Christmas is such a magical time with kids who BELIEVE. They believe with such faith, never even doubting. It is so fun to see and watch their eyes light up.
Belle was SO disappointed when the Santa on the North Pole Express ride didn't quite meet her expectations. He forgot to ask her what she wanted. He asked all the other kids on the train. And then he gets to us and there were other people trying to talk to him, and he thought he got confused on which kids he was on, and he gave them a bell and that was it. After about 20 minutes of just resting her head on me in silence, we finally convinced her he already knew, that's why he didn't need to ask. In hind sight I would have tracked him down as he moved on to other kids and asked him to come back. If it ever happens again we will know what to do. Luckily she still talks about the train ride experience as a fun one, and that she got to see Santa *Phew*.
I am a believer in Christmas--as said by "my dear nephew Fred" in a Christmas Carrol "Christmas has never put a scrap of money in my pocket, but I believe it has done me good, and will do me good, and I say God Bless it". (Or something like that.)
I was pretty young when a "found out" about Santa. I think my little brother was even younger than I. I had older siblings who didn't believe in "not spoiling it for the little ones" and used me to crawl through the utility space in the old camp trailer where you could push out the drawer from the outside to get in and unlock the door so they could snoop on the Christmas presents. I still remember it--me crawling through, them cheering me on from the outside. YES --older siblings--this is meant to make you feel guilty--- though I don't recall which one of you was the instigator in this:)
But even then I wasn't convinced til coming downstairs Christmas morning I indeed saw those tings that we had found in the trailer. It was the year I got my best-loved Cabbage Patch doll I later left in the city park and lost forever. Still hurts to think about loosing her. Dad drove me back to look for her--and she was gone. Mom called city hall to see if someone turned her in. No luck. Even though she was replaced and I enjoyed playing with the replacement(thanks, Mom), it just wasn't the same. I use this story to scare Belle into taking care of the things she loves most.
Anyway--I think Christmas was still a wonderful time, I have good memories, magical moments, when I felt the spirit of Christmas. So ruining Santa didn't mean ruining Christmas. And this year I've discovered why (besides some of the obvious reasons--Christmas isn't really about Santa, etc.). That the magic and love that Santa generates IS real. You can't "ruin" him. Because it's all very real. I've finally figured it out. The love that it generates in people--in us, the "Santas"; and in the children who believe MAKES it real. And I still felt that love.
My neighbor believes. They are having an extremely difficult time financially, with not enough for even necessities for their family. At the first part of the month someone gave them $300. They bought a few things for Christmas with it, grateful because they wouldn't have had anything without it, and saved some for necessities. Then some family members of theirs brought their children several nice gifts. Then our Bishop showed up at their door last week with a "sleigh load" of things for their family--a nice TV, gift cards to clothing stores where she plans to buy much needed clothes for them, etc., etc. The Bishop has no idea who it came from, that it didn't even come from anyone in our community. Someone just called him and said they were driving out to Grantsville with the stuff and would he deliver it.
They BELIEVE.
And I BELIEVE, too.
I wasn't involved in that neighbor's miracle, but wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to do that for someone? I love the sharing and caring that goes on at Christmas. It's MAGIC.
But--Still--Don't ruin it for the little ones, K??
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Gratitute
--Not a fun kid post--read at own risk
I had been thinking up a bog post about the things I am grateful for around Thanksgiving time, but Thanksgiving came and went and I didn't get it done. This Christmas season has been a good one for me. It started the week we put up the decorations and read for FHE what they are symbols of, then watching the new church video during the Christmas Devotional about the events surrounding the birth of our Savior. That was a good way for the month to start, and it has kept the Savior close to my heart throughout the month.
Part of it probably has to do with circumstances in my life that have lead me to a deeper appreciation and love for the Savior. I am grateful for this appreciation. I don't know that I can yet officially say I am grateful for the trials that have caused me to become closer to the Savior, but I believe I will get to that point eventually. Maybe I'm just slow at accepting that these things we go through in life are necessary for our growth, and I just want the growth without the trials. I know that it doesn't work that way, and I am truly grateful for the growth, and the strength that the Savior gives us in troubled times, and for the peace and lifting of our burdens he can provide. So I guess that means in a round about way I am grateful for the trials.
