Poll Time

It's getting closer to the time when we'll be able to find out what the baby is. So cast your vote. What do you think it's going to be? What do you want it to be? Or just a fun guess. :)

25 Days of December

Dec 25:
The Reason for the Season

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

25 Days of December

THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIDER (A folk legend from Germany and the Ukraine)

nce upon a time, long ago, a gentle mother was busily cleaning the house for the most wonderful day of the year.... The day on which the Christ child came to bless the house. Not a speck of dust was left. Even the spiders had been banished from their cozy corner in the ceiling to avoid the housewife's busy cleaning. They finally fled to the farthest corner of the attic. T'was the Christmas eve at last! The tree was decorated and waiting for the children to see it. But the poor spiders were frantic, for they could not see the tree, nor be present for the Christ child's visit. But the oldest and wisest spider suggested that perhaps they could peep through the crack in the door to see him. Silently they crept out of their attic, down the stairs, and across the floor to wait in the crack in the threshold. Suddenly, the door opened a wee bit and quickly the spiders scurried into the room. They must see the tree closely, since their eyes weren't accustomed to the brightness of the room... so the crept all over the tree, up and down, over every branch and twig and saw every one of the pretty things. At last they satisfied themselves completely of the Christmas tree beauty. But alas!! Everywhere they went they had left their webs, and when the little Christ child came to bless the house he was dismayed. He loved the little spiders, for they were God's creatures too, but he knew the mother, who had trimmed the tree for the little children, wouldn't feel the same, so He touched the webs and they all turned to sparkling, shimmering, silver and gold! Ever since that time, we have hung tinsel on our Christmas trees, and according to the legend, it has been a custom to include a spider among the decorations on the tree.

I absolutely Love this story. I heard it when I was still living in South Jordan and fell in love with it. I still have my cute little silver spider ornament.

25 Days of December

Dec 23:
Who is the biggest iconic figure of Christmas besides the Savior? Santa Claus! But in my eyes Santa himself is a symbol of Christmas that testify's of Christ. I have a book called I believe in Santa Claus it's one of my favorite books around this time of year. It looks at Santa and talks about who he is and what he does. Then it looks at the Savior and talks about who he is and what he has done. The point of the book is that by saying you believe in Santa Claus it really means you believe in Jesus Christ! A lot of people rag on the idea of Santa for a lot of reasons, they don't want to lie, he takes the focus off the Savior, he is the meaning of commercialism. but even if you take a look back at the source of where Santa Claus came from you get the history of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a devote Christian during the 17th century who was taught from the bible the teachings of Jesus Christ. After the death of his parents. He continued following after the Saviors example. He gave away his wealth to the poor and needy. he became a bishop of Myra and continued his service to those around him. he became well known for his generosity, concern for sailors and ships and love of Children. "St Nicholas Center website"
So if you ask me...Yes I DO believe in Santa Claus! :)

25 Days of December

Dec 22:
Ok so I know that this is a long stretch but I am a little stumped today. So I am using the first thing that came to my mind. Santa at Christmas time needs help, so he has elves to help him with his work. Just like those Christmas elves we have people in our lives to help us out along our journey who work closely with the Savior.The Lord's prophets and his counselors. They help us to know the will of the Lord for us. They lead and guide Christ's church and it's people. I am thankful for all our leaders and their wonderful example to me.

25 Days of December

Dec 21:
This year when James and I went to Christmas Village (up in Ogden) there was a cute house decorated with pickles with a Christmas pickle Poem. I thought it was really cute...

Christmas Pickle Poem
To start a tradition that will surely last,
Here's the story about the pickle of glass.
The night before Christmas it's hung on the tree
While everyone's sleeping, it's done secretly.
And on Christmas morning when you arise,
The first one to find it will get a surprise.
A family tradition for all to share
You'll look for the pickle year after year

This pickle poem isn't as good as the one in the little house but it was the only one I could find. The one who finds the pickle gets an extra present. It's a tradition to help families notice the tree and all the ornaments individually and their beauty and uniqueness. I think this would be a fun tradition in our house to start. We already have a pickle ornament. Even though it's a pickle it's good to look at things through different eyes and see the possibility of what could be there. Everything has beauty to it. Sometimes you need to just take the time to see it.

