Book of Mormon Reading

Yesterday in church our bishop challenged our ward to finish reading the Book of Mormon. Either to start and finish or if we are in the middle, to keep reading and finish the Book of Mormon. I found a really cool website where you can put in the day you want to start and the day you want to finish and they will make a chart for you of how much you need to read that day. If any of you want to use this, it is great. I am always really great about starting, but never finish. I am one who needs to have a little chart where I color in the spaces as I go along.

New Years Eve

Happy New Years Eve!

Can you believe it is the end of another year? It seems to go slow sometimes, but then BAM the end of the year is here!! Jared and I last year made New Year's Resolutions. Last year was the first year that I took those New Year's Resolutions and typed them up. I then put them in a frame. The frame sat in our kitchen where we would look at them from time to time. I have always tried to make New Year's Resolutions but by February, I had forgotten them. So, this is my challenge to all of you reading this!!! Write them down, frame them, and look at them throughout this next year!!! Good luck!!

Old Reunion

Today I got to get together with some of my old friends! We try and at least do some sort of a Christmas get together. Here are some fun pictures. It is so fun to remember the good old times and to catch up on what everyone is doing these days. We got together at Tiffani's house. Her husband Mike subs out to build houses and THEY ARE HUGE! Her house is very big and very nice. They move every couple of years though. We just got together and had some lunch and visited. Lori, Lance, and her two girls (Kelsey and McKenna) came down from Bountiful, Emily is home for the holidays from Pittsburgh, although she says that she may be moving back to Utah in a few months, and Kristy is here in Orem. I don't get to see these girls as much as I would like too!! We had some fun times when we were all single and living right next to each other.

This is a picture of the gals. From left to right: Emily, Jayce, me, Kylee, Kristy, Lori, Kelsey, and Tiff
Here is a darling picture of the three girls eating cheerios. They liked to feed each other!

Concussion

Kylee fell pretty good last night. She was sitting on our bar stools and was pushing with her feet against the counter. Well, I bet you all can guess that she pushed too hard! Back she went. We watched her all night and kept getting her up every hour to make sure she was okay. She is fine this morning and coloring away. Scary thing! The girl has had so many little accidents. I hope that if we have a boy, he won't be any more clutsy than her. But I guess she takes after it naturally! I am probably the biggest clutz ever!!! My high school days left permanent scars on my body!!

Jared and Leslie Keisel

My parents gave us a framed picture of our names, the meanings and some our personality attributes. I love it!! I wanted to share with all of you what Jared and my name means. See how you think they resemble us!

Jared
Root: Jared
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "down to earth"

Majestic
he enriches many lives
Personality
he is slow to anger
Genuine
a person of high moral worth
Style
tends to his own affairs
Ability
one who is conversant in many fields
Character
does not act prematurely cares for the troubled
Sentiment
he anticipates great success
Physical
a relentless competitor

Leslie
Root: Lege
Origin: Old English
Meaning: "from the meadowlands"
Majestic
has the potential to accomplish greatness
Personality
always plays to win
Genuine
she is always sincere
Style
a person who toughs things out
Ability
a woman of initiative
Character
cares for the troubled
Sentiment
knows beauty is only skin deep
Physical
a valued team member

I think this is a very good description of Jared! Especially the relentless competitor!! What a man!

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We had a great one and are so glad that we got to see all of our family. Thank you everyone for a wonderful holiday!! It was a long day and the girls had had it when we got home, but they sure are having a blast this morning playing with toys and what not!

The girls in their pajamas! The color is really bright in this picture. Kylee opening her gifts from the Keisels.
Jayce opening her gifts from the Keisels.
Jared still looking tired!!!
Kylee liked to open everyone's presents for them.

Jayce enjoyed sucking her toes!!! ICK!
Jayce ate this apple for quite awhile. It was nice to keep her happy while there were presents to be opened!
Jared getting a GREAT gift!!
I was trying to get Kylee to show me her Barbie, but she was interested in looking at Kaja's Barbie instead of the camera, but she did show me hers!
Kylee and her new fishing pole!! She is all set for this summer. We better do lots of camping trips!
Both of the girls got a Build A Bear! Kylee here has both Jayce's and hers!
Kylee and Kaja in the chairs the Jayce got holding their animals!!
This is Christmas at my Grandma and Grandpa's! We like to call the presents the Great Wall of China! There are so many people. Most of the gifts are for my grandparents!!
Jayce eating Kylee's head
YAHOO!!!!! I got a bike trailer! I have wanted one of these for so very long! I wonder if we can fit 3 kids in it!!! :)
Kylee was really excited to see what Santa brought her! What a crazy face!
The girls opening their gifts to each other!! Kylee wanted to give Jayce a guitar (she calls it a violin)!
Jaycers pulling a crazy face!
Kylee on her bike!
Our house was a disaster!! Looks like a tornado blew up the house!
Kylee with her helmet on (backwards) and her kitty!

