Christmas Traditions

Some of my favorite things about Christmas are the traditions. I've started a couple for our family that have been fun. I don't remember decorating ginger bread houses while I was growing up, but I love to do that with Chandler now. This is the first year, though, he's wanted to eat the candy off once the icing hardened. Scott got to help us this year so it was even more fun!

Wednesday night we bought and decorated the tree. It was kind of fun to have snow around us while we shopped at the tree lot. Scott jokes around with me every year about my wanting a Charlie Brown tree. I think it's kind of funny because that's the kind of tree my mom insisted to get every year. I understand the whole concept now...there needs to be room between branches for all of the fantastic ornaments! Besides, have you seen "A Charlie Brown's Christmas?" His tree is full and beautiful once its decorated by his friends! Our tree looks great every time, once the bare spots are filled in with twig stars and a collection of ornaments from all over the country and years of love. Chandler loves to put the star at the top, who needs a ladder when strong and handsome dad are around?

Sing Alongs and Christmas Lights

Our family decided to take part in the Larry H. Miller tradition this year, we attended the annual sing along at The Energy Solutions Arena. Despite the craziness for Scott with snowbike deadlines and real work stress, we made it downtown Monday night to enjoy a few of the "extras" of this holiday season. First of all, I have to thank Larry Miller and his family for their generosity. What a big event to offer the public! It really was fun to sit with a crowd of thousands and sing Christmas songs, salute the troops in Iraq and be entertained by the Jazz Bear. Chandler wasn't quite as thrilled about the experience as Scott and I, but he survived it. Luckily, the free hot dog and soda helped contribute to a fun evening.

After the sing along we headed east to the temple and Deseret Book. It was a chilly walk but we warmed up with hot chocolate and oohed and aahed the lights on Temple Square. I'm so amazed at the effort to string all of those lights so meticulously! I love the light pink ones. You wonder how the Salt Lake Temple can be more beautiful, but the lights make that happen at Christmas time. We had a great time.

The Best Birthday Boy!

Scott is officially 34, as of yesterday, December 7th. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He is the most loving and attentive father I've ever known. It's rare to see a dad who will spend hours at a time playing whatever his son wants to do, Scott does with Chandler all the time--Legos, cars, video games, biking. He also does well to teach Chandler the difference of right and wrong and the importance of doing what you say you'll do. Scott takes great care of me also and really works on finding ways to make my life easier and more enjoyable. He works hard everyday and is always looking for more ways to provide for our family. I laugh every day because of him and am so grateful we are married and "fighting the good fight" together.

Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude

The holidays seem to be coming and going much quicker than I really expected this year. Thanksgiving break was fantastic! We had so much fun with dinner at Grandma's, a cousins party and spending time with Chandler. My mom really outdid herself this year for dinner. She makes the best stuffing and cranberry sauce. I'm grateful for her willingness to share so much of her time and talent with me and my family. Tori was her assistant chef and helped to make things super fun for her younger cousins. She helped Stratton draw pictures on the place cards and arranged the play area for the little ones. Tori and my mom also did a bit of prize shopping in preparation for our BINGO game. We had a great time, I can say this because I won twice, Scott or Chandler may have a different recollection of the experience. All in all, it was really a great time together. I love being able to relax and eat good food and play fun games until it's time to call it a night.

I've had a few things really weighing on my spirit the last few weeks. I'm happy to say that Heavenly Father has really been helping me to understand how I can have joy and peace in the midst of difficulty. I really am grateful for Him and my Savior and the knowledge I have They know and love me. I'm grateful for my husband who makes my life so happy and fun. Chandler is a blessing and I'm grateful I have the opportunity to be a part of his life. I'm grateful for my fantastic family who help me when I ask and keep my perspective clear. I'm also very grateful for my ward and the willingness so many have to serve so wholeheartedly. I have great girlfriends and I'm grateful for their support and patience with me. I'm grateful for my health and the ability I have to work and play and take care of my family. Gratitude is really something that makes life better when it is acknowledged. I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving holiday and are making this Christmas best of all others!