Our Bishop talked today of the people who were waiting for the Savior's birth before his coming. I have been thinking about it much of the day and would like to write down some thoughts. The Savior made covenants with those people, promising that He indeed would come. They had to have faith and hope in the Lord and in his covenants that He would be born as promised, and fulfill His mission as the Savior. They had to keep their covenants, watch, and wait for the Savior of the world to be born and this crucial part of Heavenly Father's plan for us to be fulfilled. We celebrate this part of the Plan of Salvation in looking back, that yes--it happened, He kept His part of those covenants, and now we celebrate it, we find faith, hope, and love in it.
But we also are waiting, like those who waited for the Lord's birth. He has covenanted with us that He will come again, and we must rely on our faith that He will keep His part of the covenant. Christmas can also be a time to look forward in faith to a time when He will fulfill that promise and come again to the world--albeit differently than in a stable--but that we can look both ways--back at His birth and forward to when He has promised He will come again--
I guess I have always celebrated Christmas as looking back at His birth, life, and death. I want to add now to that list and look forward. Forward to His coming again. Forward to keeping my covenants so I can be ready, with plenty of oil in my lamp, for when He comes again. I know that I make plenty of mistakes. Sometimes I get to bogged down in my mistakes. But I want to focus on my effort. The effort it takes for me to keep oil in my lamp ALWAYS--so I'm not caught without any when I most need it. I believe that I will be blessed for that effort, in keeping my covenants to live how the Lord asks me too, and as long as I keep trying and keep believing He will be merciful towards my shortcomings.
This is all tied somehow to me being grateful:). I am so grateful for the Savior.
I can't describe how blessed I feel to have my family around me, intact. I am grateful for the way I was raised. I work with 12-13 yr. old young women in my calling some of whom have such heavy burdens at such a young age it is hard to imagine. The only thing I was worried about at 13 was if I could borrow my sister's favorite shirt to wear to school. So Thanks, Mom and Dad, for everything, especially for keeping our family together and teaching us how important that is and how to love. I am grateful for a warm, comfortable home, and the ability to meet my children's needs. I can't imagine having hungry little children and not being able to meet their needs. I'm not taking about the toys they got for Christmas or saving to buy them a trampoline this summer. I mean basic necessities of life. I know I am so blessed. I am grateful for beautiful children who keep me laughing, crying, working, GOING. They are precious. I am grateful for a dear husband who works, worries, loves and cares for us. I am grateful for my husband's family, who are my family. I am grateful for the medical care that has helped my headaches. I don't think I fully realized how incapacitating they were until they were gone! It is a miracle!
And Thanks for letting me use my blog for a journal outlet:)
I had been thinking up a bog post about the things I am grateful for around Thanksgiving time, but Thanksgiving came and went and I didn't get it done. This Christmas season has been a good one for me. It started the week we put up the decorations and read for FHE what they are symbols of, then watching the new church video during the Christmas Devotional about the events surrounding the birth of our Savior. That was a good way for the month to start, and it has kept the Savior close to my heart throughout the month.
Part of it probably has to do with circumstances in my life that have lead me to a deeper appreciation and love for the Savior. I am grateful for this appreciation. I don't know that I can yet officially say I am grateful for the trials that have caused me to become closer to the Savior, but I believe I will get to that point eventually. Maybe I'm just slow at accepting that these things we go through in life are necessary for our growth, and I just want the growth without the trials. I know that it doesn't work that way, and I am truly grateful for the growth, and the strength that the Savior gives us in troubled times, and for the peace and lifting of our burdens he can provide. So I guess that means in a round about way I am grateful for the trials.
