Pay Attention- secret santa

Christmas spirit is everywhere! I love it! The only think I don't really like is the lines of angry customers. I've had several people in line ask me if I wanted to go ahead of them ;) I don't know why. Maybe because I usually only have a couple of things. But I don't really mind standing in line. I try not to be in a rush , I think bringing a rushed energy into the store is hard on people, especially children. I like to watch people interact. Sometimes I try to listen for the spirit to see if I am supposed to strike up a conversation about Christ and the gospel in some way, or anything that can direct them to our Savior. Does that sound silly? I look at it as a secret santa sort of thing. Quietly watch for people who need a smile. It doesn't cost me anything- I only have to pay....attention.

Fall 2011

We drew names on Labor Day- There are 6 categories with $ different denominations attached to them. I think this will bring some unity and fun to opening presents this year. We haven't done big Christmases (which the definition of that would be many, usually too many gifts to unwrap) for a long time. Mostly because the spirit of Christmas is in sharing and giving not getting, which is difficult for children. We have liked the 3 gifts and a trip, because that is what the kids remember best. Now that they are older and all but one has his or her own job I thought it would be a memory of thinking about each person who's name they drew. We will see. They have strict instructions to keep them all a secret!

This is the list

$50-60

$25 exactly- gift card works well

$15-20

$10-12

$5

Handmade/homemade* be creative

Did I mention its September!?!

Silent Monks Singing Halleluia

2009 Christmas at Sweetwater Bay

Christmas has come and quickly gone.

John made a fire almost everyday....it was nice to wake up to the crackle of wood and smell of warm fire and cocoa. We had no visitors this year. It was a nice family Christmas. John got an ipod I got a couple of pans, Haley got a Flip video camera and Nick got a new phone and guitar strap he wanted. Next year it will be a trip. I'm planning one hopefully it will be a cruise. I think that would be great especially with the adult children.

Its interesting that it has been a whole year and I didn't remember that I had created this blog about Christmas Memories. This year we talked to our missionario in NJ. Cute Elder Nielsen. I smile just thinking about him. I could hear a huge smile in his voice when we talked about what was going on in NJ and how there are only 7 months left. He will be home Aug 3. He didn't get any presents before or on Christmas. Everything was delayed. It will be a fun week for him as the gifts trickle in...it will be more like a Christmas week instead of morning!