Christmas Day

We took a video of the kids opening all their gifts so we didn't get many pics. We have a tradition of letting the kids open one thing on Christmas Eve, which is always Jammas. Kia isn't wearing hers in these photos, but the boys are. As you can tell, the living room was a big mess after they opened all their gifts. Spencer got a nerf gun that shoots these nerf balls, some Hulk gloves that say phrases as you hit with them, some new colors and a color book. Kia got 3 babies, some new colors and a color book. Wesley got 2 dump trucks and doodle pad. Some of their gifts came from a Secret Santa so we didn't know what they were. That is why some of the gifts were duplicates. I should have peeked so I could get them different gifts, but they love them. I asked Kia if she wanted to try and exchange some babies for something else and she said no. Oh yeah, and we got them Sleeping Beauty and Wall -E. It was a good Christmas.



We drove up to Pine Valley to find a place to go sledding. WE found this dead end street that went up hill where all the locals were sledding. The wind was incredible so Wesley and Kia didn't want out of the car. Spencer and Matt had a good time as we the rest of us waited in the car.

Nativity Scene

This is the Nativity Set that was given to us as part of the 12 days of Christmas that someone did for us. Also, there are some pics of our tree. We didn't have many ornaments, but then my parents got us a bunch. You probably can't even tell which is the before pic.

Santa

Waiting in line to see Santa


Wesley and Kia sitting on Santa's lap

Update

well, it's been a while since I blogged. Let's see if I can bring everyone up to date. We got the rest of our "twelve days of christmas" from our secret santa. After the last wise man, we got two Christmas trees, an angel and Baby Jesus. The last day, when we got Jesus, there were three presents left with it. One for each of the kids. Then I found $40 in the box for the Nativity Set.

We are in Salt Lake now staying with my family. We has my family Christmas party yesterday and tomorrow is Matt's family party. We are planning on going back to St. George on Tues. so we can be home for Christmas. So far, the weather looks sunny. We came prepared, though, just in case we don't make it back for Christmas. Santa knows where we are staying ;)

Ok, I finaly, did it. I broke down and bought a camera. It has been 18 months now since our camera busted. I have been wanting one for so long and yesterday I told matt i wanted to get one. It's a polaroid and it's orange. It's kinda funky.

Well, I think that's about it. I will post some pics in the next post.

Secret Santa continued... continued

Yesterday we got the last wise man and a plate of fudge, peanut brittle and caramels. This morning we got a shepard and a box of popcorn. I left a card for the misterious gifter but the wind blew it off the step so they probably didn't even see it. Tonight I need to make sure and place a rock to hold it there, though the weather seems nice today.

Speaking of Christmas cards, I only have 13 more to go. Some of you should start receiving yours in the mail tomorrow and then I have more to put in the mail tomorrow. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone.

Forgiven

Yesterday I got a letter in the mail from UHEAA and this is what it stated:

"We are pleased to inform you that the remaining balance of your student loan listed below has been forgiven as a way to thank you for taking care of your laon obligation in a diligent manner. Within 2 to 3 weeks, UHEAA will send a document indicating the paid in full status of the laon."

Is this for real? You bet ya, it is. Now if we could get them to forgive Matt's student loans ;) Oh yeah, the remaining balance was $559.20. Not very much, but enough to make a difference to us. Thanks UHEAA!

Spencer's Birthday Party

Today Spencer had a few friends over for his birthday since we will be in Salt Lake on his actual birthday. He was so excited about the cake I made ( which turned out cute) and especially happy to get presents. This morning he told me he wanted to open presents first thing and I thought I should have a talk with him. I explained that some people might not have money for gifts so not to be too disappointed if he doesn't get any. I also tried to stress that I wasn't having a party for him just for presents, but ait would just be fun to share the day with friends. I asked if he would still be friends with everyone even if they don't bring gifts and he said yes. He understood, but they all brought presents so he was exstatic. He got a nerf dart gun, a western style toy gun, a Big Rig with cars to carry in it, and we gave him the Batman Motorcycle fom the new movie ( which he hasn't seen and probably won't for a loooong time. That movie is really psychotic, not gory and no bad language, but it really psycho! I wouldn't recommend it for children.

Going back to school

Well, since there really aren't any job prospects in the near future,and Unemployment won't last forever, Matt has decided to go back to school. He has prayed, pondered and evaluated our situation and believes he has made the right choice. He has attended the temple and prayed on many occassions and has received a srtong impression to stay in St. George. He has struggled with this considering there isn't much of a job market here, but he has remained faithful. He is interested in a teaching degree which he may acquire in as little as 18 months. He has most of the requirements already and is hopeful for job placement. Teaching is not a high paying occupation as many already know, but it's employment and he is really excited. I think he would be a good teacher. He is looking into teaching math or other sciences at the High School level. He has already registered for spring semester.