Our Bishop talked today of the people who were waiting for the Savior's birth before his coming. I have been thinking about it much of the day and would like to write down some thoughts. The Savior made covenants with those people, promising that He indeed would come. They had to have faith and hope in the Lord and in his covenants that He would be born as promised, and fulfill His mission as the Savior. They had to keep their covenants, watch, and wait for the Savior of the world to be born and this crucial part of Heavenly Father's plan for us to be fulfilled. We celebrate this part of the Plan of Salvation in looking back, that yes--it happened, He kept His part of those covenants, and now we celebrate it, we find faith, hope, and love in it.
But we also are waiting, like those who waited for the Lord's birth. He has covenanted with us that He will come again, and we must rely on our faith that He will keep His part of the covenant. Christmas can also be a time to look forward in faith to a time when He will fulfill that promise and come again to the world--albeit differently than in a stable--but that we can look both ways--back at His birth and forward to when He has promised He will come again--
I guess I have always celebrated Christmas as looking back at His birth, life, and death. I want to add now to that list and look forward. Forward to His coming again. Forward to keeping my covenants so I can be ready, with plenty of oil in my lamp, for when He comes again. I know that I make plenty of mistakes. Sometimes I get to bogged down in my mistakes. But I want to focus on my effort. The effort it takes for me to keep oil in my lamp ALWAYS--so I'm not caught without any when I most need it. I believe that I will be blessed for that effort, in keeping my covenants to live how the Lord asks me too, and as long as I keep trying and keep believing He will be merciful towards my shortcomings.
This is all tied somehow to me being grateful:). I am so grateful for the Savior.
I can't describe how blessed I feel to have my family around me, intact. I am grateful for the way I was raised. I work with 12-13 yr. old young women in my calling some of whom have such heavy burdens at such a young age it is hard to imagine. The only thing I was worried about at 13 was if I could borrow my sister's favorite shirt to wear to school. So Thanks, Mom and Dad, for everything, especially for keeping our family together and teaching us how important that is and how to love. I am grateful for a warm, comfortable home, and the ability to meet my children's needs. I can't imagine having hungry little children and not being able to meet their needs. I'm not taking about the toys they got for Christmas or saving to buy them a trampoline this summer. I mean basic necessities of life. I know I am so blessed. I am grateful for beautiful children who keep me laughing, crying, working, GOING. They are precious. I am grateful for a dear husband who works, worries, loves and cares for us. I am grateful for my husband's family, who are my family. I am grateful for the medical care that has helped my headaches. I don't think I fully realized how incapacitating they were until they were gone! It is a miracle!
And Thanks for letting me use my blog for a journal outlet:)
Christmas laughs
#1--Keith refused to go downstairs this morning until he was dressed. In trying to convince him he could go in his PJs he loudly protested "But I HATE Pajamas!!". Let it be recorded in history--the first kid in the history of kids to have to get dressed before seeing his Christmas presents!
#2--He received a backhoe toy that makes noise. One of the buttons plays a "song". Apparently it's a "bad Christmas song". He has repeatedly pressed the button and announced that it is.
#3--So you know the Grinch routine the kids have been doing--with Keith as Cindy Lou Who and Belle as the Grinch? Well Keith requested today to have a turn being the Grinch. OK, sure, go ahead.
I was basically floored when he NAILED IT. I mean ALL of it, what Belle has been doing.
#4--On desperately trying to keep the kids awake on our way home from Marion last night so they wouldn't get a good hour nap then be up for 3 more. With lots of singing, being as silly as possible, chating, keeping them talking, we were successful--but not without protest. "MOOOMMM---You're keeping me awake!!" Yes, Keith. That's EXACTLY what I'm doing. :)
#5--Belle tucked her head under to "jump in bed and cover her head" when she heard Santa's bells last night. Then squinted her eyes shut so tight and went to sleep rather quickly.
Meanwhile, Keith chated away with David and I. "Mom, what is Santa going to bring you? Is he here Mom? etc., etc., etc."
#6-- so one of the main things Belle wanted for Christmas was a watch. I struggled with this a little. Why does the 4 yr old want a watch? She can't tell time! But this is the same 4 yr old who insisted on doing an assignment the preschool teacher gave her to complete in 2 weeks in 1 day--I tried to talk her out of it several times. She was determined. I finally gave in and stopped discouraging her desire to be an overachiever, and helped her do it.
