Major Award

I could write about all of the parties, presents, and people that made our Christmas season wonderful, but I think this picture says it all. I think it's clear that "We Won!"

Christmas Miracles

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven?...Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain." Moroni 7: 27,37

We are grateful for the many miracles wrought in our behalf because of Christ and his birth, life, death, and resurrection.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

It's 2 am. I do not usually live to see this hour. That must mean that I have been cleaning, and shopping, and baking. I expect everyone to comment before I wake up tomorrow because the nap I'm going to take will give you ample time. And yes, the letter and picture of the tree are coming! (I know one of you would have given us a hard time again). Merry Christmas!

April 9, 06-December 16, 07

These are the dates that I have served as Young Women's President. That's right- I very unexpectedly got released today. This is in addition to the 5 months I served as YW secretary and the week plus of assistant camp director. I was going to try to write something poetic and poignant about my time with these girls, but I think it is something I just can't put into words.

It is ironic that the day I got released was also my longest Sunday ever. I was out of the house for 12 hours today (and I cried for about 3 of those):

• 3 hours of church
• 2 hours of BYC (if you don't know what that is-just wait till you get the calling)
• 5 hours of making treats, writing notes, and delivering them to all the girls with my former presidency (ironically planned weeks ago)
• 2 hours of a very rejuvenating Christmas musical fireside

All I can say is the Lord really is in charge of His church. I would not have chosen this calling for myself, but of course I am a better person because of it. Because of the many girls above and because of the wonderful women below.

There will probably be a day in the future that I will stand and recite "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us, and we love Him" again, but for now I am grateful for the experience I have had, and am looking forward to the next thing the Lord has in store for me.

Not Good Enough

I've wanted to write about the events of December, but I haven't quite found words that are good enough to describe them.

Nothing is good enough to explain the traditional Live Nativity pageant that is one of the only redeeming things keeping us in Las Vegas. This year was even better because we got there early enough to pet the miniature horses, sheep, donkeys, and goats. And because it wasn't too crowded, or cold. And I was watching a 2 year old which made the boring parts go by quickly.

Nothing is good enough to tell about the fun or tenderness of our "special sleepover" with friends Dylann (2) and Coby (7mos.) Dylann was so excited for her "nap at Amy's house" that she sat in bed without sleeping for almost an hour. And it was probably the only time I will see Ryan willing to get up in the night 4 times and make a bottle, and suck snot out of a baby's nose. I'd like to think he will be happy to do that for our kids, but he really likes this one. Our kids really might take 2nd place.

Nothing is good enough to describe our fun ward Christmas party, or how great it was for my musically challenged husband to fill in the tenor part of Silent Night to help a less active family. And how "proud" I was of my young women who helped serve food, and went without when it became clear there would be a shortage of roast beast.

And finally, nothing is good enough to match the great words spoken at our stake Relief Society meeting held last night. There is nothing like a fireside all about the sacredness of motherhood to bring tears to your eyes, and your heart knit close to astounding women I am lucky enough to benefit from everyday.

Nothing is good enough, but perhaps this comes close to helping those of you who are struggling with Christmas To Do lists, and guilt trips:

"Simplify, make a plan, stay focused on the ultimate goal, move forward one step at a time and stop trying to be all things to all people and just be yourself, a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father, with all your faults, weaknesses and strengths."

This is What You Get

When I'm banned from blogging about anything interesting...

you are mediumauqamarine #66CDAA

Your dominant hues are cyan and green. Although you definately strive to be logical you care about people and know there's a time and place for thinking emotionally. Your head rules most things but your heart rules others, and getting them to meet in the middle takes a lot of your energy some days. Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it. Your outlook on life is brighter than most people's. You like the idea of influencing things for the better and find hope in situations where others might give up. You're not exactly a bouncy sunshine but things in your world generally look up.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

So, what do you think? Is it me?