Problem Solved

Today Matt moved the treadmill in the house for me. It felt so good to use it again. It worked just fine and I plan on using it alot. I am glad we found a spot for it. Hopefully Grandma doesn't mind when she comes to stay with us cause it's in the spair room.

Friday

Yah, today is Friday. We are having a Birthday party for SPencer tomorrow because we will be out of town on his birthday. I need to make his cake today and I'm going to attempt a Spiderman Cake. I found some pics online and it looks pretty easy. He only wanted to invite two friends so i hope they both are coming. I know Spencer will be disappointed if they don't.

Today I am going shopping for both family Christmas parties. In my family we exchange names and on Matt's side we just do a generic gift and play that game where one person opens a gift and then the next person can steal the previously opened gift or open a new one. It's really fun. Then I still need to get the kids stuff for their stockings. That is all I'm doing this year because a friend of ours gave us one gift each for the kids and I know at least one Grandparent is giving them gifts. They don't need a lot, but I'm grateful for what they are getting.

Oh yeah, this morning I checked the door step and this time we got the second wise man, a bag of chocolate animal crackers and a scripture. I ma going to make a "Thank You" card and leave it tonight for them to take in exchange for what they leave. I need to figure out how to make sur they know it's for them.

Hot Cocoa and a Wise Man

This morning I got up at 5:30 to go running. When I opened the door, there was the next little gift on our steps. This time we got Hot Cocoa and one Wise Man. The scripture is Matthew 2:1,2. Pretty soon we will have the whole nativity set. We have never owned a nativity set.

Ok, so back to the running. I think I am coming over a slump with my working outs. I was really gung ho for a while and was running everyday. It is starting to get colder outside than I prefer for running so I have slacked off. I have been doing some workout tapes at home that I have justified as my workout for the day. Don't get me wrong, I think those tapes are great and I know it still helps, especially in my condition. But, I am not pushing myself and not getting the heart rate I need for an extended period of time. Last night, as I watched the Biggest Loser, my motivation came back. I set my alarm for 5:30 and actually got up at 5:20 before my alarm went off. I went running in 30 degree weather and came back all weazy. Cold does that to my lungs. So, I'm kinda frustrated again. I'm not totally down, I'm just trying to find the right time and place to run. I have a treadmill but it's questionable. I have thught about bringing it in the house (it currently resides on the carport) if I can find a place. Also, I thought about trying the gym. There is one within walking distance of our house. It makes me nervous to think about working out in front of other people, but it might not be a bad idea. Then I need to STOP eating sugar! THis time if year is so hard becaue of all the yummy treats.

Secret Santa continued...

Last night we heard someone running away from our house, so we thought to look out the door and low and behold, there was the third gift on our steps. A jar of peanut butter; YUM, and the last portion of the last scripture which can be found in Luke 2:7. Oh yeah and the figurine is a donkey. I suppose we are going to receive the whole nativity. I hope it's ok to share this experience with everyone. I am so humbled by the anonymity of those who are giving to us this year, but there is a sense of exhiliration when it comes to secrets and I just thought I would share this with everyone til the last day we receive something.

Secret Santa

I mentioned in my last post that someone left items on our front door yesterday. Those Items were 3 pillow cases made with holiday print material, a little Joseph figurine and the scripture found in Luke 2:4-6. I have never read the account of Christs birth as found in Luke and didn't think about reading it until this morning when I opened the door to take Spencer to school only to find more items on the steps. This morning there was two boxes of thin mints, a Mary figurine and another scripture which can be found in Luke 2:7. I decided to get out a Bible and read the accound before we left for school. It was a cool experience and by the scriptures I guess I can expect something tomorrow morning. Thanks Secret Santa!

Very Blessed

I was just sitting in the living room all by myself, as Matt is gone and the kids are in their room, and I couldn't help but stare at the Christmas tree and think of my many blessings. I was reminded of many Chrismas' past that we were humbled by the numerous secret Santas that provided us with extra holiday cheer. I remember the first year we lived at the village getting a knock on the door, Christmas Eve,only to see our Bishop Featherstone with that welcoming smile and "how ya doing." We invited him in and he handed us a Christmas card. He didn't stay long considering we were on our way out the door and he had other cards to deliver as well. As he left our apt. he turned to say, "I'm just the messanger." We open the Christmas card and inside was a $100 bill. Matt and I both just broke down crying. We were so greatful for that money. I went to the store that day and spent every penny on neccessary items such as food, laundry soap and TP.

The following year, we thought we were ok. We had purchased a few things for the kids to open Christmas morning and we were happy with that. We try to teach them the real meaning of Christmas and not spoil them too much. A couple weeks before Christmas our Bishop Mangum gave us a call and asked if he could come over after the kids went to sleep. We agreed. Bishop, his wife and daughter all came over and brought with each of them a full box of presents. Even stuff for Wesley who wasn't born yet. Also, there was two gift cards for Matt and I. We begged Bishop to let us know what we could do to help someone and he refused. That same year, someone paid our rent, and someone gave us a card with cash in it.

