Christmas Sunday

Our little branch (Central Garden Branch) had a cute little program today but the highlight for me was hearing my family's musical number.  The family performed "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" by Counting Crows.  Jake and Ginny played a duet on the piano accompanying Aubree and the boys and they sang. My heart swelled with pride watching them.  Unfortunately, they did not allow me to participate, so I introduced the song and sat in the audience and took it in.  Afterwards, one lady approached me and said she had to look away because she almost "ugly cried", she felt the spirit so strong. As we were leaving, one of the missionaries (the senior elder) stopped me as we were walking to the car and said there were not many renditions of songs he had not heard and that he is not one to get choked up but he became choked up listening to my crew.  I am so blessed to have my family.  My heart was also warmed as Jake would look up from his piano and grin looking at his kids.  He was proud as well.  The song renders a message that is one we often forget, that Christ really is the author of peace and can bring it into our lives.

This morning I ran across some quotes or tid bits that some of the prophets and apostles have said about Christmas. Today on Elder Jeffrey R Holland's social media, he stated: "
I wonder what emotions Joseph might have had as he cleared away the dung and debris. I wonder if he felt the sting of tears as he hurriedly tried to find the cleanest straw and hold the animals back.
I’ve thought of Mary, too, this most favored mortal woman in the history of the world. It is here I stumble, here that I grasp for the feelings a mother has when she knows she has conceived a living soul, feels life quicken and grow within her womb, and carries a child to delivery. At such times fathers stand aside and watch, but mothers feel and never forget.
With only Joseph’s inexperienced assistance, she herself brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in the little clothes she had knowingly brought on her journey, and perhaps laid him on a pillow of hay. Then on both sides of the veil a heavenly host broke into song. “Glory to God in the highest,” they sang, “and on earth, peace among men of good will.” But except for heavenly witnesses, these three were alone: Joseph, Mary, the baby to be named Jesus."  As I read it, I pondered how Mary really must have felt and am reminded hat I need to hold some things sacred and close ti my heart.  From a child unto adulthood,

 I have always loved Santa and what he represents. I ran across this today from David O McCay and i love it just as much: "It is a glorious thing to have old St. Nicholas in our hearts and in our homes today, whether he enters the latter through the open door or creeps down the chimney on Christmas Eve. To bring happiness to others without seeking personal honor or praise by publishing it is a most commendable virtue. . . .
Good old St. Nicholas has long since gone the way of all mortals, but the joy he experienced in doing kindly deeds is now shared by millions who are learning that true happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.".

Text and Elijah's baptism

 Last Sunday (12/15) after church, I received the following text....

Friday was the last day of school before winter break. Jake took Will and a few of his friends to a movie to celebrate his birthday early because so many people are gone around the holidays.  Christopher had a play date with his friend, Jonah Donald, and then Jake and I met at Aubree's voice concert. Yesterday (12/21) we drove up to Paris TN to be apart of Elijah's (Sandra and Brent's oldest) baptism.  It was a sweet service and the kids sang with their cousins, it was a beautiful song ("I will be what I believe"). 

Tender little feelings...

Today was a beautiful day for me. Aubree received her young women’s recognition today and other small reminders of the goodness of God. Sacrament was wonderful and I enjoyed the talks.  I was able to be able to teach Sunday school today and had asked that Aubree and Jake do a song for us...”You say” by Lauren Daigle, which brought the spirit in indescribably. I had shared in my lesson that if we love as Christ, we are blessed with confidence and what a difference there would be if everyone in the world had that confidence to know where they came from that God has a plan for each of us. The song that Aubree sang, accompanied by her dad reminds me of that and has become one of my favorite songs (partly because they do and the other part the lyrics). There are so many times that I and others may question our worth and forget all that we are. Then tonight, the kids and I attended a missionary tribute to Christ. As I listened to the music and looked at my kids, I was humbled. Humbled that I have been given the life I have, humbled that I have been blessed with these AMAZING children, and humbled to feel His love. As I looked into the faces of some of the senior sister missionaries, I wondered the life they have lived and hardships endured. What had life dealt them? What will my story be? What will others see when they look into my face? I want you help others, to life others, and spare no expense to help others that need to feel loved. 

On a different note, Christopher won his class spelling bee and was able to participate in the school spelling bee.  He was very sad when he got out the first round but several other contestants did too.  I was very proud of him. Despite his speech, he goes and does.  He is very courageous.  Others are noticing his improvements in speech too.  Last weekend, I also let the girls drive to Paris, TN to see Sandra by themselves. They stopped by my parents briefly on their way there.  It is the first time that I have allowed that length of a venture without us with Ginny driving but I figure at some point that I have to start since she she leaves for schools soon.  Knowing this may be our last December to have all four kids home the entire month of December, our little elf, Zang, has done some each day. Things such as leaving: advent calendars, kindness advent calendars, ring pops, punch balloons, pajamas, Christmas shirts, Christmas socks, chocolates, Christmas glasses, Santa hats, etc.  It has been fun!

