22 days left- Memory Tree

The memory tree is usually decorated on the 4th but Sara had dance so we made a change and decorated today so Sara could be with us.

We got two new ornaments this year.  One was from the Forgotten Carols the other night and the second is my personal favorite, it's a cute picture of cute baby Jersey.

My favorite picture of the night.  I really appreciate that we can spend nights like this together and have relatively no arguments.  It's something about my kids that I love.

23 days left - Family picture

Today had to be a simple one.  Sara started a new school and gets out 30 minutes after the other kids plus she has violin lessons on Tuesday.  Sara and J.T. also have mutual.  That doesn't leave a whole lot of time for family activities.  So, I wrapped a memory from last year and I have to say I think it is a great addition to our decor.  Merry Christmas!

24 days left - Missionary Packages

For Family Home Evening we wrote letters to the missionaries and sent a little chocolate their way.  For some reason this is the first time we have done this for FHE and Troy has never jumped in on this endeavor.  I don't think his writing hand will recover for awhile.

Very serious stuff here.

I love this picture, it makes my heart happy.

25 days left - Polar Express

I asked the kids why they loved watching the Polar Express and why it had to be a part of the countdown.  Cambelle said that the movie was magical and J.T. and Sara both said that when we watched it felt like the beginning of the holiday.  I have to agree with them.  I totally look forward watching it but I also love the popcorn and m&m's.  

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!!

So once again we are at the beginning of my favorite season.  I have hopes of recording this year a little better than last year.

We started again with a Christmas breakfast.  I think the kids were a little surprised since it was only the 29th of November but there were things I wanted to do and I knew that there were going to be days in the month of December that were taken with extra activities, so I wanted to take advantage of the weekend after Thanksgiving.

As the kids get older our conversations are more interactive and quite funny.  We laughed and talked about the things that we had done last year during the year and the best part of the countdown.  When we were done eating we got down to business and opened the envelope that was on the table.  In it was tickets to the Forgotten Carols.  I have wanted to see it for a long time and incorporate it into the Christmas countdown but it is always here in November and we have always started in December. So this year I decided to live on the edge, (how sad that the edge for me is simply a couple of days in November :) and start the countdown early.

Jersey totally wanted in on the action.

We got ready and left a little early so we could get our Christmas shopping done.

We divided and conquered with our cell phones in hand to let everyone know when we were done. And then we met at the car, shopping - check!  LOVE IT.

We headed to the auditorium and found our seats, and as the lights dimmed I became very excited.  I love Michael McLean and I was not disappointed.  The music was beautiful, the story inspiring and the feeling a little like being home and safe.  At the end of the performance Michael McLean came back on stage and talked for a little bit and then sat at the piano.  He sang "We Can Be Together Forever Someday" and the audience joined in.  He reminded us that as we sang it we could think of anyone close to us that wasn't able to be there with us.  Of course I thought of my mom and dad.  I think the kids were all thinking a little of Grandpa Nelson as well.  So the tears flowed and love filled our hearts.  Then he asked us to sing Silent Night.  Cute Cambelle was sitting next to me and began to sing, then it became silent and I could here her sniffle.  I leaned down to ask her if everything was okay and she said, "I just feel the spirit so much."  There couldn't be a better way to start this season  than being reminded of the gift that is encompassed in the life of Christ and feeling it so sure and complete in our hearts.

The kids all agreed that tonight was a "do again."

Jersey Girl

We have thought about getting a dog for a long time.  But the timing never was quite right.  We decided that we wanted a mini schnauzer.  I kept checking the adds and looking for that perfect puppy.  This picture came up one morning and I couldn't stop thinking about her.

Troy and I made a quick trip to meet her.  She was only 4 weeks old and not old enough to bring home.  But when we met her I fell in love.  So we committed.

Four weeks later we went to pick her up and she has become a very sweet part of our family.  I really didn't know that I could love a little animal so much.  Most people are quite surprised that we have an inside dog.  But she loves to cuddle and she is my favorite child some days.  She has brought a little sunshine into our home and a lot of smiles.

Seriously??... isn't this face the sweetest?

Surrounded

I have a beautiful print hanging in my room and I love it, "She Will Find That Which Is Lost" by Brian Kershisnik.  At the beginning of the year I stumbled across this painting in a blog post.  I had seen it before but in January it spoke to me in a new way. I find it beautiful, comforting and inspiring.  The idea that there are so many people to support and love a person is a wonderful thought.  I was struck by the woman, she looks down.  It seems that her grief is consuming and that she may not even realize the unseen forces that are surrounding her. The love may be felt but not completely understood.  The original is currently hanging in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.  Troy and I were there about a month ago and took a minute to view this lovely piece.  I was amazed at the feelings that it evoked. I had tears in my eyes, the idea of my own unseen force created a sense of belonging.  I hope it's true.  I hope there are people who care so much for me and my well being that they will surround me with this same kind of love and support.  There are moments I feel this way, and I hold on to those feelings and cherish them.