So Santa brought her a watch. Which was good because she was so sure he was going to that she asked yesterday if she could wear her watch to church today. Keith questioned whether she HAD a watch, and she replied "no, but I will".
She wore it to church, just as she had planned. And when she wanted to go get a drink, David explained she should wait until the long hand got around to the 2, then she could go. So she waited, and watched her watch. And waited. And waited. And waited. And got tired of waiting and decided to use the little dial on the side to move the long hand around to the 2 herself. We're working on the time concept thing.
Then this afternoon at Grandma's she wanted a lesson on how to read her watch. So we talked about how the hour hand goes around 2 times for a day, the long hand goes around one time for each hour, etc. And how to read it. It's going to take some time for her to fully understand it, but she wanted me to explain it AGAIN. and AGAIN. and AGAIN. I suspect this will continue until she comprehends it. That's our missy.
#2--He received a backhoe toy that makes noise. One of the buttons plays a "song". Apparently it's a "bad Christmas song". He has repeatedly pressed the button and announced that it is.
#3--So you know the Grinch routine the kids have been doing--with Keith as Cindy Lou Who and Belle as the Grinch? Well Keith requested today to have a turn being the Grinch. OK, sure, go ahead.
I was basically floored when he NAILED IT. I mean ALL of it, what Belle has been doing.
#4--On desperately trying to keep the kids awake on our way home from Marion last night so they wouldn't get a good hour nap then be up for 3 more. With lots of singing, being as silly as possible, chating, keeping them talking, we were successful--but not without protest. "MOOOMMM---You're keeping me awake!!" Yes, Keith. That's EXACTLY what I'm doing. :)
#5--Belle tucked her head under to "jump in bed and cover her head" when she heard Santa's bells last night. Then squinted her eyes shut so tight and went to sleep rather quickly.
Meanwhile, Keith chated away with David and I. "Mom, what is Santa going to bring you? Is he here Mom? etc., etc., etc."
#6-- so one of the main things Belle wanted for Christmas was a watch. I struggled with this a little. Why does the 4 yr old want a watch? She can't tell time! But this is the same 4 yr old who insisted on doing an assignment the preschool teacher gave her to complete in 2 weeks in 1 day--I tried to talk her out of it several times. She was determined. I finally gave in and stopped discouraging her desire to be an overachiever, and helped her do it.
So Santa brought her a watch. Which was good because she was so sure he was going to that she asked yesterday if she could wear her watch to church today. Keith questioned whether she HAD a watch, and she replied "no, but I will".
She wore it to church, just as she had planned. And when she wanted to go get a drink, David explained she should wait until the long hand got around to the 2, then she could go. So she waited, and watched her watch. And waited. And waited. And waited. And got tired of waiting and decided to use the little dial on the side to move the long hand around to the 2 herself. We're working on the time concept thing.
Then this afternoon at Grandma's she wanted a lesson on how to read her watch. So we talked about how the hour hand goes around 2 times for a day, the long hand goes around one time for each hour, etc. And how to read it. It's going to take some time for her to fully understand it, but she wanted me to explain it AGAIN. and AGAIN. and AGAIN. I suspect this will continue until she comprehends it. That's our missy.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Belle's Christmas Story
She has actually done it for us a lot better than this, but this was the best we could get on camera. She makes up the words in between the recognizable songs. Sorry about the camera quality, it's really quiet. Hopefully after Christmas our photo/video quality will improve:)
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Lewis Christmas concert
Jingle Bell rock--Buggie style! He sung it today in Sacrament meeting from the hymn book. The lady behind us said she'd pay good money to sit by us in Sacrament meeting--never knew Jingle Bell rock was in the hymn book!
