The Joys of Christmas

So again I have no pictures or footage of Christmas. My Camera is acting funny and so is our video camera, but family members took some so hopefully I can get some from them. As for the big day it was awesome. Jaylee loved opening the presents, and had so many toys she didn't know what to do. It was so cute. when we came home all she could say was toys. We were blessed with many wonderful gifts. There are a few that I would like to mention though. Devon got a new hat from Disneyland and some shoes. both a surprise and he loved them both, Yay. Jaylee loves the new books she got and her new 3 pairs of Disney pajamas, so cute. I got a Cricut and I am so exited to use it and the new Taylor Swift CD which I have already listened through 3 times. I would have to say that our most exiting gift was the new microwave that we found on our doorstep. So Thanks to whomever gave it to us. We love it :)

Christmas wasn't all fun and games for us though. That morning my mom got the Stomach flu after we opened the presents. That evening Devon got sick as well and it all went down hill from there. Christmas night My grandma, brother, and I got the stomach flu followed by my other brother, Dad and Grandpa the night after. It ended up working out though, cause Jaylee never got it, and my mom was well enough to take care of Jaylee when Devon and I were sick. We in return were well enough to take care of Jaylee so my Mom could take care of my Dad and brother. I definitely have to say it was a Christmas that I will never forget, but as you can see it was probably a good thing that our cameras weren't working. All of us being sick wouldn't make the best pictures after all.

3 days till Christmas

I am so excited this year for Christmas. Not for the gifts I am giving, or receiving, but for spending time with my family. Jaylee is starting to understand who Santa is and the concept of Christmas. The cutest thing that she has been saying lately is we ask her what Santa says and she says "Ho Ho Ho." It is so cute. then we ask her what Santa gives you for Christmas and she says " Presents." Devon thinks that she is saying baby sometimes, but I know better. Although baby is one of Jaylee's favorite words presents sounds way different.
Last night we went to the free Caroling event at Energy Solutions Arena. I don't know if any of you have been able to go to that, but this will be the 2nd year that we have been. Last year it was so nice cause we just walked in got a ton of free stuff and enjoyed the whole night, but this year I have to be honest wasn't the best. We got there later and had to wait in a huge line to get in. Then I had to save seats for my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband for half of the program so that they could get free hot dogs and coke. Yeah not fun. The highlight of the night was Jon Schmidt. He is awesome. After we left we didn't get as much free stuff as last year, so I guess it was kind of a let down from the year before. We are hoping that next year won't be as bad. Hopefully they plan for that many people. I don't think they knew how many people were actually going to come. It was also fun to see Jaylee watch the program. When Santa and the Bear came on the stage she was just enthralled with what was going on. Anyway I will try and get some pictures on my blog from Christmas. Yay, I am so excited.

Results

It has only been a couple days, but so far it has turned out pretty good. On Wednesday I decided to cut my hair short. I guess you can say it was a lot of weight lifted off of my shoulders since my long hair was giving me so much grief. We are still in need of a microwave, but are postponing it until we absolutely need it, at least that is what it seems like right now. It has been an interesting experience. A little planning ahead, a few more dishes, and we are doing okay... so far. Wish me luck on either a great deal on a microwave, or patience till January :). Another interesting thing is how Jaylee has reacted to my more positive attitude ( note I am not perfect yet, but convincing myself to look lighter of situations, and to be grateful for what I have is helping so far) Anyway Jaylee loves to have me read books to her, and loves it when I spend time with her. Although that can't always be the case cause I have chores that need to get done, and dinner that needs to be made and sometimes I need to do something for my sanity. But instead of looking at play time as a chore, and boring I am enjoying it more resulting in my daughter enjoying it more. I don't know if I am just weird or if some of you have done this, but I love turning on some fun Christmas music and dancing with Jaylee. She loves it and is so cute when she dances. That and its a great way to use up energy and just have fun. I am totally putting her in a dance class. She will love it. I am definitely going to keep trying to be happy. Stress doesn't get you anywhere. As a matter of fact for me it causes less to get done which results in more stress. Its actually quite silly if you think about it.

