Merry Christmas

Finally.................. Finally school is out, all my choir concerts are over (and let me say, they were quite successful) and now, now, I am starting to come down from the very frenzied week and month we have had!! It has been crazy.
I had the opportunity to stop and think about some things on the way home from work today. It was a long, slow, snowy drive (and very icy as well). I had on a great cd, Hilary Weeks, The collection. Well, As I drove, I started to think about the reason for this season and thought I would post some pictures that sum up my thoughts.
First and foremost, I am thankful for my Savior. With out him, none of this earth life would make sense. There would be no reason to be striving, working, repenting, proving or trying. How grateful I am for him. For all that he brings to our mortal experience.

Second, I am grateful for my Husband and my kids. They are amazing people in my life. Why I am so lucky to have a husband who adores me and loves me, despite my flaws, is beyond me. I am deeply humbled to know him. He has an amazing heart and a great capacity to understand and love. My kids are 3 of the most amazing humans beings I know, and I get the privledge of being their mom! Nate is growing into this amazing man. He is funny and sarcastic and spiritual and sweet. Nick is sensitive and sweet and the most amazing reader I know and is so pure of heart. Caitlyn is spunky and sassy and driven and dynamic.

Next would be my sister, Diane. Unfortunately I cannot find a digital picture of her on my computer...so I will have to add one later...
But, Diane is my Hero. She is amazing and strong. She is a leader and has the spirit with her. She keeps moving forward and I love hearing her talk and listening to her recount spiritual experiences. She is amazing. She teaches 6th grade, she is the mom of 4 amazing boys. She is the grandma to the cutest grandson. She is a cancer survivor and has rescued me on more than one occasion. I love her!
SNOW...I have to be grateful for snow. It cleanses the air and purifies. It washes. It is cold and magical and wonderlike. I love pine trees covered in snow. I am not a huge fan of shoveling snow or driving on frozen snow, but there is just nothing that compares to a first snowfall

My dogs
How crazy and big and goofy and spoiled are these two?? But when you have had a crappy day, or week, or month...they are the first ones there to wag their tails and lick every part of your face and who are more than willing to snuggle in. They do NOT judge or wish I was different, or better, or skinnier, or a better...anything....they just love, unconditionally. And even if they have to go out at 1 am, there is nothing better than doggie kisses and loves.These pictures are of Zoe after she had cut her leg open. she had this huge cone on her head and she would ram everybody with it. But she would go out in the snow and get snow in the cone and then flip it out. Pretty funny. The other is of Zeus when we got him, we forget how cute and innocent he was...so I thought this would be a good reminder picture

















I am also grateful for great friends who are amazing examples to me. You know who you are!!! Especially Deanna, Teresa, Leona, Helena, Carmen and Brittany

I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, a Christ filled Christmas and a joyous New Year!!