Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The M&M Nativity

As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them, you will see the M becomes a W, an E and a 3. They tell the Christmas story; it's one I'm sure you'll know. It took place in a stable a long, long time ago.

The E is for the East where the star shone so bright;
The M is for the manger where Baby Jesus slept that night.
The 3 is the for Wisemen bearing gifts; with haste they came.
W is for worship; Angels sang praise to His name.

So as you eat these candies Or share them with a friend,
Remember the true meaning of Christmas
And never let it end!

This poem could be attached to a snack packet of M&M's, or a handful in a cellophane bag with ribbon... Great for neighbor gifts, friends, teachers or youth groups. I love finding simple ways to help remind us of the true meaning of Christmas!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Day #20


Our 10-year old son has been anxiously awaiting the new Harry Potter 7 movie. He has read all the books, seen all the previous movies, and so my husband had set a Father-Son date to go see the matinee today. However, something unusual happened-- Josh quietly pulled the Mister and me aside an hour before they were supposed to leave, and said, "Mom and Dad, I feel the Holy Ghost telling me I shouldn't go see that movie."

What do you say to that?

Nonetheless, I am so grateful this stellar little boy is learning how to feel and recognize promptings of the Spirit. Now if I could get him to be more reverent in church...and sing in primary sharing time...

Friday, November 19, 2010

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What I like about these cards are the options for different styles of pictures; there are some cards designed to showcase one or two individuals; some options have a design layout that suits several smaller photos on one card, such as four individual pictures of the children in your family;

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Gratitude #18 & 19

#18: I'm grateful the Christmas shopping is d.o.n.e.

#19: I'm grateful for all my 35 violin students who sacrifice to come between 5:30 - 7:30 a.m. for lessons and 1:30 - 3:15. I feel extremely blessed to be able to do something I'm passionate about, from home, either while my children sleep or are at school... and get paid to do it. It has blessed my life in so many ways. Tender mercies.

Meridian Magazine - Glenn Beck and Harry Reid – Future Buddies?

A very interesting perspective indeed...

Meridian Magazine - Glenn Beck and Harry Reid – Future Buddies?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tithing Settlement & The aRts

Gratitude #17:

Tonight we had tithing settlement. Bishop said we were the very first family for tithing settlement in our ward for 2010. I appreciated his patience as all four of our children toddled in with their Tithing Piggy Banks full of loose change. And for his patience as Caleb and Lizzie inserted 'urgent' comments intermittingly. Such as ~ Lizzie whispers in my ear, "I need to tell Bishop something..." "Bishop," Lizzie says, "Don't say bad words."

Caleb raises his hand and waits for the Bishop to 'call on him' and says, "I know President Monson is important."

Caleb raises his hand again and asks, "How do you get our money to Jesus? I bet he already knows I did a lemonade stand to get it."

As I asked the Bishop (this humble, meek, capable leader we've loved and sustained now for almost 5 years) if he was relieved this would be his last season of conducting tithing settlements. It was a sweet moment. I won't share publicly his reaction and counsel, but it spoke volumes to my testimony.

Gratitude #17, Part 2:
One of my students called up with 6 extra tickets to the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Center's production of "Willy Wonka" and we took our little family. It was amazing. Polished, exciting, musical perfection, from the orchestra pit to the chocolate river... how grateful I am to be able to raise our family in a community where the arts are alive, despite the economic downturn. It is really special, given the small size of this city. We get a taste of culture here-- the Youth Symphony, Idaho FAlls Symphony, Teton Chamber Orchestra, two art museums and the Idaho Museum which takes in major displays (right now we welcome the DaVinci Display). I love it. Love Idaho Falls!

p.s. I'm grateful also for the willingness my children get their church clothes on to attend tithing settlement. The Mister always asks us to do this, as it is in essence, an accounting before the Lord. I love that the children don't complain as we button white shirts and buckle black patent leather shoes, even on a school night. (Although Emma had her t-shirt on under her denim dress...and Caleb had a batman nightshirt on underneath his white shirt. And just don't ask about Lizzie's pink ruffled swimming suit and how it fit into the equation. Some secrets a girl's got a right to keep.)

Now if only I had won the Golden Ticket at intermission... a case of Farr's candy! Mmmm.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Gratitude #16

Today is my mom's 60th birthday. I'm so grateful for her because she gave me life.

Also, today I spent 4 1/2 hours working at the LDS Cannery here in Idaho Falls. As difficult and long as today's shift was, I marvel at how inspired the program truly is. I'm grateful I got to work on my family's food storage while serving the hands that hang down...

Monday, November 15, 2010

Day #15

Today I'm grateful we played Apples to Apples for the activity after FHE. Because... I love how the Mister cheats. Every. Single. Round. It makes all of us laugh ~ I'm so thankful to have a spouse that makes me laugh. (Even if he is a bona fide cheater...)

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Gratitude #14

I'm thankful for my sister Sarah ~ periodically she takes my children for an over-nighter and spoils the kids rotten. Friday night, she took the girls and they had a smashing time! New barbies, late night oreos & milk, movies & shopping. Next weekend she has a date with my sons. What are aunts for? Burning memories...

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Gratitude #13

Tonight we had the privilege of feeding the full-time missionaries. After several attempts to call my tardy 5-year old down to dinner, I was becoming frustrated. Just as we were bowing our heads to bless the food, he proudly came to the dinner table wearing his church clothes-- red clip-on tie and dark pants! Thank God for my children who teach me how to appropriately honor our full-time missionaries and their holy work.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Gratitude #10

Today I'm grateful for a mother/daughter date for Achievement Days.

Gratitude #9

This afternoon, all 4 of my children were outside playing in the snow. As I worked through dinner preparations in the kitchen, I heard their carefree voices outside my window. I had the impression to be grateful the children were healthy, and could enjoy running and jumping in the snow.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Gratitude #8

I spent the morning at the public library with my little ones. Each of us left with several good books to read...I'm thankful for the library and access to so much good literature.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

More Family Photos 2010












Gratitude #7

Our son Caleb, age 5, said to us tonight: "Since Jesus was killed on the cross, I am really looking forward to dying some other way."

I'm grateful for that laugh today...

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Photo Preview

Thankful November #6

A couple of tragic deaths over the weekend have made me fervently thankful for my temple covenants.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Gratitude #5

Today I'm thankful that the Conference issue of the Ensign came yesterday.

I'm so grateful for this pleasant, beautiful 60-degree weather with no wind.

I'm also thankful the Mister arranged for us to have a picnic down on the pier--just the two of us.

I'm thankful our neighbors invited us out to pizza tonight.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Day #3

Today I'm grateful for the first laugh of the day...my 8-year daughter has an imaginary friend lovingly named "Sir Laurentzen."

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Gratitude Day 2

Today I am thankful for egg nog and voting privileges. Bottoms up!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Gratitude Day 1

Today I am thankful for my primary calling. On days like yesterday, I was reminded why I don't want more kids.