New Desktops

As you can see, I've updated my blog a bit.  I'm not very happy with it yet, but as I don't want to get too frustrated, I've decided to let it sit for a couple of days.  I have a couple of new desktops on my computer.  I've needed a change from the red and green of Christmas and these two are just the change that I need.  We'll see how long it lasts once the dreary January days wane and I need something else to liven it up.  Here is what I've got:

The top desktop is from Shabby Princess and the bottom from Shabby Miss Jenn.  Kind of fun!

I have to get started on my "project".  I've been laying the groundwork for quite some time and have jotted many thoughts and ideas down.  I can't put it off any longer.  We'll have to see how it goes in the coming weeks.  My lesson from Relief Society has given me another boost to achieve the goals that I have set out for myself.  I hope that it will work out.  Wow.

Have a good one!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas!  We had a terrific day and really enjoyed spending time with family.  Here are a few pictures from the day:

Abbie and Nigel in their Christmas Eve Jammies

Abbie with her American Girl Doll and her first deodorant...Oh no!  She is too young for this isn't she?  I guess she is growing up.

Nigel with his "Robot" he calls Red Clawson

On Friday we finally made it to see the lights downtown at Temple Square.  It was frigid!!!  Only about 17 degrees.  The kids were troopers for a while, but when they started to whine, we knew it was time to head home.  

Abbie and Nigel in front of one of the Nativity displays on Temple Square

I am teaching Relief Society tomorrow, and am so exited.  I made a little hand out to give the sisters.  The stake hasn't been all the good at getting us the lessons from the conference talks.  I didn't want too have a really short amount of time to prepare, so I asked if I could do something on my own.  I really wanted to focus on setting goals for the new year and thought that a lesson on goals would be good for me as well as everyone else too.  I hope it goes like I have imagined it in my mind.

This is the handout I made and had printed up at the photo place.  I am using the SMART goal acronym with a twist.  Like I said, I hope it goes well.  

Shopping, Yummy Food, and Christmas is Coming

I haven't been very good at getting everything done for Christmas in a timely manner.  Most of my shopping has been put off until now.  Of course, I've done a bit here and there, but the bulk of what needed to be done got done yesterday.  I still have Daniel to buy for, and since we talked about that yesterday, I am okay in saying that I don't have anything for him yet!

We went shopping at the outlet stores in Park City, mostly for the killer deals at the Old Navy outlet for the kids.  Most things were 60% off, so I was really happy with what we got for them.  KB Toys was going out of business and we stopped in there for a minute to see if there was anything worth getting.  We did find some things for Nigel, "CARS" paraphernalia of course.  It was a game box, filled with dominos, cards, checkers, etc.  All "CARS" themed.  He'll love it.  Especially since he has learned to play checkers and chess.  He is too smart for his own good!

After the frigid cold of Park City, and being childless for the day, (Thanks Mom and Dad!) Daniel and I made our way home through downtown SLC and stopped at my new favorite place to eat.  Charlie Chow's Dragon Grill!  Yummy!  I absolutely loved it.  I have never mastered the art of chopsticks, but yesterday, was able to eat my entire dinner with them! So divine.  I had vegetarian fare, and loaded up with lots of fresh tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, celery, broccoli, etc. They grill it up for you with whatever sauce you like, and bring it out.  Daniel had beef and chicken to whatever he put in with his noodles, but I wasn't in the mood for meat.  I love Chinese food, but it seems like I can never get it exactly the way I want it.  Either they use too much of something or not enough of something else.  This way I could make it the way I wanted!  Yummy!  Sorry for the extreme long rant over this place, but it was really good!  Click on the picture to see their page and menu!

Just a few more days until Christmas!  Yippee!  My kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement.  Hope they can last!

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"My Brain is Shrinking"

So, my five year old can be considered a drama king.  He can be the cutest thing in the world one minute and the next can be crying and telling me that his brain is shrinking because he hasn't exercised yet today.  It all started because his dad asked him to pick up 5 things in his room before breakfast....then it all began.  He couldn't do it, he had a headache, his hands ached, and it went on and on until it culminated in the wail that his brain was shrinking.  All to avoid picking up 5 toys or items of clothing.  I just don't know where he gets it!  Of course he is the cutest thing ever as he talked about tornados and blowing snow this morning.  Ten minutes later he is crying and now, ten minutes after that he is singing Christmas carols and picking up the clothes he was asked to in first place.  This could easily drive a sane mother crazy!  What about a less than sane one like me?  Oh, I'm already there!

Vote for my layout!

I actually entered a digi-scrap contest.  I don't even hope to win, but would love it if you went and voted for me!

Flying Reindeer

So, my job is now to referee the fight between an eight and five year old about the merits of having a reindeer on their Christmas stocking and who is better.  It seems like at the moment, the reindeer is beating the carolers because he can fly.  Seriously...

Pensive

I am a bit pensive and reticent today. I am sitting in my office, looking at the blue sky and barren branches of the tree out my window and can't help but wonder about it all. The well is deep and unsubstantial, but nevertheless, there I go. I try not to dwell on the unknown and darker side of things because it is a path that while tempting can trap the very soul of those that dare walk down its twisiting lanes. I can't resist today...perhaps I am getting sick, or run down and the lure of the wallowing can't be fought off.

This time of year should be one of happiness and joy, and it truly is my favorite time of the year. For some reason, today I just can't grasp the feeble strains of the Christmas Spirit. Have I don't any service? That usually helps, but I can't even get up the energy to look for something to do. I don't look forward to Christmas shopping. Hmm, I need to re-evaluate and re-establish some boundaries for the next couple of weeks. It won't do to feel maudlin when there are two children that are wrapped up in the excitement of the season.

I had the news on this morning as I was getting ready for work. I don't usually watch the news, due to the negative and depressing nature of all that is going on around us. I don't need constant reminders of the nature of the economy or political climate. I only need to look at my own bank statement for me to be aware of that. Today the stories that stuck out most in my mind were those of the ever increasing need of charitable donations. Usually a very uplifting and beneficial topic, it was forelorn and depressing today. The laments of not enough donations and more need almost seemed to whine from the box. How am I supposed to feel that my small donation will even make a difference? I can't stretch what little I have to cover something for all. I know that I have to make a choice of what to do, but there are so many deserving and needful entities out there. I just hate the thought that I can't do more. Perhaps this is why I am feeling a little down today. I almost feel torn between getting something for my children and helping those in need. My children aren't getting an X-Box, so why should I feel like some other child should?

Perhaps I am reticent because I am nearing the milestone of entering a new year of life. Yes, my birthday is coming soon, but I'm not sure about it all. Will it even matter if the day is marked?

So, today, while listening to Christmas carols, doing my work, and looking out the window from time to time, I have had much to think about. Perhaps too much because of the path my thoughts have taken. Hopefully my children will help me pull out of it when I get home. Their excitement should be contagious.