We have had such an early winter storm. It has been fun for the children! Growing up in California, we never saw four seasons. It is beautiful to capture those seasons in my adulthood. I love the beauty of this earth. But, I still miss warm Cali.!
Good ol' Bing....My mom would blast the Christmas music on our record player each year. Andy Williams and Bing are her favorite! Right? Ahhhh...everytime I hear them I go back to the childhood feeling of Christmas.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Remember we got this for Christmas last year....
Now look.....as big as her father!
I am grateful that I have a Savior. He is my Redeemer. Remember Him in all your doings! May you all have a wonderful new year, living as He would want us to.
We love all of our family and friends! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Are you a Giver and Reciever?
(Besides my nasty eye infection I can't beat!)
I had a great preschool performance. The children sang one song about giving presents away. Then they recited a cute poem, about Santa. I had three boys stand in front and sing "You're A Grand Ol' Flag" by heart! That was adorable! Then we had a sing along with the audience. While singing "Santa is Coming to Town", out jumped Santa! So fun!
Anyway......hence the title "Giver and Receiver". I want to share an lesson I learned.
I have so many wonderful preschool parents. There is one parent who is always vocalizing how much her children benefit from the preschool.
She earns extra money as a photographer. She is very talented. She took my class pictures recently and charged $8 for a 8x10 of an individual and class. They turned out fabulous! She has that photographer eye....and finger....snaps at the right moment! She spent tons of time in my classroom and at home getting these pictures ready. That is just what she does.
At the Christmas program she comes to the front of the stage and hands Ms. Julie and I an envelope. She then precedes to go on and on about how wonderful we are as teachers. She was even getting emotional. I was standing there in shock! She had taken all the money she earned from the class photos and bought Ms. Julie and I a massage at a local spa! I couldn't believe that she would donate her time and effort and the parents would give that much money to US? To ME?
I have an easy time giving....but receiving.....I swallowed my pride and Thanked her from the bottom of my heart! Wow! That is the true meaning of Christmas is... "The presents you give away".(Words from the little song I taught the kids) Ms. Julie had to stand there and give me a nudge to say something! That is a moment I will never forget!
This experience gave me a moment to reflect about the true meaning of Christmas. We all can give and receive the love and knowledge that Christ is real. I know that He lived on this earth to teach and Atone for ALL mankind. I hope to always remember to live as He did.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Time for another reflection from my wee little brain....
Mom and Dad visited this holiday. Look at the cute robes Mom made for the kids. Hunter had to wear his to the store and Petland. I let him. Who cares what people think. He was thrilled.
Preschool children were doing a little rain dance around the carpet.
I have been thinking alot lately. I received a big blow from a good friend I haven't heard from, for twenty years. He has chosen a way of living that is.....let's just say......as the "church Lady" used to say....."it's of the Devil"!!!! He is doing devilish things. I am so sad about it. He has chosen not to procreate with a women, not to share a life with a sweet family. He has chosen to be selfish. To do things that only gratify him. I am sick about it. We were best of friends when we were teenagers. We even dreamed of sharing a life together? How could it happen? We are not born that way? And if we have those tendencies....can't we control them? I don't go jump the bones of every hot guy I see. I control my passions. I am having a hard time. I still love him. I care for his safety. I asked him if he still believed in the things he taught as a missionary. He didn't respond and cut me off. No more contact. The devilish side of me wanted to "watch" his way of living. He lives a life of Broadway. He does makeup and hair for many Broadway shows. He is doing Spamalot right now. Travels all over. I wanted to see what that life was like. I did question.....for a moment. Could it be better than the life I have chosen? Could it be a life that satisfies his passion forever? Or just for a brief moment? Doesn't he wonder what he left? He won't be able to create darling children that take after him. Deep blue eyes. Creative soul. Will Heavenly Father forgive him? Is this a mental illness? He knew the truth....yet he has left it? I ached and constantly thought about it for about a week.....then my parents came......and we talked.
That opened my eyes to the whole picture of my life. Here is my mother and father who have lived a good life. They have had their ups and downs. They have worked hard. They have procreated. They are seeing a new generation. They still believe in the Christ that their progenitors did. They went to church every Sunday.....even when they didn't want to. They served in many challenging callings. They did hard things. They did it because they know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they can do all things. I looked in their eyes and knew they were satisfied with the life they have lived. They are serving still today. They serve all the time. Because of Him. I am trying to live that life He wants us to live.
I am so glad my mom and dad came. It was great fun. My kids enjoyed them. We ate and went to the movies, laughed and played games. Good times. I love them and what they stand for. I am proud of my ancestors for coming to America from Sweden and Norway to find truth, live it and love it. They worked hard and loved each other. I hope to raise my children the way my progenitors did. That is what I am most Thankful for this year.
P.S. My husband just read this.........he wondered why I was rehashing these feelings?......He is the manly man I chose to marry! He has made great choices! I have no regret. Procreation! Hip Hip Hooray!
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