"Live Joyfully..." Ecclesiastes 9:9

25 Days of December

Dec 20:
The Christmas bell is a symbol of finding our way back to Christ. When shepherds tend their sheep some of them put bells around every sheep and lambs neck. If any of his flock is missing the shepherd goes out to find them. He listens for the bell to help him locate the lost sheep. We are all precious in the eyes of our Lord and he wants each of us to return to live with him someday. As you listen to the Christmas bells ring out loud and clear this year. Let it remind you of the Saviors love for each of us and his desire to have all of us repent, return to his fold and live with him again someday.

25 Days of December

Dec 19:Another poem I thought was kinda cute.

25 Days of December

Dec 18: "Consider Christmas. It is the most nostalgic of times. It seems we’re such a homesick lot, yearning to be back in our Heavenly Father’s presence. But the Christmas celebration reminds us that our “homecoming” has been assured—because the Savior was born. That’s a good cause to celebrate! The gatherings and the feasts, and the music and the prose, all color the occasion uniquely. As the hearts of the children turn back to their fathers, our store of personal memories surrounding Christmas becomes precious." Consider Christmas By Elaine Cannon Dec 1973. This talk is amazing I loved it! if you would like to read the whole talk Click HERE. I promise it's worth it.

25 Days of December

Dec 17:
I found this in The Friend. it's a children s magazine from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I thought it was really cute. It's a Christmas Alphabet. Enjoy!

A—Angels (Luke 2:1–9)

B—Bethlehem (Luke 2:10–15)

C—Christ (2 Nephi 25:23, 26)

D—Deeds (1 John 3:18, 23–24)

E—Everlasting (John 3:16–17)

F—Family (Luke 2:16–17)

G—Gold (Matthew 2:1–11)

H—Herod (Matthew 2:12–16)

I—Israel (Matthew 2:19–21)

J—Joseph (Matthew 1:19–24)

K—King (D&C 128:23)

L—Lord (D&C 19:1; Isaiah 26:4)

M—Mary (Luke 1:27–38, 46–48)

N—Nazareth (Matthew 2:22–23)

O—Obedient (John 8:29; Hebrews 5:8–9)

P—Peace (Luke 2:14; Isaiah 9:6)

Q—Quickly (D&C 49:28)

R—Redeemer (Job 19:25; Mormon 9:11–13)

S—Steadfastness (2 Nephi 26:8; 31:20)

T—Teach (Matthew 28:18–20)

U—Unshaken faith (2 Nephi 31:19)

V—Voice (Alma 5:38; Helaman 12:23)

W—Willing (Mosiah 26:17–18)

Y—Young (D&C 43:20)

Z—Zion (1 Nephi 13:37)

25 Days of December

Dec 16:For everyone who's lost a loved one.

25 Days of December

Dec 15: Well I have covered red and green but I didn't really cover white. I guess I did a bit with snow. But I would like to focus on the color white today. White is a well known color for purity. Which is what I would like to focus on. The purity and love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It is always perfect and something we can always count on. Like our mortal parents on this earth no matter what we do they are always there with opened arms ready to take us back.

"...to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:19

25 Days of December

Dec 14: I found this cute poem and wanted to share it.

25 Days of December

Dec 13:
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

I love waking up to a white winter morning. especially around Christmas time. Right before all the kids come out and play and the dogs go running through it. The snow sits on the ground like a soft silky blanket without any blemishes. It's days like these that help me to remember the scripture above. We can become white, perfect and clean just like snow when we give our sins to the Lord. the repentance process can be hard but when it's done you can feel just like a bright crisp beautiful winters morning without blemish and clean.

25 Days of December

Dec 12:
What Christmas would be complete with a bow or two for decoration or on the presents under the tree. Bows are another common sight at Christmas and just like everything else we have talked about is a symbol of Christmas. Bows are the symbol and reminder that we need to tie ourselves together in the gospel and to Christ. Cause when you are tied to Christ.

"Let us turn again to the Book of Mormon, this time to learn some principles about coming unto Christ, being committed to Him, centered in Him, and consumed in Him. We will quote but a few of the numerous passages on the matter.

First we need to know that Christ invites us to come unto Him. “Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, … Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life” (Alma 5:33–34).

Come, for he stands “with open arms to receive you” (Morm. 6:17).

