Christmas Day

Had a great quiet day at home on Christmas. The girls love their new Wii board ~ they would play on it 24 hours a day if I would let them.  I had to laugh at Syd, notice above that the first thing she built with the tinker toys was a Wheel move.  Do you think we spend too much time moving pipe?

I was going to start putting the Christmas decor away, but Rob says we have to leave it at least until New Years.  He usually makes me leave it until his birthday....such a partier!!!

The Forgotten Carols and My Closed Door

So I decided that because there are ten chapters in the Forgotten Carols book, and ten days until Christmas, I would start tonight, and read a chapter with my girls each night.  I feel like a loser of a mom most days who doesn't take the time to enjoy my kids.  It is so hard to just stop everything and focus just on them.

We snuggled in by the Christmas tree, Shelby pouting because she wanted to paint and Sydney pouting because she wanted to watch tv.  I had forgotten that I actually went to the play some years back.  My boss had given me tickets for Christmas.  And I had forgotten how amazing it was, but I quickly remembered as I started reading.

The girls were giggling at the story.  I was giggling at myself because of my wonderful impersonations for each character.  Slowly the pouting left and an amazing spirit filled the room.  I kept having to stop reading to keep the tears from coming. The girls were hanging on every word.  When we got to the first carol I wished I had the sheet music so that I could have played it for them(we will have to settle for itunes).  The words to the song struck me so hard.

 "LET HIM IN".

I thought about how just today, so many times I shut the door on Him.  I was grumpy with my husband, frustrated with family and friends, overwhelmed with work.  He was right there, waiting, willing to help me, but I didn't open the door.  I do that everyday.  I talked a few weeks ago in relief society about how I am the opposite of Mary.  God gave her a huge calling and she gracefully said Ok.  Me? I complain about every little thing I am asked to do.

Then my mind went to those that I talked to today.  I thought about the spirit that they had with them and wished I had been brave enough to tell them to Let Him In.

I have to say thanks to Suz for the book.  You probably didn't know how great of a gift you were giving our family.  I am so grateful we let Him in tonight, I hope that we can keep Him here with us for a while.

Syd and Shelb's Baptism

Lucky girls got to be baptized on Halloween!

We are so proud of them for the choice that they made to get baptized!

We are also proud they came to a solution for the 6 month long fight

of who was going to receive the Holy Ghost first!!!

I am grateful to Rob for being such a GREAT dad and a worthy priesthood holder!

It was an amazing day.  We are so blessed with family and friends who joined us, called, or sent notes just to let us know they were supporting us.  We love you all!!

Espanol

Last night I had the opportunity to meet with the new Valley View Branch Primary Presidency.

I was nervous all day because 1. I don't really speak spanish(you would think after 3 years of spanish class I would have retained something!) and 2. Sharing a church with the Valley View, I haven't always had great experiences.(lock breaking, crashing activities, messy, loud....)

I prayed all day that I would somehow be able to teach the ladies what they needed, despite my bad attitude.   The second that I walked through the door I felt calm. And what an amazing night I had. There was one sister who spoke english, so she translated everything.  The spirit there was so strong and I immediately felt love for each of the sisters there.  They want so badly to give the kids in their primary all the tools that they need so that they can build their families up and be strong members of the church. I just couldn't give them enough information! Talking with them last night I realized that most of their kids are the only active ones in their families.  They have such a big job ahead of them, but I am confident they are going to do a great job!!!!!

I have felt so picked on since I was moved to my Stake calling.  I loved being able to work with all the kids every week.  Last night I finally felt like I was there for a reason, and knew that even though I am not with the kids I am still helping them.  I am so grateful for all that my Heavenly Father gives me.  I feel so blessed and I know that he is right beside me every step of the way helping me make the right choices in my life!  And I am so thankful for that!!!!!