Merry Christmas!

It Is Time.

 It seems like time to focus on the Savior, and his birth now.  I've decorated, baked, hosted parties, shopped and fussed.  I've enjoyed it all as I always do.  Christmas is a neat opportunity to do things you normally don't, get together with people you don't normally see, continue cherished family traditions, and start some new ones.  I love everything about the Christmas season.  But it is always hard to slow down enough to really think on the gift given to us by Jesus Christ.  It is time.  For me.  

Family Pictures

Yeah!  I got the pictures from Thanksgiving.  Big thank you Aunt B, they are beautiful!  Here are some favorites.

Wuthering Heights

So I thought when I picked up Wuthering Heights I would be reading something lovely.  How far off was I?  But after my 4th time trying, I finally finished it.  I don't know what to say.  It's a bizarre tale.  Throughout the entire book, I find myself trying to champion one character or another, yet everyone of them is horrid.  All of them.  Well, except maybe one, who's dead.  Anyhow, I guess the reason this book is a timeless classic is because it is so complex.  It doesn't fit the mold of any book I've ever read.  So, someone comment and tell me your thoughts on the book as I am struggling to make sense of it personally.

Bean Bags

At the Art Market the other day, we rediscovered the old bean bags.  These simple little goodies are a great learning tool for infants all the way up to school age children.  They stimulate sensory development and creative play.  They're also just plain fun and hard to resist.   I purchased one as payment for the idea, and planned on making more for the kids or teacher gifts maybe.  But, then realized this was the perfect sewing project for the little ones.  Check them out.  I thought they did a great job.  They selected and cut the fabric themselves, and even ran the pedal on the machine.  This was a little frightening with MissC, but she learned to ease up, and we both still have all our digits.  Try it with your kids.

Aunt Mamy

She's everyone's favorite aunt.  She spoils our children and takes special interest in them.  If no one remembers your birthday, Mamy will.  I think her greatest love is her family, and a close second, Hawaii.  She's beautiful and sweet and selfless.  She holds an important place in all our lives.  Today she is having surgery.  We are praying for a good outcome.  We love you Aim!

Hot With a Gun!

A view I don't typically see of my husband.  He is not a hunter, doesn't really care for guns too much, but surprisingly looks pretty comfy here.  I think he looks hot with a gun!

Once in a Lifetime

No one who reads my blog will be interested in this.  But go get your husbands and they'll be impressed.  This was a couple weeks ago, but I just noticed the picts that were taken on TY's phone are now on my computer.  My picts were better (lots of Kyle Korver).  But they're still on my phone.  2nd row, it was a really fun experience!

D&C 123:17

My attention has been brought to this scripture that I have previously overlooked.  Thank you     S. Lether.  It is pure wisdom.  As a mother, and in all aspects of life I will try to follow it's counsel.

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren (or sisters), let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."   -D&C 123:17

The Art Market

The Art Market proved an ideal outing for my mom and me.  It is a quarterly event showcasing local Utah artists.  It was in the Sugar House Garden Center, a great little building in Sugar house.  The show was not very big.  Big enough to peruse for a good hour, but not get overwhelmed.  The artists and crafters were very talented and had great ideas, and inspired our own creativity.  I dare say we both thoroughly enjoyed it.  But, why do we not do this more often?  I'm excited for my mom to retire, maybe we'll have more fun adventures like this one.  

My New Christmas Tree

I wanted to get a Christmas tree for the family room now that we have one.  I chose not to spend the money on this unnecessary purchase and instead, make my own.  TY cut down a baby tree that was accidentally growing in the forest out back.  I spray painted it red and potted it.  Voila! What do you think?  I think it's funky.  You may say, "Uhh, whatever E, you're so weird."  But I like it.  Yeah!  Plus, it's probably the only tree where the preschool ornaments fit right in.

Dear Santa

Gman's letter to Santa, I love it!  I'm sure Santa will be pleased to receive such a thoughtful letter.  "I want a fun book, I want a good toy"  I think Santa can manage that.

Helping Kids With Cancer Stocking Event Entry

So the design community is involved with the "Helping Kids With Cancer" Stocking Event.  Designers get creative and come up with a stocking design, and stuff it to give to children battling cancer.  Great program.  We were invited to send in a stocking hooray!  When we got back from St George, I realized we had a day to get it done (along with all the laundry and such coming home from a trip).  So, that said, it won't be the most creative entry I'm sure, but I hope it brightens someone's day.  

More Picts

I really like these pictures too, sorry I know there's too many.

So Thankful!

We had just the nicest little Thanksgiving vacation in St George.  5 days with the kids and TY's family.  Sound crazy?  It was so nice.  Stacy and Lisa were brave enough to have everyone in their brand new and very nice home.  15 grandkids!  You guys are the heroes, I never even saw you cringe once.  A few of the highlights of the trip:  catching up with our long lost siblings, the story writing marathon for the girl cousins, of course nummy food galore, mad shopping at 6:00 am with the ladies, MissL is still with us after scary moment at the pool, stealing away with TY to Vegas (thanks Aim and Mel).  We are so blessed to have such neat people for our family, and I'm still loving our little ones.  Great weekend.  We are so thankful!