of flying under the radar has not lasted long. That is okay though. I'm at peace. (Strange, I know.)

After posting a few weeks ago, I realized that I failed to post some of our pictures that Whitney (Palmer) Lewis took of our family. So, I'm going to close this week's blog on a note that the pictures from that shooting are contained in various places on this page. Whitney truly captured each child's personality! We were so happy to have her use her skill and talent in helping us document this time in our family.

I'm still somewhat in denial that my youngest is going to be 4 soon and my oldest will turn 14 two days afterwards. Where has time gone? I suppose this is a prime example of one of my trials I've recently undergone. I know my time is short with these children and I'm not ready for it to be even close to over. I hope that the memories we are making will hold the family ties tight throughout their lives (and mine)!

The last picture is our family picture that we used on most of our Christmas cards this year.