Here is a video of Kylee opening what she got from Santa!!

Here is a video of the little Kyster riding her new bike round and round our table.

Paul Cardall Concert

Saturday night, Jared's parents took all of his brothers and spouses to dinner and then to a Paul Cardall concert. Wow! It was wonderful. I have always loved the piano and so mad that I quit. I can say that now right! He was asked to put music to the book The Christmas Box. What a wonderful night. Tyler and Christine were with our kids for about 6 hours. It was so wonderful to get out and experience that. I have really liked being pregnant this time of year instead of having a newborn. I can go to parties and can get babysitters to watch my kids while I do lots of Christmas shopping! Thanks to all who have helped us this season!!

Christmas Candy

When we got home from Gardner Village, Jayce was completely exhausted so I put her down at my mom's house and we made some candy. We haven't made Scissor Candy in a very long time and I forgot how much I like the stuff. Next year, that is what the neighbors are getting I believe. Here is the recipe in case any of you want to try. It is really pretty easy stuff to do.

Scissor Candy

2 C sugar
2/3 C Karo syrup
1 C water
flavorings and colorings

Butter a cookie sheet. Put some powdered sugar into a mason jar or a plastic bowl with a lid. Using a wooden spoon, stir over high until boiling. Reduce heat, cover and boil 3 minutes. Remove lid and cook candy until 285'. Remove from heat and add 1 dram of flavoring and 12 drops of coloring. Pour on buttered pan and cool until edges pull back. Cut with scissors (or with a pizza cutter) into pieces. Place in powdered sugar and shake every now and then. Strain off excess powdered sugar and its ready to eat. Here are the flavors and colors we like

anise - purple
peppermint-yellow
wintergreen - blue
cinnamon - red
spearmint - green

Here is a recipe for Honey Taffy. I remember making Scissor Candy and Honey Taffy at my grandma's house in Christmases past! Such great memories!

Honey Taffy

2 1/3 c. sugar
2 1/3 c. honey
1 1/2 c. water
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla

If you plan for a taffy pull for an evening, cook it much earlier - if too early it can be warmed up. Combine sugar, honey, water and salt. Cook rapidly to 280 degrees (medium crack). Stir in vanilla and pour into a buttered pan to cool enough to be handled. Then pull until light. Pull the last few pulls higher, draw out into a rope about 1/2 inch in diameter. While still pliable, quickly cut into 1/2 inch lengths. (Use kitchen shears with blades rubbed with softened butter). Wrap each piece in heavy waxed paper. Makes 2-2 1/2 pound. Note: Do not stir candy while cooking.

Gardner Village

Yesterday, my sister, sister-in-law, her mom, my mom, the girls, and I made a trek to Gardner Village. It was sooo very yummy and fun. We had lunch at Archibald's and then headed out to shop. It was a bit chilly so we all went to the car while Christine and her mom did a bit of shopping. It was so nice. Here are some pictures of Andi crammed in the back between Kaja and Kylee.

A picture of Kaja and Kylee getting ready for the trip home!
Here is a cute little video of our new Primary counselor singing with the kids. What a natural calling for Andi huh!!

Jaycelyn Walking

Jayce has been getting close to walking. Last night she was walking back and forth between the couches. She usually has had to hold on to my hand or have another person to walk to. She wouldn't just walk to walk. But last night she started doing it herself. So, maybe she is going to be walking in the next little bit. Here is a video of her walking. The getting to the standing up position in the middle of the floor she has been doing for about a month or so. Silly girl, just walk!!!

Yesterday, Andi had offered for me to come over and she would help me get my girls pj's done. She had read my blog a couple of days ago where I said I hadn't even started. I did the same pattern that she did for Kaja and she said it took her a good 5 days. OH BOY! Was I in trouble. I had to do 2!!! Anyway, I went over there at 8:30 and left around 4:00. I just have to put the ruffle at the bottom of Kylee's pants and I am done! I can do that pretty easy in the next couple of days! My poor house and laundry has been neglected the last few days because of the other pressing matters! I better start the straightening before the holidays come! Thank you for saving my life Anders!!!

