Surprise Christmas

Christmas went by quickly this year, as it does every year. I know I’ve been slacking in the blogging department, but my excuses are many with the holidays and the time spent with family. I’m not sorry though, as I’ve been blessed to have been able to share this time with our loved ones. I’ve been feeling very grateful. I don’t feel like I was able to give a whole lot this year, and yet, I was given many things that I both wanted and was in need of. It was just a few days before Christmas, when I had a rather random phone conversation with my mom. I was talking about a few of the candies I was going to attempt to make, and my confusion about a double-boiler. I didn’t know what that was, or how it worked, so my mom explained it to me. I wanted to make peanut-butter cups and toffee bark, but I didn’t have a double-boiler to melt the chocolate. She then gave me the suggestion to just melt the chocolate in a glass bowl with a pan of boiling water on the stove. I told her I didn’t have any glass bowls either, just plastic ones. I guess she made a mental note of that, because I was pleasantly surprised to get a double-boiler, as well as a few glass bowls in various sizes. Lee and I have been talking about ways we could save more money on bread, flour, and other grains for food. My in-laws have a wheat grinder that we just love, and we’re always going over to their house to get more wheat flour. We were surprised to receive one of our own this year for Christmas, along with a big bag of popcorn to make corn flour. I’m excited to begin baking our own bread and making our own flour, which will be much healthier. Also, we received some cash and a couple gift cards from my parents and our grandparents to go and buy whatever we might need or want. I was able to find a pair of curtain rods and some lovely curtains at a good price. I’m in the process of getting my office in order, and it will soon be complete with everything I need to make it a nice quiet place to spend my time designing pieces of artwork for my business. I do hope everybody has been enjoying the holidays, and I wish you all a very happy New Year in 2009!

Boise State Christmas Tree

Many of you know that we decorate our tree every other year with the theme of Boise State Football in mind. I know a few of you may be wondering just how a "Boise State" tree actually looks like in our home. Well, this year, I decided to take a picture of it for all to see. Unfortunately, the lighting in the living room wasn't so great when I took this picture, so the colors don't appear as bright. The unique part about our "Boise State" tree is that we use the brightly colored neon orange lights that you would use at Halloween, along with standard blue and white Christmas lights. People seem to think that is weird, but my husband doesn't like the amber-colored lights that resemble the color orange. Oh well, at least the Halloween lights bring out the true orange color of Boise State.

All I want for Christmas

This year, during the holiday season, I’ve been curious about a couple things. During this time of year, everyone seems a bit friendlier, with a demeanor less self-involved. I always wonder why this is the time of year that people are more empathetic and generous. Do we try to justify and make amends for our seemingly arrogant, selfish behavior throughout the rest of the year? This is not to say that we are not kind, with a giving essence about us at other times, but why is Christmas so significant? Is it the reminder of a belief that we hold so dear to our hearts of the birth of our Savior and the true meaning it holds for the Christmas season? Or, could it be the fact that many people have more time off work to focus on everything else much more important, which is family and friends? If you were to ask me, I would say it is a combination of both. We often times feel so frustrated, stressed out, and irritable other times of the year, and although it may not be our intention to act the way we do, I think we are just finding ways to cope. It is nice to see all the smiling faces, and the gentle nature of which we hold this time of year. It really does make the season brighter for everyone. All I want for Christmas this year is not my two front teeth, but many of the same things that everyone wants. I would love more time to spend with my family, and more time at home to enjoy the Christmas decorations that I spent an entire day putting out. If I could have any material possessions for Christmas, it would be the fabric I’ve wanted to make curtains and all the accessories for my office. The other would be a commercial stamp maker to make rubber stamps for my business. I seem to be busier than I’ve been in long time. I’m working more than ever, since I now clean homes as a side job in addition to my part-time job at the mini storage…not to mention our meetings and trainings for Primerica. This is really opposite of what I want for the time being…more time at home with family. It will have to do though, since we’ve had to struggle in a backwards economy. I will keep my head up, and always remain positive, as those days in a brighter future will come full circle. I will remain in the moment of the most wonderful time of the year. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Grateful Thoughts

I have found it difficult to keep up with the network charade of blogging, with all the events and activities that have taken much of my time. I could hold the holiday season accountable for my lack thereof, but that just wouldn’t be a respectable thing to do. After all, I do favor this time of year, as it brings me great joy. My in-laws just turned 50 this year, and we had a great time surprising them with a party involving several close friends and family. Thanksgiving was pleasant this year, with lots of food to be enjoyed several times over. I am grateful we could spend it with both sides of the family. This year was the first time we ever got up before the crack of dawn to dash to all the “early bird specials” throughout many of the department stores this year, to shop for all the special people on our list. Although there were masses of people scrambling with urgency to find all the best deals, it was a breeze for us. With the anticipation of Christmas, I was excited to begin decorating the house and putting up the Christmas tree. I had to hassle with the Christmas lights, as many of the sets we have had burned out, or only half of the sets were working. I’m happy to say that my frustration is over, the decorations are out, and the tree is proudly displaying the colors of Boise State Football. In addition to my part-time job at the mini storage, and my service to Primerica, I’m also cleaning homes as a side job to make some additional income. So, there seems to be no end to my crazy, busy life. But, I’m grateful to have a job, a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, and all the little things in life that bring me the greatest happiness.

Thanksgiving Photos