Monday, December 12, 2011
My Christmas World
I had a lot of fun decorating for Christmas this year. And I was happy with the result. The kids loved puting the ornaments on the tree, and we all had a good time together. That week for family home evening we talked about the symbolism in the Christmas decorations and Christmas colors and what each thing should remind us of. That has helped me to think about the Savior and what the Evergreen, Red, Stars, Lights, etc. mean for us. It has been a fun part of Christmas.
Last week we took a trip to temple square to see the lights. We rode the TRAX train downtown, went to dinner at a "fancy" restaurant at Belle's request (Litza's pizza qualifies as "fancy"), then went to temple square. It was a fun and memorable night. But I didn't get any pictures. I left my camera in the car at the TRAX station. The temple lights were beautiful and always brings such a peaceful and wonderful feeling of Christmas. We loved it.
Last week we took a trip to temple square to see the lights. We rode the TRAX train downtown, went to dinner at a "fancy" restaurant at Belle's request (Litza's pizza qualifies as "fancy"), then went to temple square. It was a fun and memorable night. But I didn't get any pictures. I left my camera in the car at the TRAX station. The temple lights were beautiful and always brings such a peaceful and wonderful feeling of Christmas. We loved it.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sea World Dec. 11
Along with our other happenings in CA last weekend, we took another trip to Sea World before our passes expire at the end of the year. We missed Daddy, but had a good time anyway :)
Keith Loves the sharks, we went through the shark tunnel about 4 times. They both loved the dolphin and Shamu shows, and we even squeezed in some time for a few rides. Fun day with my kiddos!
Along with our other happenings in CA last weekend, we took another trip to Sea World before our passes expire at the end of the year. We missed Daddy, but had a good time anyway :)
Keith Loves the sharks, we went through the shark tunnel about 4 times. They both loved the dolphin and Shamu shows, and we even squeezed in some time for a few rides. Fun day with my kiddos!
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Me--Anne Boony
Here I am, the pirate!! I dressed up for our YW in Excellence night and told how I was a pirate with lots of beautiful treasures but wasn't happy, that the treasures are the qualities we have within us that make people beautiful...that our girls our beautiful inside and are every time they complete a personal progress goal they are all the more beautiful...it was a success! Hooray!
I made the costume...Well, kindof...except this vest. And I had to have help fixing the blouse. Mom and I stayed up til 2 am working on a vest the night before. And it ended up not fitting me!! SO I rented this one from a costume shop in SL, and will try again on a vest to keep with my pirate costume. Thanks Mom for the help, and Janet for rescuing the blouse!! I learned some new sewing skills:)
Monday, December 05, 2011
AND another...
Man this kid is on a roll.
Today in the airport we sat by the windows so the kids could watch the airplanes. We could see the plane we were about to board. Here's the conversation:
K: "Is that a stinkin' RJ?"
Me: "No, it's a stinkin' Airbus"
(David's opinions obviously at work here).
K: *VERY LOUDLY* "STINKIN' AIRBUS!!"
About two and a half rows of chairs over there is a gentlemen TOTALLY cracking up. Basically laughing. Hard.
and he says to me "A bunch of Boeing fans, eh?"
Me: "Yeah, it's his Dad's fault"
Guy still laughing.
Funny, right???
It get's better.
As we were de-planing in SLC, walking down the aisle in this Airbus, out of the cockpit steps THIS GUY. Three strips on his jacket. "Hey, you guys the Boeing fans? How was the flight?"
Me trying not to burst out laughing.
Nearby flight attendant: "We LOVE the Airbus!!"
Me: "He gets it from his Dad, who flies for SkyWest."
Pilot: "It's ok, that's what Dad's are supposed to do."
Me: "No offense taken?"
Pilot: "none at all"
HILARIOUS!!!
I obviously didn't see how the gentleman two or three rows of chairs over was dressed when we had the earlier conversation. Laughing keeps you young, right?
Today in the airport we sat by the windows so the kids could watch the airplanes. We could see the plane we were about to board. Here's the conversation:
K: "Is that a stinkin' RJ?"
Me: "No, it's a stinkin' Airbus"
(David's opinions obviously at work here).
