Christmas Lights and the 12 Days of Christmas

For some reason I can only add a few photos at a time, so this may take a bit...

Above is my favorite shot from our trip to view the lights at the Mesa Temple, I promise they were beautiful, just a little much for my little camera. I can't believe how old he is getting, he starts Drivers Ed next week---permit in 1 month! So not ready for that...

Someone surprised us this year and created an amazing nativity set out of white chocolate for us to enjoy. They gave us a piece each night for the 12 days of Christmas, it was so much fun. We loved guessing what was next, and when it would come. Try as we might we never caught them, darn it! Though I must admit I was happy to have it remain a secret, and just a treasure in my memory. This was one of the best parts of Christmas this year for me. Each day was something new to look forward to, a new figure, and a poem, or words to a song, and sometimes an extra surprise to go with it. It was amazing, it changed my Christmas. I want to do it for someone else next year, every year! I loved it! I wanted to put out a note of our thanks with some treats on the 12th night, but they beat me to it. So they may never know how much our entire family loved this service, how much we rejoiced in their gifts, and how we changed our thinking because of it. So, if you know who our secret friends are, give them a big hug, and thanks from me.

December...in pictures...and a few words

It got cold this  month, so we huddled under blankets and enjoyed a few good books.

We also had a round of Orchestra Concerts for both Quinn and Thane, this is Thane below, ready for his first concert as part of the Elementary School Orchestra.  He plays the bass....let's just say it's a good thing he walks to school, and that we live close...very close!

We also found some time to enjoy the Arizona winter with friends.

Quinn turned 14, yes you read that correctly, 14!!  Can't believe he will be officially in High School next year.  He will start Home Teaching with jeff next month, and Kiefer will move on to a new companion.  Q is a good kid, he has worked hard and finished his Eagle Scout Award, just waiting for the paperwork to arrive in the mail, he also finished his Duty to God Award for Deacons in Church.  He worked hard on both, and I am glad they are done! 

Farewell 2009....Hello 2010!

I can't say I am sorry to say goodbye to 2009, it  hasn't been the best year for me.  It's been a year of growing, a year of learning, a year of change, a year of stretching.  None of those things are particularly comfortable.  I learned quite a bit, and I'm a very different person than I was 1 year ago.  In many respects, I think most of those changes are positive, the ones that aren't...well, no one's perfect, right? 

I've been reflecting on my "word" of the year for 2009, and I think I did well.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  I haven't settled on my word for 2010, too many things swirling and whirling in my head.  I think I'll give it a while, and see what happens.  I have some ideas, but nothing firm.

So, as 2009 limps out the door, and 2010 stands ready to enter I bid farewell, so long, goodbye!  I will always remember what I learned, but I will not miss you!  I hope 2010 brings good things, to my family, and yours!   Happy New Year Friends!

A Light Unto All: A Christmas Gift

Another beautiful message about the true meaning of Christmas, I hope you will watch and enjoy, and ponder these words.  Merry Christmas.   I love this season, and I hope you will find your joy in it also.

If the video doesn't work you can view it   here

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

Take a look at the new widget I added to my sidebar, it's a fabulous site all about the spirit of Christmas.  I just discovered this page today, and love it!  I hope you are all enjoying the true spirit of Christmas, and finding ways to bring Christ into your Christmas.




A link directly to the Christmas site created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Christmas

Old Fashioned Family Fun

Nothing says fun quite like a good, old fashioned shooting session.  Some time ago we took the kids out for a little target practice, here's some pictures of the fun...

This was all Sage wanted to do, she did pull the trigger, but did not like it!  Maybe if the gun had been pink, or sparkly?

Thane was not a fan either, he did it a couple of times, but hurt his shoulder, and decided to call it a day.  He spent the rest of his time looking for trouble!

Tate gets the sight figured out...

Tate's face is priceless.  I don't think he was expecting the noise!

Father and Son admiring the shot, Quinn's a pretty good shot.

Jeff checks Kiefer's aim.

I love this one, they are so silly!  We had fun, just good, old fashioned Family Fun!!