2010 is almost over

I can not beleive how fast the past year went. It has been an interesting year. Autumn turned 16, I turned 40, Hope started kindergarten, and Tymber started junior high. I also began college, it has been quite a ride. We had a good Christmas and the children were spoiled.
I can't say I am sorry to see 2010 go. With all of the problems Rich has had with his back and as much as he has been out of work due to his back and also the economy I really hope that 2011 will bring a new steady job for him, something he will be able to do that is easier on his body. Whatever the New Year brings I am grateful for my Savior, for the Atonement, my husband, my children, my parents, my ward and being in the young womens, and the love of my family and friends.

Teach them the meaning of Christmas

We went to our ward Christmas party tonight and this is the program they did. It was wonderful.



True Meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .

"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!

Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten." Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that
Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents
the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that
the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."


Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the
lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but
a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD

Kindergarten Christmas

Hope's kindergarten class had a program with another class. They sang about five songs. So cute. Sometimes they were right on, but other times they were way off and shouted the songs. I loved watching them, but I forgot my camera I was not happy. The teachers made all the kids tie-dye shirts as gifts. One more week and school will be out for Christmas break.

Bret Michaels

Last night I went to see the Bret Michaels concert. I have wanted to see him the last 3 times he has been here but tickets are too expensive. This time was no exception. There was no way I could pay the $42.00 for a ticket, plus Autumn wanted to go. My Best Girlfriend Monique, I have known her forever, and she has been the one constant friend in my life that I know I can tell anything to and she is always there. Anyways she works at the Hotel Brett stayed at, she got free tickets for her and her husband. She called me at 5pm and told me she scored 1 more free ticket and it was mine. I was skeptical going, I ad Young Womans and I was worried about missing it, I also felt guilty going without Autumn, Rich had no desire to go. In hind-site I wish I had taken Autumn but I was worried the concert would be sold out. Anyways I went with Monique and her husband and it was great fun. Better that it was free. Thanks Mo for the free ticket, being such a great friend and a great Birthday gift.

Sadie Hawkins

Autumn and Ryan went to Sadie Hawkins for their first date. She was pretty excited because originally Sadie was going to be in November, but our Football team went to state that weekend, so they postponed it. I told Autumn her first date had to be with her dad so I had a great time teasing her she had to take him to the dance. She didn't find me funny. I really didn't think this first date was too traumatic because it was just Ryan and he has been around for a while. They group dated with 5 other couples. I made Ryan drive my Expedition because the roads were kind of slick. They picked Meg and her date up and met everyone at Wal-Mart. From there they went and played Human Clue in Wal-Mart. I have never heard of this but I guess the kids play it a lot, along with other games. They also played hide-and-seek. Then they went to dinner at Alyssa's house. Poor Brother Warner cooked bbq chicken in the snow for them. That is dedication. Then they went to another place for desert and off to the dance. Autumn said there were not a lot of people there but it was fun. They danced a lot and Ryan had her home by about 10:45. They were both tired, they sat and talked to Rich and I for quite a while, he had to be home by 12. She may have a boyfriend but she knows they have to group date. She is a good young woman with strong values and Ryan also has strong values, I am not worried about them, but the still have to group date.

40

Today is my 40th Birthday. Good-bye to the 30's. I thought it would bother me more to turn 40. So far it is just another day. I took the day off work paid, my gift to myself. It has been pretty low key, just the way I like it. Tymber made me a cake, I had to convince her it doesn't need vinegar in it, that girls needs help with her cooking I think. I am blessed to have my family and friends in my life. My family may not be in a good situation right now, but we have each other and I have so much love for my girls and husband. Rich has had to give 2 Blessings the past 2 days for good friends of ours. The Blessings have been amazing, I love that he holds the Priesthood and is able to do this for people we care about.

Sweet 16

It is hard to believe 16 years ago Autumn was born. Time goes so fast. I am not ready for my children to grow up. We are so blessed to have her in our family. Heavenly Father sure knew what He was doing when he sent her to us. She is such a strong spirit, I know she had to be extremely valiant in the pre-mortal life. They say the strongest spirits were saved for last and I believe it without a doubt. When we had her Patriarchal Blessing done it was amazing, some of the things he told her did not surprise me at all. She has a lot of work to do, but I have no doubt she will do it all, and do it well. I also know without a doubt that there is no way we would have gone through the Temple last year if it wasn't for her. When she was 12 and began Young Womans she started to pray faithfully every day to become a forever family. With her testimony and strength she made it possible. She is passionate with her testimony and it burns bright. Sometimes I think she is wise beyond her years. She knows so much more at 16 about the Gospel then I do. She loves to come home from Seminary and tell us what she has learned that day. She has been going to my Gospel Principles class at Church. One because my teacher is amazing and two because her class bores her. It is fun watching her search for scriptures as he is giving the lesson she will silently begin to search her Scripture mastery and pull a scripture up that is not referenced in the lesson. The class is amazed by her. She brings a special spirit into our home. She is a wonderful big sister and loves her sisters.She is patient and kind (most of the time). We are beyond blessed to be her parents and I often wonder what we did in Heaven to deserve this beautiful young woman. We love you Autumn and our lives would not be the same without you in it. We are a blessed family. Thank You for being so strong and for being you!