So, lets play catch up.....

I have been so bad about this blog this year.  I can't believe that we are halfway through the summer and I am just now getting around to updating this blog.  It has been a very busy 6 months.  We have been busy getting ready for Tyler's wedding, he is getting married on Saturday to Monica Green.  She is a great addition to the family.  We are loving being grandparents and spoiling Oliver.  He has just captured our hearts.  I think it is the best thing about raising children and that is if you get through that then the grandkids come.  Michael and I are adjusting to being empty nesters but that will all change next year when Justin gets back off his two year mission.  He is going to find lots of changes.  Dad was going to be remarried at the end of August but they have decided to wait for a while.  It has been good to see him happy and with someone that cares for him.  We have had the boat out a number of times this year and have enjoyed ourselves.  Michael and I took the boat down to Utah Lake in July for 10 days.  The boys came down as they could with their work schedules and we had a great time.  I think my favorite day was on Friday when Michael and I took the boat out on the lake all by ourselves and just sat there listening to Bruce Springsteen.  The boys asked if we behaved ourselves and I told them I would never tell.  **snicker**  It has been a hot summer here and I have loved it!!  Well, I will promise to be better about this blog but no guarantees.

Missionary Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving, the thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts and ties, two suits and socks....No fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because....This year I'm giving Christ my son.


I've spent more time in the Temple, my testimony stirred.
I've re-read November's Ensign, felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently, my tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because, this year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him, We're giving Christ our son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, his choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand this year, I'm giving him my son.

Past gift have lost their glitter, I think I finally understand.
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make, this year I'm giving Christ my son.


I know there's one who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll it will be taking.
For He has done it all before, Greater love...there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me His only begotten son.


The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make...This year....I'm giving Christ my son.


I hope and pray that each one of us will go out today looking for opportunities to do as sthe Savior did, and love as He does. I want to share my testimony with you that I know that the gospel is true and that I know that my Savior lives and loves me. I know that the work that Justin is engaged in, is the Lord's work and that he is blessing the lives of many in Georgia. I say these thing in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

"Blessings of Christmas"

1) Holiday greeting cards and letters so that "no old acquaintance should ever be forgot."

2) A white Christmas and the fun filled chance to make angels in the snow.

3) Holding my 5 month old grandson, Oliver, as I listen to the Christmas devotional.

4) Sharing the magical holiday movies of my youth.  They make us believe miracles can still happen.

5) Classic peppermint candy-cane moments stirring them in hot chocolate, hanging them on the tree and finding a few broken ones to eat.

6) Christmas fashions that never seem to go out of style: little girls in velvet dresses, tinsel headbands, Rudolph antlers, sweaters and more.

7) Family to remember Christmas's past with and build new holiday  memories.

8) Nativity sets and Christmas pageants: They help remind us to keep Christ in Christmas.

9) Special friends who add so much to our lives throughout the year.

10) Visiting the cemetary with all the beautiful lights and remembering my Mom.

And finally, Love.  For without it, this world wouldn't go around.

My wish for you this holiday season is that  you will remember your own Christmas blessings.

Merry Christmas!!

"Sigh"

I am such a slacker when it comes to keeping this blog up to date.  I am doing better keeping Justin's up to date so I guess I really can't complain.  I decided a while ago to send Justin and his companion the "12 Days of Christmas" this year so I made them these Christmas stockings and put their gifts into them.  I think they turned out pretty cute.  They were not too hard to make, considering that I haven't looked a pattern in years.  We are all decorated for the holidays and now if the "elves" would come and wrap all the gifts we went be set.  I am trying very hard to make this season stress free and to remember the true meaning of the season.