Happiness

It is so amazing to me how easy it is to stress out. I could be having the best day and one thing happens and its like the end of the world. So today I am going to try something new, an experiment I guess you can say. I am going to take everything that is stressing it out and turn it into something good, so that today ends up being a great day. I will start by writing it in this blog. So last night I found out that I get to buy a new microwave. My old one worked a good 2 1/2 years, and did a good job, so I can't complain plus this will help the economy out. After work today I get to have a haircut. I am trying to decide whether I want it trimmed, or if I should just chop it off. I want to donate it, but the idea of having cute hair without all the work sounds so appealing. We shall see, and I will be excited either way :). I have an apartment to clean, and laundry that needs to be caught up, but my presents are wrapped, and my bedroom is clean, which is a rare occasion, so I am quite excited. I think I will try a new recipe for dinner tonight. Wow, I feel better about today all ready. Yay for optimism.

Moroni 7:48

As I was reading in the book of Mormon today I came across this scripture and I thought it says exactly what I was trying to explain in my last blog. Here it is.

" Wherefore, my beloved bretheren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

Isn't that awesome. I liked it.

The Forgotten Carols

I don't know if any of you have been able to experience going to the Forgotten Carols, or maybe all of you have and it has just taken me forever to have the experience. Last night I was able to go for the first time. I know the songs and love them, but I never knew the story that goes along with it. I won't go into detail just in case someone wants to see it, but there was an aspect of it that I would like to talk about. The true meaning of Christmas. This year has been a very interesting one for me. With Devon in School, Jaylee growing and having more of a personality, moving to a smaller apartment it has been a very humbling experience. What I most want to emphasize on is all of the many things out there this season that have been reminding me of the Savior including the play that I saw last night. I really liked the different perspectives that the songs gave of people that were around during the life of the Savior. Whether the exactness of the perspectives is right that is not important. What I did enjoy about it is that it reminded me of how big of a miracle it was during the Saviors birth. The timing, the people, everything worked out so that the Savior could atone for our sins. So that we can live with our families, and our Heavenly Father and Savior again. How awesome is that.

Another thing that has been on my mind lately has been the talks on Sunday. Especially Bro. and Sis. Andreason's talks. I really enjoyed what Brooke said about her family and how those experiences that she went through has helped her find what the true meaning of Christmas is to her, and to go along with that Matt's perspective that Christmas is about love. I don't think there is a better way to explain it. Yeah there are presents and traditions and every family is different with how they do things, but if we have love in our home during the Christmas season, then that is probably the best gift that we can give to our Savior. Don't you think. I hope this makes sense. Sometimes what I think and how I say it turn out way different. Anyway I hope everyone has a great Christmas Season.

Finals Week

Isn't it amazing how everything falls on finals week. The first time I met my husband was around finals week at a choir concert. My daughter was born during finals week between two of my husbands finals. good timing :). This week we have parties, The Forgotten Carols, haircuts, game days, and tons of homework. Don't forget a sick husband. Luckily some elves came to my apartment yesterday and cleaned my house. It was nice considering a tornado named Jaylee went through it first. I hope everyone has a great week and a happy holiday season. I know I will ;)

This is new

Where do I begin. I am not much of a writer especially when I can hear my daughter in the background crying. We are attempting nap time, but depending on the day we either fail or succeed. So far the Cough that she has is causing the nap to fail. My daughter is 19 months old and is very smart. She is always getting into things, making messes,but in the process is having so much fun. It is so hard to get upset at her cause she is so cute, yet it can be way frustrating. Its at times like this where I like to remind myself of what Joseph B Wirthlin says. " Come what may and love it." Which is great advice for me cause sometimes I am too busy stressing over things that I forget those simple things that really matter and help to make you happy. Anyway I am excited to start this blog. It is definitely a great way to vent.