K: *VERY LOUDLY* "STINKIN' AIRBUS!!"
About two and a half rows of chairs over there is a gentlemen TOTALLY cracking up. Basically laughing. Hard.
and he says to me "A bunch of Boeing fans, eh?"
Me: "Yeah, it's his Dad's fault"
Guy still laughing.
Funny, right???
It get's better.
As we were de-planing in SLC, walking down the aisle in this Airbus, out of the cockpit steps THIS GUY. Three strips on his jacket. "Hey, you guys the Boeing fans? How was the flight?"
Me trying not to burst out laughing.
Nearby flight attendant: "We LOVE the Airbus!!"
Me: "He gets it from his Dad, who flies for SkyWest."
Pilot: "It's ok, that's what Dad's are supposed to do."
Me: "No offense taken?"
Pilot: "none at all"
HILARIOUS!!!
I obviously didn't see how the gentleman two or three rows of chairs over was dressed when we had the earlier conversation. Laughing keeps you young, right?
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Keith pulls another one....
It's a good thing my in-laws have a sense of humor. Or we'd be kicked out by now. Keith is getting quite the name for himself and becoming nortorious for his escapades. Shooting out the back window of a van, drawing with marker on the carpet and crayon on the stucco, unrolling numerous rolls of toliet paper. Scattering all the Apples to Apples games cards (have you ever noticed how many cards are in that game?? A LOT!). Scattering toys near and far. Quietly climbing up into the cookies (Belle asks and has to deal with the answer. He doesn't ask, just does.) And etc., etc.
Today we have a new one to add to the list. *warning* may not be appropriate for all readers.
So here we are in California to support a nephew who just turned 12 and being ordained to a Deacon today. Keith wasn't too enthused about nursery in a strange ward so he was with me. And we went into the ordination.
So here's the scene: small classroom in the church crammed with a bunch of 12 yr old deacons, their teachers and leaders, the Bishopric of this ward, and family. The ordination was beautiful and spiritual. Then N**** was asked to give his testimony. Which he did beautifully.
And right at his "Amen" Keith turned to Nana, who he was sitting next to, and very clearly, piercing through the quiet reverence of the room, very astutly observed:
"Nana, you don't have a penis"
Pause.
More Pause.
Pausing again.
Are you still laughing? Because we ALL were. Laughing, crying, falling off our chairs.
Poor N*****. right in his special moment, just received the Priesthood, and Keith drops this bombshell.
Poor N***'s Mom, who had to get up next and share her thoughts on the day.
Poor Keith, who didn't know what he'd done and was pretty embarrased. He and I have had several talks on that particular subject, me feeling like I should be open and answer his questions about boys and girls.
Maybe I shouldn't bathe Keith and Belle together anymore....
Anyway, thankfully we have all laughed and the church is still true.
Today we have a new one to add to the list. *warning* may not be appropriate for all readers.
So here we are in California to support a nephew who just turned 12 and being ordained to a Deacon today. Keith wasn't too enthused about nursery in a strange ward so he was with me. And we went into the ordination.
So here's the scene: small classroom in the church crammed with a bunch of 12 yr old deacons, their teachers and leaders, the Bishopric of this ward, and family. The ordination was beautiful and spiritual. Then N**** was asked to give his testimony. Which he did beautifully.
And right at his "Amen" Keith turned to Nana, who he was sitting next to, and very clearly, piercing through the quiet reverence of the room, very astutly observed:
"Nana, you don't have a penis"
Pause.
More Pause.
Pausing again.
Are you still laughing? Because we ALL were. Laughing, crying, falling off our chairs.
Poor N*****. right in his special moment, just received the Priesthood, and Keith drops this bombshell.
Poor N***'s Mom, who had to get up next and share her thoughts on the day.
Poor Keith, who didn't know what he'd done and was pretty embarrased. He and I have had several talks on that particular subject, me feeling like I should be open and answer his questions about boys and girls.
Maybe I shouldn't bathe Keith and Belle together anymore....
Anyway, thankfully we have all laughed and the church is still true.
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