Zip Lining

The stake took the youth that will be 16 this year or older on a little retreat.  Friday night was spent at the temple doing baptisms and a service project and Go Ape on Saturday.  As reluctant as I was, I participated in Go Ape.  I am not a fan of anything that is not safe and jumping out trees to zipline and walking from high in the tree to another is not ideal, but, this was a moment I could share with my daughter.  It was not pleasant and I wanted to puke a thousand times but I can say I did it!
Aubree attended a forensics competition with her friend and they placed first in impromptu acting.  She has discovered her love in acting and theater.  She found out yesterday that she received a very minor role in HairSpray at school. She had tried out for Tracy but then was asked to read for the gym teacher. As bad as she wanted Tracy, she figured it was a little more realistic she would get the gym teacher. She was so sad yesterday when she saw the cast list.  I told her no matter what we were proud of her and even if she was not in the play that we would have watched with her.  She is down on herself about her body build and stated that only stick thin girls can play most of the parts, what she fails to realize is her own beauty. 
Will had his first trip to the principal's office at school this week for accepting an "airdrop" of a video game that he knew was not allowed.  We have talked to him mulitple times about the use of technology and limiting it, so may, this will help enforce the importance of it.
Christopher was super proud to share with us this week that he mas mastered two more sounds in speech, one of them being the k.  He is improving and it is showing.  He also has asked that each night at dinner we share something we are thankful for, so that helps us reflect on the good.
We left this morning for a two day trip to Branson, MO to meet up with James's family.  We met at Dixie Stampdede for dinner and then James reserved a large house for everyone to stay at. 

Recently I have improved so much on reading my scriptures.  I have a new found love for the New Testament and look forward to listening/watching a little episode I watch weekly on the Come Follow Me curriculum.  The crazy (but I guess to be expected) thing is that although when I read about Christ life and what he did for me I feel buoyed up, at the same time I feel almost less by the others I love most and toxic. I continuously wonder if I am good for those around me, do I build them up or tear them down, do I bring out the worst in others? Have I and am I building up my children and being the voice in their head for good or do they hear constant ridicule? I am unsure how I it is possible that I can make a situation worse, it is not my intent, especially to those dearest to me. Like how is that I offend when I really am trying to be good? What would or should I do? How do I become what the Lord and my family need me to be? What more can I do, even when I feel like I am giving it my all, yet maybe my all is not enough. 
There is no doubt that I have been blessed. I have parents who sacrificed much to ensure that my siblings and I needs were met and that we attended church. I have been fortunate to have four kids, and not just four kids but four kids that are good kids.  I have been blessed with a husband that is gentle and kind, and that despite how embarrassing I am....he loves me. His patience may wear at times (and actually has these past couple weeks) but in the end, I do not doubt his love.   

Red Ribbon Week and Pre-Halloween

Fall happens to be my favorite time of the year. Not only do I love the cooler weather, I love the: hay rides, s'mores, bon fires, pumpkin contest, and that the holidays are each month.  It makes my mind and heart happy.  Red ribbon happens to fall on the Halloween week this year and I have enjoyed dressing up a little each day.  Tuesday was cartoon character day, Jake work dumbo ears and I attempted to be be the Nightmare before Christmas character but the students thought it was Jessee from Toy Story or Raggedy Ann, so I went with it.  Wednesday was Disney Day- Jake was the scientist from the Muppets (lab coat, green potion, glasses, and all) and I was Maleficent.  Today (Halloween) was twin day and Jake I dressed as twin pirates.  It has been so fun having him here with me to do it.  I love working with him....he is my Favorite! 

TRAP

Aubree loves to perform and be involved in drama productions.  She played Mariam Jay in the high school production of TRAP. She did so well and played the part perfectly.  She is devoted and has a loyal crew that comes to support her.  We were not able to go each night but loved seeing her the night we did attend.  She somehow seems to manage theater and keeping her grades up.

Fall Break

This fall break we spent some time in Chattanooga and in Johnson City looking at colleges with Ginny and just being together.  Overall, it was a nice trip. We took the kids to the aquarium and Ruby Falls in Chattanooga and they enjoyed that.

On a different note, I realize that I talk too much and do not give Jake the opportunity to talk, like I chime in it our cut him off, so I need to do better about that. He was upset when he brought it up but for him to bring it up, it must really bother him.

Ginny had a rough night at work last night, someone took advantage of her and stole money from her hand.  She was so distraught when she got home. My heart ached for her.