Here is a picture of my girls in their chairs. They are constantly fighting over the pink one. As soon as Kylee gets out, Jayce heads for the chair and then Kylee fusses!!! It is kind of funny!
Here is a picture of what Jared has been doing the last couple of nights. I am really glad that the girls sleep through the air compressor and the saw!! I am really excited to get our basement done! We had a plan on how to do it, but Jared came up with a different plan and it works so much better!! When it is all done, we will have two more bedrooms, a bathroom, I get a craft room/exercise room, and then Jared's "domain" (as he calls it!)

Done, Done, Done!!

I FINISHED CHRISTMAS SHOPPING YESTERDAY!!! Whewweee! It sure feels good. Well, sort of feels good. I think I overdid myself. I was in a lot of pain today. Got the pregnancy wobble going on!! :) This morning, I am feeling better so that is good. At least now, I can just relax and mostly rest until Christmas!!!

Christmas Shopping

Yesterday I asked my sister if she could watch my girls while I did some shopping! Can I tell you how wonderful that was and how much I got done. It was so great and I am so grateful to Andi for watching the kids! I hope they didn't wear her out too much. They have a way of doing that! I have a little bit more to do and then I really need to be done so that I can start on the girls pajamas. I have been putting it off way too long and I really need to get those done!!

I am also done with neighbor's gifts. I love some of the creative ideas people do for us. Our neighbors gave us some muffin mix with some whisks with a tag that says, "Whisking you a Merry Christmas and a "Jiffy" New Year." Clever huh!!! I have a list of some cute sayings. Here I will post them for those that like clever little sayings. Some are really cute, and some are just fun. Be forewarned, there are LOTS!!!!!

1. Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"

2. A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your "crummy" neighbors.

3. Barq's Root Beer: "Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you're "barqing" up the right tree!"

4. Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

5. Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

6. Loaf of bread: "For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping others "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job loving others."

7. Bananas: "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better "bunch" than you!"

8. Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary" Merry Christmas".

9. Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!"

10. Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear, wishing you a cup of cheer."

11. Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"

12. Ice Cream: "Have a cool yule!"

13. Hershey's Kisses in a Wire Wisk: "We "whisk" you a merry "kiss" mas.

14. Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles, "absorb" the Christmas spirit!"

15. Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"

16. Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!"

17. Matches: "To our matchless friends"

18. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "bubble" over with fun!"

19. 7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7 uplifting thoughts/ideas)

20. Sprite: "May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!"

21. Rootbeer: "We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season!"

22. Any Pop: "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as our friends!"

23. Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"

24. Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry" Christmas"

25. Mints: "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"

26. Snickers Candy Bar: "Don't "snicker" - just be glad you got something!"

27. Cookie Dough -"Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"

28. Jar of Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"

29. Veggies & Dip: "Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!"

30. Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"

31. Muffins or Muffin Mix: "You're gettin' "muffin" for Christmas!"

32. Grater & Cheese: "To a "grate" neighbor"

33. Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with love - Happy Holidays!"

34. Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season full of sweetness!"

35. Whisk Broom: "Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your Cares Away!"

36. Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace"

37. Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: "Have a honey of a Christmas"

38. Hershey's Kisses: "Merry "Kiss"mas"

39. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!"

40. Soup mix: You're "souper" - Merry Christmas"

41. Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: "Not a creature was "stirring"..."

42. Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: "We have to ad-"mitt" you're a great neighbor!"

43. Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: "Bake up some Christmas cheer!"

44. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: "Spice Up Your Christmas!"

45. Bag/Box of Whoppers: "Hope you have a "whopper" of a Christmas"

46. M&M's: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!"

47. Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful holiday season "topped" with Christmas cheer!"

48. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone...she needs hugs too!"

49. Popcorn Balls: "Hoping you have a "ball" this Christmas season"

50. Jolly Ranchers: "Have a holly "jolly" Christmas"

51. Chex Party Mix: "Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!!!

52. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's:" Hope a merry "Ho-Ho-Ho" fills your heart the whole year through!"

53. Jar of Jelly: "Jelly is like love -- you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself!"

54. Christmas Tray: "We "tray"sure your friendship!"

55. Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!"

56. Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning"

57. Potpourri: "May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmases long ago!"

58. Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!"

59. Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"

60. Lifesavers: "You've been a life saver!"

61. Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays"

62. Broom or Feather Duster: "You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know!"

63. Measuring Cup or Spoons: "Wishing you a joy beyond "measure"!"

64. Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!"

65. Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse to our "deer" friends!"

66. Wooden Spoon: "Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You'll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"

67. Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!"

68. Heart Ornament: "May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas Day"

69. Cinnamon Sugar for toast: "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!"

70. Christmas music: "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!"

71. Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"

72. Salsa: "Add a little spice to your holidays"

73. Stocking or Filled Jar: "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"

74. Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!!"

75. Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"

76. Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!"

77. Cherry 7-Up: "Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!"

78. Sparkling Cider: "Wishing you a sparkling holiday season!"

79. Warm casserole or bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes"

80. Eggbeater: "Have an "eggstra" special holiday!"

81. Pie: "Wishing you a scrumptious Christmas"

82. Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!

83. Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!

84. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: "Here's some packaged"snowball" treats - Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"

85. Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"

86. Anything Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"

87. Anything Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"

88. Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!" Merry Christmas!!

89. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!"

90. Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"

91. Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"

92.Christmas Shaped pasta: "Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"

93. Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!!"

94. Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"
95. Brownie Mix (or other mix): "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Attach the recipe!)

96. Homemade caramels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"

97. Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"

98. Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"

99. Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops! "

100. Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"

101. Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"

102. Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesy", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"

103. Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"

104. Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"

105. Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"

106. Homemade Chocolates: "You're so sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"

107. Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"

108. Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!"

109. Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" a lot about you!! Merry Christmas"

110. Spiced Drink Mixes: "Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"

111. Recipe: "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"

112. Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"

113. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!

114. Plant: "The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!"

115. Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

116. Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!"

117. Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas tree: "Hope your Christmas is "tree-mendous"!"

118. Payday candy bar: "It's the "nutty" time of the year again, so please don't lose your cool! Relax, and munch this little treat and have a happy yule!"

119. Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey's Kiss: "Here's a "squeeze and a "kiss", to remind you you're loved all through the year!"

120. Salsa & Tortilla Chips: "Have a hot and spicy Christmas!"

121. Scouring pad/sponge: "I scoured the earth for a friend like you!"

Ring Around the Rosy

Kylee and Jayce were playing Ring Around the Rosy. Cutest thing ever. Here are some videos of them trying. It took a few times for me to get the camera and Jayce to not want to come sit on my lap!! (Sorry, Kylee again is in just underwear!! But notice, they are underwear! We are getting somewhere with this)

TAKE 1



TAKE 2

TAKE 3

AND FINALLY WE GET IT!!!

NuSkin Party

Last night (again) I got to go out!!! I have been so lucky can I tell you. Jared's work party was last night. They hold it at the McKay Events Center in Orem. Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband performed. I remember following them around with one of my roommates was dating one of the members. Anyway, they are fun to watch perform. Then they gave away prizes. HUGE prizes! And then we went home. It was after 10 when I got home. Oh, so nice to get out. I love it, but I also love coming back to my kiddies!!! :)

A Christmas Carol

Last night I got to go to see A Christmas Carol at the Hale Center Theater. It was so much fun!! My parents had two extra tickets and I invited a neighbor friend of mine to go with me. I have been very blessed these last few months to be able to go out quite a bit. Jared is great to let me do that!!! We have all seen, heard, or read A Christmas Carol. It was a great reminder that at this time, there is really no reason to be a grump! We get to be surrounded by our lovely families and share in the spirit of love and giving. I am just grateful for my family and friends that I care so much about!

Gifts

I have this book that everyday there is some short thought to help us on the "Simple Abundance" path. I really like this book. It makes me think about things that I do and how I want a peaceful life and some ideas on how to achieve that in this real world. Todays thought is about the Gifts of the wise men. At this time it is easy to forget what this season is all about with the gift buying and parties and everything else that is going on. People talk about Christmas being to commercialized. Reading todays thought really hit me and is kind of interesting.

Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents. JO MARCH (LOUISA MAY ALCOTT)

Jo's right. Remember when she grumbled about not having any money for presents in Little Women? Christmas is about gifts. Always has been. But we feel uncomfortable with this emphasis on gimme, gimme, gimme. Buy, buy, buy. Charge,
charge, charge. We admonish our children to remember the reason for the season, even though we have difficulty remembering it ourselves when we're caught up in the chaos and commotion of the holidays.

Today let's ruminate on the Real role of gifts in the Christmas story. Those gifts were wrapped in miracles, which is probably why we can't find them at malls or in mail-order catalogs. The first gift was of Spirit: unconditional Love. The next gift came from a Jewish teenager named Miriam, who was known to her family and friends as Mary. Her Christmas present was selflessness, the complete surrender of ego and will needed to bring Heaven down to earth. The gifts of her fiancé, Joseph, were trust and faith. He trusted that Mary wasn't pregnant with another man's child; he believed there really was a Divine Plan to get them through this mess. The Child brought forgiveness. Wholeness. Second chances. The angels' gifts were tidings of comfort, joy, and peace, the reassurance that there was nothing to fear, so rejoice. The shepherd boy's gift was generosity: his favorite lamb for the baby's birthday present. The innkeeper's wife's gifts were compassion and charity: a warm, dry, safe place for the homeless family to stay, her best coverlet to wrap the new mother and little one, a meal for Joseph, the donkey's fresh hay.

