The Reason

Something that struck my mind & heart at some point in our Church Christmas program today was that all of this...the miraculous conception, the birth in a barn, the manger for a bed, the new star in the sky, the perfect life, the atonement for the sins of all mankind, the death and resurrection...really happened. It's not just a great story (although it is a great story!) It really and truly happened, to real people. Yes, a long time ago. But it really happened. A poor, pregnant woman really did have to give birth in a barn. Jesus Christ really did live a perfect life, never committing sin. And he really did give up his life for us. And then the best part - he really was resurrected and lives again. Really. It really happened. Wow. And because of that, all things are possible. I love this scripture in 2 Peter 1:16:

"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." In other words, these are not just neat stories that we're telling you. They're real. And although I'm not a eyewitness, like Peter was, I am a witness - because I do have faith that it's real - and it really happened. And with that, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

The photo is of my very dear friend Martha and her baby boy Dallin taken at the Nativity production in 2007.

Jillian's Christmas Program

Jillian's pre-school Christmas production, and boy was it ever a production. I. Tell. Ya! The teachers worked so feverishly planning and practicing and toiling and practicing some more. Lets just say their efforts paid off BIG time. The night was outstanding! Before you play the videos scroll down to the bottom of your screen and pause the music.

Grace in your Face!

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

~ Henry Ward Beecher

As Thanksgiving is approaching, I have began to reflect on my own personal graciousness (or lack thereof!) I am married to probably the most gracious person I have ever met in my whole entire life. Like, totally! Seriously! I know I make fun, but it is only to make light of how inept I really feel when compared to this esteeming quality he so easily possesses. I stand in awe of his gentle, sincere gratitude; the sweet graciousness that guides and directs his life, his soul. In my search to become more gracious, Mark and I had the following conversation...

J: I wish I were more gracious, but I always feel on the spot or unprepared. Grace, not the I-can-dance-like-a-ballerina kind but the other kind, just doesn't come naturally for me.

M: I think you are a very gracious person. (He went off on a tangent naming other admirable qualities I possess, but are too embarrassing in a modest sort of way to mention.)

J: But I am not!

M: Yes, you are.

J: No, really I don't think I am.

M: Okay, now is when you say 'Thank you!'"

J: See! Case in point. (did I mention, I often HAVE! to have the last word, too.)

Happy Halloween!

Though, it really, truly isn't Halloween (that is tomorrow) Trick-or-Treat in Grandma and Grandpa's village was tonight. So, we joined Josh and Alyssa in some good ole Halloween candy collecting. And, boy oh boy, did we have a blast.Brendan has been planning his costume since November 1, 2007. I was actually surprised at just how many hippies were out in our neighborhood this year. Jillian wanted to be a Star Wars family, but couldn't convince Brendan to give up his year-in-the-making hippie attire, so she settled for Cinderella. Not that Cinderella is that bad of a consolation costume. Karigan fell in love with Daisy. She laughed, she cackled, she loved, and she hugged that costume so we knew that was the one for her. That is, until we discovered the bill actually quacked. That kind of freaked her out. Okay, it really freaked her out. So no quacking! After we collected our loot, we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's for our Halloween tradition: pizza, subs, and veggies from JR's. yumyumyum!

Gobble Dee Gook

Tonight our pumpkin's fate would be sealed. They would become the most dramatic piece of artwork our hands could muster, our knives could carve. Even Karigan would not suffice with simply being a spectator. Brendan dove in, sleeves up, but did not spare us the comedy of his expressions. Jillian watched and managed and instructed, but refused to do much herself. Goodness knows, pumpkin carving is dirty work.

The finished products.

From left: Karigan, Brendan, Mark, Jillian, and Jennifer