This year, our friend has provided us with some gifts for the kids and also a few clothing items they were in need of. Just this morning, as we were on our way to church, I opened the front door and found some items on our steps.

These experiences and many others have truly humble our family. We are so greatful for those around us that are praying for inspiration to help families around them. We keep thinking the time will come for us to repay this debt and help someone else in need. I know there must be something I can give that someone else needs. I guess I should also pray for inspiration to know of someone or something I can do to help.

We are so blessed in so many ways. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over us and as long as we can keep his Spirit with us, we can recognize his hand in all things.

Here are just a few things I am greatful for this Christmas.

My Savior, Jesus Christ
The opportunity to be humbled
My Family
My WARM home
Church Welfare
My testimony of the Savior
The hand of the Lord in all things
All those that sacrifice for m family

Ironman

I went to Wal*Mart to redeem my Quarters for Christmas voucher for shoes. Spencer picked out a pair of Cowboy Boots that were really nice and a pair of Ironman shoes. I knew the voucher was for $30 but I didn't realize it was just for one pair of shoes. I get up to the register and give the voucher to the cashier and she kind of gives me a look and then proceeds to read the instructions on how to process this purchase. I knew it was gonna be bad news when she had to read the instructions. It took her forever and two CSM's to figure it out. Apperantly, the cashier's haven't been trained how to process these vouchers. The shoes that Spencer picked out went over by $2 so I was gonna pay the difference. The sale went through but the cashier couldn't figure out how to charge me the difference. I was then told I could only choose one pair. I chose the Ironman shoes (by now Matt had taken the kids to the car) because I thought Spencer needed them more than boots. The sale then went through just as it should and Spencer has a pair of shoes that he believes makes him run fast because they are Ironman shoes. The funny thing is, Spencer hasn't seen Ironman and doesn't even know who he is except that he's a superhero.

Random Post

The other day Matt told me he wouldn't mind if I were a little more girly. So, I took a good hard look at myself to see what I could do to be more girly. I wasn't offended by what he said. We were having a conversation and he was very kind in the way he spoke to me. See, I've been having this BO problem that I am not proud of. I have tried every deodorant on the market and the clinical strength is a joke. I looked at my diet and certain diseases that can give a person BO, to no avail. Well, I was talking to my sister in law and she has had the same problem. She went to see a doctor and was given a prescription for hydracortizone. She was instructed to use the hydracortizone in place of deodorant. I have tried this and it seems to be working. I never thought I could go without deodorant and not smell stinky! Thanks Becky! So this was our conversation. Matt said I smelled better and he wouldn't mind if I were a little more girly too. Anyway, I decided I would start wearing makeup everyday ( after having kids, I only put makep on for sunday or special occassions) and I don't want to wear perfume everyday so i got some very yummy body sprays. To top it off, I gave myself a french manicure. Yep that's right. I bought this kit with everything in it for $8 at wal*mart. This is the first time I have attempted this on my own. It will take some practice, but they look great! I'm gonna have to get used to functioning with nails. I'm having a hard time typing right now and I can't pick up anything small without a struggle. I asked Matt if he likes my nails and he said he does. He couldn't stand the smell though last night as I was applying the acrylic.

Today I went to pick up Spencer from school and as the teacher called his name she walked over with him to me and handed me a piece of paper. She said it was from the principal and immediately I thought something was wrong. She explained that the paper was from Quarters for Christmas which provides shoes for children. She said each class got three of them and as she looked around her classroom she thought of Spencer considering Matt has been out of work for a while and thought we could use this $30 voucher to buy shoes at Wal*Mart. I broke down crying. We are always so fortunate to receive charity when we need it the most. I know she was inspired to choose Spencer for this amazing gift. Thanks to a special friend too (you know who you are) for providing some gifts for the kids for Christmas.

Trim the Tree

Well, we did it! We put up the Christmas tree and had a good time doing it. We made a night out of it. First of all, we watched The Polar Express and then the kids had a ball decorating the tree (they had lots of practice doing my parents tree). Hot chocolate came next to top it off. We put the tree on the coffee table in front of the window, so I hope Wesley will leave it alone being a little taller. So far, so good.

Tomorrow night is our Ward Christmas Party. I am so excited. I love ward parties. I hear the food is gonna be delicious. Then our family party on Matt's side is on the 21st in Salt Lake. Man, I ove Christmas. I have been trying to remember not to get caught up with all the festivities and remember the real meaning of Christmas. Every year I remind the kids that Christmas isn't just about Santa and presents. I was telling Spencer just this morning as we had a snuggle moment while looking at the tree. I know my Savior lives and loves each and everyone of us. I hope I can think of Him throughout this holiday season and help my family come unto Him.

Happy Holidays!