Merry Christmas

I hope you all remembered the reason for the season, and had good friends and family to spend it with.

My Little Eskimo

How could you not love this guy?

[i know. me. no makeup. scary picture. but this is about him.]

This Week Has Been Great Because....

*Romantic dinners made for my husband when he's had a rough day. [We ate by candlelight, had soft Christmas music playing in the background, and had sparkly. Mmmmm. Sure, the card table doesn't seem too appealing, but we make it work.]

*A new Kitchen Aid my dear sweet mother bought me... we got it just a few days ago.

It's a beauty, isn't it? I can't wait to start using it!

*CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! Love love love.

[The adorable tin star was orignally supposed to be our tree topper, but because the height of the tree was too tall, we had to reduce it to decor...]

[I know.. the wreath is decorating the thermostat... but it's the only place we could find to put it. Aside from that, it's lovely, huh?]

*Our unique ornaments that we found at TaiPan. They are perfect!

*And our cute Christmas pictures- thanks to Marlene. ;)

Well-Fed and Uplifted

Last night, Alex and I were fortunate enough to attend the First Presidency Christmas Devotional with a couple friends. We got incredible seats- which is something I nor Alex have ever experienced- and since we got there early, we had the opportunity to watch all the apostles come in with thier wives and take their seats in the audience.

Living in Oklahoma, I didn't have many chances to see ANY apostle or prophet in the "flesh", in fact.. I didn't have any chance. I will tell you, having that opportunity now will NEVER get old. I feel like a little kid every time I see an apostle or any member of the First Presidency. It's... incredible.

Thomas S. Monson is truly a prophet of God. I don't believe that anyone has the power to quiet the Conference Center within 2 seconds, just by walking into the room. As we all stood to honor him, it was such a powerful reminder of just how incredible these men are.

Uchtdorf is always so refined and filled with the spirit. Of course, Eyring made me cry... as he always does. Every time he starts to choke up, an instant tear is brought to my eye as well. And it was such an experience to see Monson since becoming the prophet. When he speaks, it sends chills down your spine. You know he is truly a man of God, and that he is speaking His words.

I love the Christmas season. We walked through temple square after it was over, and I just felt such a joy and love for Jesus Christ. After hearing these inspired men speak to us, how could you not??

I went home completely fed with the spirit and totally uplifted.

Doing My Duty.

As a citizen, daughter, sister, wife, friend, co-worker, confidante, and human being.

I need to say what I'm grateful for, especially during this holiday where so many people have so little... yet continue to praise God for everything they have. Puts your life into perspective doesn't it? Seeing those who are struggling financially, emotionally, spiritually.... still giving thanks for all their blessings.

I am thankful for:

• My hott-stuff husband who treats me like a queen every day.
  

• My brothers and sisters. We are all so close, and I realize that this is rare. We're always there for eachother, and always will be. [Disreguard my hair being IN my face... I didn't realize how it looked until it was too late.....]
  

• Josh Groban singing "O Holy Night". Wow.....

• The Gospel. As each day passes, I realize more and more how I'm so thankful for it, and how it anchors my life. Every thought goes hand in hand with what I've been taught and what I know. How truly grateful I am to be sealed to my husband for time and all eternity!

• Having enough money to get by. No, we're not rich by ANY means... but the fact that we're both working, can afford to live on our own, buy our own food- and still be happy says a lot.


• Desserts.


• Having incredible parents who taught me more than they'll ever realize.
  
• Hot chocolate, Hot husband, Christmas movies.


• Living in the country I do.




• Grandparents who support their children's decision in joining the church, even though they aren't members themselves and yet respect it whole-heartedly. There are about 40 other things I could say about these two, but for the sake of time and space, I'll stop there.

• Being the person I am, and having the agency I do.