Three kings from the east traveled many hot, dusty miles following a bright star in search of a royal birth. The sages' divination foretold the coming of the "King of Kings"; on their camels' backs were treasures with which to honor his arrival. But when they arrived in Bethlehem, they found the newborn prince in a cow stall instead of a palace. The shocked Wise Men unwrapped gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but their Real gifts were wonder, acceptance, and courage. They offered wonder by surrendering logic, reason, and common sense. Accepting the impossible, they suspended skepticism long enough to double-cross the insane King Herod, frantically searching for the child who would change the world. With courage at the risk of their own lives-the Wise Men helped the young family escape to a safe haven in Egypt.

Oh, yes. Christmas is all about gifts. Nothing but gifts. But such gifts! Gifts tied with heartstrings. Gifts that surprise and delight. Gifts that transform the mundane into the miraculous. Gifts that nurture the souls of both the giver and the given. Perfect gifts. Authentic gifts. The gifts of Spirit, a frightened teenage girl, her bewildered sweetheart, the Child, the angels, the shepherd boy, the inn-keeper's wife. The gifts of the Magi.Unconditional Love. Selflessness. Trust. Faith. Forgiveness. Wholeness. Second Chances. Comfort. Joy. Peace. Reassurance. Rejoicing. Generosity. Compassion. Charity. Wonder. Acceptance. Courage.

To give such gifts. To truly open our hearts to receive such gifts gratefully. Christmas just won't be Christmas without any presents.

STILL NO TREADMILL!!!

Jared and I bought a treadmill, well, paid for it, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Jared got up at the butt crack of dawn to go to Sears. They told us it would be in on Wednesday. He called Wednesday and Thursday. Finally, on Friday, they told us that our order was never processed and that they could put the order through again and we would get it the NEXT Friday. JOKE!!! The manager did all he could. Called all the store in Utah and called their warehouse in LA. No luck. So, today was that next Friday. GUESS WHAT!!! NO TREADMILL!!! Sears oversold the treadmill and they don't think they will have any in before Christmas.

They did tell us that if we found a similar treadmill, they might be able to give us that one at the price we bought this other one. Jared told the salesperson the other 3 treadmills he was contemplating. Last I heard, Jared had not heard back from Sears to see if they would let us use one of the other treadmills. I just hope we get one!!!

Out AGAIN!!!!

Last night I got to go out again. A friend and I have been wanting to get out for a long time and finally last night we went. We went to the Pizza Factory. YUMMY!!! I got the Poppy Seed Ranch Salad. I love that salad. Then we also got a dessert. If any of you go, you HAVE to get the Never on Sundae! We got that and shared. So very yummy! I got home and just talked Jared's ear off about how great it was. I wanted to get out, but wasn't to hot on seeing a movie because the whole reason to get out was to visit and you just don't do that during a movie!!! Megan and I talked each other's ears off!!! It was so nice.

ELF DANCING!

Here is a video of our family doing a dance together. Hope you enjoy it!!! It takes awhile to load, (maybe about 3 minutes or so), but it is sure worth the wait to see Jared getting down!! (For those of you like me, who take awhile to catch on to how things work on the computer, put your mouse over the word "video" and your mouse will become a finger pointer. Click on that and it will take you to the video.)

Caroling

Last night I had achievement days. We had planned that we would go caroling around the neighborhood with the girls. The girls were meeting at our house at 6:00. Around 5:30, I started thinking, "I hate caroling!!!" "Why are we doing this?" I was the one that suggested it when we had a planning meeting awhile ago. Anyway, we went out and it was so fun. I think the girls had a really great time!! The people that heard us carol also enjoyed it!

Music

Jared was telling his family this weekend that he doesn't enjoy the Christmas music on our blog as much as I do!! No, he does!! Before I put the Christmas music on, he would got to our blog at work and listen to the music throughout the day. So for him!! I have put our regular music on at the bottom in case any of you want to hear other music. Silly I know, but it makes him happy!!

Snow Fun!

We woke up to some snow this morning!!! Kylee, again, could hardly wait to get out. She wanted to go out and shovel the walks with Jared at 6:30. I made her stay inside and eat some breakfast first and then she and Jared went out. Here is a picture and video. I went out to see how they were doing and Jared was running around in circles with Kylee in her sled. Check it out.

Our video is real short because the batteries died, but Jared will go out in a few minutes again and I will get more video.