Come, for “he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause” (Jacob 3:1).

“Come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him” (Omni 1:26)."

-President Ezra Taft Benson October 1987 general conference talk-

25 Days of December

Dec 11:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

One of the biggest and most changing concepts of Christmas are the gifts you see under your tree. The world has changed Christmas to a commercial industry. Changing beloved Christmas Carols and Hymns about the Savior. Into what the greatest thing to buy or where the best place to shop is. The presents under the tree are another symbol of gods love for us. According to John he loved us so much that he gave his most precious gift to save us. His Son Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father still gives us gifts and blessings because of his pure and perfect love for all his children. So no matter what wrapping paper you use or whats in the box you are wrapping. The symbol of the present rings loud and clear.

25 Days of December

Dec 10:
Candy cane is one of the most common known Christmas Symbols. The candy cane was patterned after the shepherds crook. No matter what color, flavor, size or packaging it comes in. it will always be a reminder to us of the humble shepherds that came to see the Christ child so many years ago.

25 Days of December

Dec 9:
We've already talked about the color evergreen which most Christmas trees are. We've already talked about the star on top of the Christmas tree and the lights that are placed on it's boughs. Now it's time to talk about the actual tree.
The Christmas tree carries with it many different symbols of the Christmas season. From the lights and presents to the star or angel that adorns the top of traditional Christmas trees. the pine tree is used because of it's natural architecture you could say. Just like Catholic Cathedrals of ancient Europe and the LDS temples of today. The pine tree naturally draws your eye up towards heaven. Helping to point you up towards our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ.
Just another great way to remind us of the true reason of the season.

25 Days of December

Dec 8: Star
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son."

Video: http://lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-wise-men-seek-jesus?lang=eng

25 Days of December

Dec 7: Angels

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2: 8-14

25 Days of December

Dec 6: Since yesterday was red today I will focus on GREEN! Green is also connected with the Christmas tree which I will cover in a different post. Evergreens were used as a traditional Christmas tree (again I will cover in more detail later) for a specific reason. When you look up evergreen in the dictionary. It talks about "a plant that retains green leaves throughout the year." Or "having an enduring freshness." so to me when I think of evergreen I think of something being constant, reliable or like it said above; having an enduring freshness. So when you put red and green together you have the red being the atonement and green reminding us to be constant in the way of Christ. Or in LDS terminology endure to the end. Just like in the scriptures God first gives us a way then a promise. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent and return again to the father, through our obedience and trust in the Lord and as long as we endure to the end.

25 Days of December

Dec 5: Yesterday at church we heard this beautiful story about a pine tree on temple square close to where you come out of the temple that they cover in red lights. Like everything in the gospel this tree is symbolic of the Lebanon tree and is adorned with thousands of red light bulbs each Christmas season as a reminder of Christs sacrifice for us all. So for this post I am focusing on the color RED at Christmas time. The color red is a wonderful reminder of Christs atonement for us all, that we may repent and return to live with our Heavenly Father. This would not have been possible without the Saviors willingness to take upon himself all of our sins. I testify that this is true and know without a shadow of a doubt that through the Saviors atoning sacrifice we can be saved.

25 Days of December

Dec 4: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
Every time I see Christmas lights or candles I always remember this scripture. Christ is our light and where there is light darkness fades away.

25 Days of December

Dec 3: I love the symbolism behind all the Christmas decorations. Today I would like to focus on the wreath. Wreaths are symbols of Gods love for us, it's infinite and never ending. Whenever I see a wreath hanging from a door or window its a testimony to me of God's love for me and all his children.

