A Very Merry !CHRIST!mas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and we tried pretty hard to concentrate more on Christ. We provided service, went caroling, donated toys, read a nativity story almost every night, read the birth account from the bible, reenacted the birth story and had FHE's all month long focused on the real reason for the season. In the coming years, and as the kids get a bit older, I'd like to do some kind of Sub for Santa where the kids can really get involved with helping others.
I love this time of year and am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who would send his only begotten son to earth, to live, to heal, to teach, to suffer, and to live again. How blessed we are to have the knowledge of his restored gospel in our lives. Merry CHRISTmas!

Complimented or Offended?

I've had two comments given to me the past few weeks at church that have kinda stopped me in my tracks and made me wonder if I should be slightly offended.
The RS president gave me my VT route and said, "I saw your birthday and had know idea you were so young." My reply, "Oh really?" And then I think she tried to soften her previous comment by saying, "Everything about you is just SO mature." I smiled politely and giggled a bit, but had to wonder if I really am looking THAT old or do I act like I'm 60 -- I'm not sure which is worse.
Then the next week a lady walked up to me and said, "I like your sweater." I thanked her politely and then she followed up with, "Don't you love those clothes that look awful on a hanger and then you get it home and it's actually cute?" Hmmmmm . . . not sure how to reply to that.

Questions?

Mac's teacher sent home his mid-term report, which had all wonderful grades and then one comment that read, "Listen to ALL of the instructions BEFORE asking questions." The comment brought a smile to my face, because I think Ms. Kirby hit the nail right on the head. Bless Mac's heart, he's a boy of many questions.

Thankful Thoughts

We stuck around here for Thanksgiving and got together with 4 other families at the Stake Center for lunch. The kids were able to run around in the gym and the adults were actually able to visit for a bit.
We have so much to be thankful for! I spoke in church the Sunday before Thanksgiving and spoke on "How to show gratitude to the Savior." In the beginning the topic seemed so easy, but when I thought it all through, I was able to come up with several ways we can show gratitude to our Savior, something I will try harder at. I am so thankful, especially for my family and the gospel.

One of the plus sides of the Nintendo DS -- family togetherness!

I love these pictures of Jax showing Jilli how to dance and how to play football. He sure does love his little sister.


This happened without any prompting or nagging from me -- what a magical day!

Mechanic: What's your name?
Beckam: Peterson
Nate: No, what's your first name?
Beckam: B, E, C, K, A, M, Beckam! And do you know how old I am?
Mechanic: No, how old are you?
Beckam: Three and do you know who I can beat up?
Mechanic: No, who?
Beckam: Jaxton!