Santa and the Christ child

Wednesday night we had our ward Christmas Party. It was really nice. I'll post some pictures later but I want to tell this story now before I forget. The program was interactive as the congregation and primary kids took turns singing. There was a manger/nativity scene. Kaysen was one of the wise men and Kay J was a shepherd. With the help of my friend, their costumes turned out really cute (Thanks Cass!). Morgan went to a basket ball game instead of joining the family. Heather came so her kids to enjoy the program and Santa, too. (I love those kids!)

Anyway, the program was almost finished when Santa entered the stage. I expected the primary children to get all excited and wiggly but they just kept singing. Santa went over to the manger and knelt down with his head bowed. A tear came to my eye. Why was that so touching? It was like . . . all of a sudden Santa became more than the commercial side of Christmas. He was a fellow Christian; someone who also has love and appreciation for the Savior; someone who shares my faith and would kneel before Jesus with humility and compassion. I still don't know why it made me cry. Maybe I've just been touched by the Christmas spirit. But I know it's not the first time someone has tied the two together. See the poem below by Greg Olsen.

By the magical light of a small Christmas candle

A little old man tries to carefully handle
The small porcelain manger which serves as a bed

For the wee Baby Jesus to lay down His head.
In wonder he brings the manger up to his view,

Smiles at the baby and whispers, “I love you!
I love you for bringing this season of joy,

I love you for growing to a man from a boy;
For being our light and leading the way,

For being the spirit which makes Christmas Day!
You’ve been my mentor, my model, my hero and guide,

Please continue to help me and stay by my side.
I’ve tried to follow your teachings and give as you gave,

Reminding all to be kind and that it’s wise to behave.
Help me to serve others and bring them your light,

Especially the children, please bless them tonight!
Some have so very little, scarce food for their table,

You know how it feels – you were born in a stable.
Bless all their mothers and fathers with a knowledge that’s sure,

The best gift they can give is their love, strong and pure.
That’s the Spirit of Christmas when all’s said and done,

God’s gift of love, that came as His Son!”
Then back to His mother the child is returned

The Nativity glows as the candle is burned.
In a wink the little old man slips quietly away

Some say he goes up the chimney and climbs in a sleigh.
Whatever the case, His mission is clear

–Give unto others, bringing love and good cheer.
He flies into the night and bids us adieu

Doing for others what Jesus would do!
-- Greg Olsen

Where did the summer go?

Where did the summer go??

Maybe with the wind like the bubbles . . .


Maybe we left it at the bottoms . . .

Or on top of Thompsonville . . .

Maybe in celebrating "14" we left it in Marysvale . . .


It could have floated by in the Richfield parade . . .


Or washed away with the dirt from camping at Sweet Water. . .


Summer likes to stay in memories of the Scipio Rodeo . . .


but I doubt we left it with the sting rays . . . they were too slimey.


Did summer run from the most dangerous creatures in Ogden's Dinosaur park?


Or fly with the planes at Hill Air Force Base?


Summer might have stayed at Lagoon . . .


OR it might have stayed at the So. Jordan Temple - we found it very peaceful there.

Where did summer go? . . . Maybe down the bowling alley in Mesquite,

Or in the pool where it was nice and cool. . .

Did we leave summer at the beach?




Or maybe at the Sevier County Fair. To tell you the truth I don't know where summer went. But we had a wonderful time together. So since summer passed us by we will just have to focus on whats ahead. Fall is a beautiful season and the holidays are right around the corner. So if you find summer along your way let it stay!!! I'm sure it will come around in time.

June 12th 2009

I love being a nurse and I love being an aunt!

This beautiful day I was both!

Congratulations Bevan and Heather!
And welcome to the family Lana Marie Monroe!

Naa naa na-naa naa

It may be cute now . . . just wait a few years.

Oh my heck - it's a lizard tongue!



I Can't help but laugh. I'm even the one she is looking at :)

"Look at me!"

So . . . Ellie is sitting on her own! I can't believe it. She is growing so very fast. She rolls over both directions and also learned to stick her tongue out which is absolutely hilarious (as soon as I catch it on camera I'll post it)! I forgot how fun it was to watch each milestone - to celebrate such little things. Maybe it is because I'm older . . . or maybe I have learned to appreciate life more because of what I see with my job. I don't know but what I do know is that Ellieanna has brought so much to our lives - I've never been happier!

Meet my cat

About Christmas time this stray cat showed up on my door step. I fed her because I felt sorry for her not because I'm a cat person - I'm not. She would come and go but the more she was around the more I started to like her. She was so loving and incredibly sweet. She must have been someones loved house cat by the way she acts. Then, one day she showed up with a very large needle sticking out of her ribs. The needle had a white end. I thought someone had shot her with a tranquilizer. I quickly pulled it out. It was in her at least two inches. My husband said it was a blow dart. So from that day on she has never left. She stays at my back door and purrs whenever I pet her. She gets along with our dog and I continue to feed her.

Well, about two weeks ago I decided if I was going to adopt her then I better get her fixed. The vet said he could do it for about $75. However, when I took her in he said that she had a belly full of kittens so it would cost more. I wasn't so worried about the cost but I suddenly came to face my standing on animal abortion. Sure - there are way too many homeless animals, the world won't miss a few unwanted kittens but is that right . . . the right thing to do? For some people, it's okay but for me I decided, "no". I believe - in this case - God's little creatures deserve a chance and even though I'll be standing in front of Walmart six weeks from now with a sign "Free Kittens", at least I know where I stand on an issue I never thought about before.

Well, the kittens aren't here yet. But I'm sure they are due any day. So, if any of you know someone who might want a kitten six weeks from now, please let me know!!

She knows her toes!

Guess who found her toes?

This morning after her bath she grabbed hold and even tried to taste them.

She wouldn't do it after I put the diaper on.

So I'm glad I got the shot when I did!

Happy St. Patrick's Day