Winds of Change

Well I have a couple things to "report" on :) After what has seemed like a really long time, we are coming to the tail end of James' schooling at LDSBC. He will continue on at Weber till he gets his bachelors but he only has a semester left at the BC after this one ends. This is great news for a couple of reasons. Now he can focus on one school instead of going to two (Weber State University and LDS Business College) He can get out of these generals classes the don't interest him and have classes that interest him only. The last reason is that he can take his MA test to become a certified Medical Assistant. which also means a job for him. YAY! He has about 140 hours of his externship that he has to finish and then he can take the test and be on his way. both him and I are excited about that. :)He wasn't to happy about me wanting to take his picture this morning. he doesn't much care for them and he isn't a morning person. :p He has 3 scrubs he can wear, Red, Black and Blue.
To continue on with our winds of change, when things happen to us they always seem to happen big or all at once...I don't really understand why. Well October was one of those crazy months, first we found out about Abby and how her heart is failing and then James started to get frustrated with school (particularly one teacher) plus some other not so good stuff happened that I cant remember. But the one thing that happened that was good....KABLAMO! After 3 years of trying. WE'RE PREGNANT! :) I am 12 weeks along and the doctor says everything looks healthy. It has been a heck of a time too. I have lost almost 20 pounds because I cant keep anything down. The doc had to give me a prescription so I could eat and have it stay down. One cute thing is while I was hugging the toilet one night poor James said he wanted to help but didn't really know what to do. He would usually put a cold cloth on my neck which would help. That night he said "I don't mean to sound insensitive but I am so happy every time you throw up. It means every thing's ok." I couldn't blame him. So here we are 3 months and past the danger zone (knock on wood) I still get sick but not as much. Nothing ever sounds good to me and when it does I eat it, cause chances are it wont sound good tomorrow. Liquids are more of my friend then solids. :) We are hoping for a girl but we'll still be excited if it's a boy. Yes we have a few names in mind but nothing to solid... and yeah I think that's all the answers to the questions people have been asking. :) I will be putting a poll up next week so you can vote if you think it's going to be a boy or girl...or "place your order" as my mother in law said she wanted to do. :p
So why do you ask is the whole reason for the "winds of change" title. Well it's in honor of that Horrible wind storm we had yesterday in the Northern part of Utah. We are safe and so is our house. Just a few missing shingles. But we have neighbors that had big 50 to 60 foot pine trees fall in their yard and some on their house. It was scary. We had power out all day yesterday but Rocky Mountain power had it back on before bedtime so we were able to have the house start to heat up again before it got to cold. But there are still people in Centerville, Bountiful, Farmington and parts of Ogden that still don't have power. We pray for them. Here's a picture of our neighbors tree.

25 Days of December

Dec 2: With all this talk going around with trying to take God out of the pledge and the constitution and the atheist really trying to hit hard on all Christian belief. I still love that every year radio stations play Christmas music. Songs like Away in a manger, drummer boy, O come let us adore him and many many more that portray Christs birth. When it comes to praying in schools a lot of schools don't allow it. But I love that they still hold Christmas programs with live nativity's and singing their praises to Christ.

25 Days of December

I love this time of year, everyone seems a little nicer, the world seems a little brighter and everyone turns their attention to Christ. So for December this year I am going to host the 25 days of December. Everyday I am going to post something that reminder us of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Dec 1st: I am going to start by the biggest reminder of our Savior and that's the Nativityno matter in what form or country it comes from. The nativity is one of the most widely used decorations at Christmas time to help us remember the birth of our Savior.They come in all shapes and sizes with the Son of God at the center. I am thankful for the chance we have to express our love for our savior and gratitude towards Mary and Joesph and their faith in being able to be charged with such a huge responsibility and calling.
May you have the joy of the season in your hearts this year.
Thanks for reading

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. I was able to take Wed off so I had a nice 5 day weekend. Wed was spent at home relaxing and cleaning the house...two things that were very much needed. later Wed night we had Gavin over for a sleep over. We were trying to help out Nikki and Justin so that they could have a date night for Justin's birthday. Thanksgiving day was A Lot of fun. After getting Gavin back home, getting ready then dropping off some stuff at Uncle Kim and Gordy's house we were off to my sister Nancy's house for Thanksgiving. It was so good to see all my family again...and I mean ALL..well almost we were missing 5 people. Addi and Tessa were up in Idaho having Thanksgiving with her family and Preston and Mina are in the Philippines enjoying their new baby girl. :) So overall at one point there was 46 people floating around Nancy and Gary's house. :) fun times. The dinner was so good thanks to all who participated and it was so good to visit with everyone and play games. Here are some pictures of our fun holiday.

What happens when you leave your camera unattended at family functions?....Alexis happens :) gotta love this girl. :pFood Line
The Classic family game of Shanghai no family function would be complete without a round or two. :)For part of dessert Mom brought out her chocolate fountain with an assortment of things to dip in the chocolate. The kids LOVED it. Especially Lizzie and Becca. :)