Okay ... some of you may be familiar with my love of computers. Truly! The majority of the time, I LOVE them! However, I have been working on something similar to this ...
an antique, a dinosaur, an OUT-OF-DATE, PAIN IN MY BACKSIDE, GIANT PIECE OF JUNK!
Don't ask me why. I don't know. Why have I continued to use that worthless machine for so long? Good question. But worry no more my friends because I FINALLY HAVE A COMPUTER THAT WORKS and surprise ... it works faster than cold tar on an icy road! Oh wow! A huge shout-out and thank you to my brother-in-law who got it all together for me! Chris, you are my hero!
So my friends, it's a beautiful, glorious, festivous day at my house. Email me! I'm probably here! Oh happy day!
Whether or not you agree with our new President, this is an amazing day and one that won't soon be forgotten. I heard someone say this morning, "This will be a day that our children's children will talk about." And all day long I've thought about that. And so, these are a few of the thoughts that I want to share with Kate and Josh and THEIR children someday.
Dear Kate and Josh:
I have been filled with an excitement all day, glued to the TV any chance that I could, as I have watched our democratic government in action. I am filled with pride for our country and a gratitude for the freedoms that we enjoy. It feels as though our country has come together, at least for a time, in a common celebration of freedom and democracy. I only hope that this can continue.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share this day with you. I was excited to hear that you each were able to watch part of the inauguration ceremonies today at school and participate in this historical change.
Tonight we discussed what an important day this is for a lot of reasons. We talked about the importance of being good citizens and how we can each do our part. We talked about the significance of having our first African American President and about slavery and the hardships that were imposed upon people of color. Most importantly, I hope that you will always remember that you are a part of the "chosen" generation who have been saved to come to earth at this time to prepare for an even greater and more significant change ... the time when our Savior will come again.
What a remarkable day! I'm sure that President Obama's parents never dreamed that their son would one day be President of the Unites States. But what an incredible thing it is to know that we can be anything that we want to be, anything at all, because we are citizens of this free land! Whether or not we are black or white, male or female, Catholic or Mormon, you can be whatever you want to be if you are willing to work toward that goal! Never forget that!
I love you Kate and Josh and hope that you will someday read this and know how lucky we are to live when and where we do!
Lots of love ... Mom
A few last thoughts ... I hope that regardless of our political views that we will join together in remembering how blessed we are to live in America. Does that immediately solve all of the problems that we face? NO! But I personally am going to pray each day for our new President that he will seek to do what is right.
I hope that we will see less and less the color of a person's skin and look more closely at their character. I know that Kate and Josh and the majority of kids their age do NOT see the difference, at least in the way that people have in the past. They recognize that the "shade" of our skin is different, but they don't see why or how that should effect the way we treat each other. Thank heaven for that!
And finally, I will continue to pray that the Lord will watch over and bless us as citizens of this great country. Good luck President and Mrs. Obama and God bless America!
Holy Moley ... where do I begin? I have SO much to blog about it's almost overwhelming. But duty calls and I can avoid it no longer. We've done so many fun things the past few weeks that I don't want to forget them. So, pull up a chair and here goes!
On the 23rd we headed to Salt Lake for the holidays. Greg's family always celebrates together on Christmas Eve which works out perfectly. We spend the entire day eating, chatting, playing games, eating, opening presents and reading a special Christmas story. Here are a few photos from our Christmas Eve festivities.
Later that night we headed back to my mom's house where everyone was preparing for the BIG night! Even my grandparents who are in their 80's came and spent the night. It was a VERY memorable occasion ... one I will hold dear and hope that Kate and Josh will, too.
We opened 1 present each (big surprise - pajamas), read about the birth of our Savior and layed out treats for Santa and his reindeer. Then to my absolute amazement (and delight) Kate and Josh FLEW into bed. It was a festivous miracle!
This Christmas was so much fun because we were almost all together. We really missed Jeff and Mel and the kids, but we got to party with them later during the holidays. Here's a look into our Christmas.
Another treat of visiting the great white north is SLEDDING! To my kids this is about as good as Disneyland. We do have to barrow proper sledding attire from our cousins. Thankfully they keep a few extra things on hand for those of us who are desert dwellers. And yes, with a heavy dose of Ibuprofen, Greg and I even made a few runs down the hill. OY! Thanks DeDee, Zoe, Noah and Jonah for a fun day! We love you!
After a few days in Salt Lake, we headed home and my family joined us in St. George to celebrate New Years Eve! Thankfully everyone was a good sport about being so crowded, but we had a GREAT time! We rang in the new year, played cards, went bowling, had a girls day of shopping, had dart fights, cheered on the Utes (well, most of us) and even had a grown up date night. We also attempted to get a picture of all 8 grandkids in their Christmas outfits from Nana. Believe me ... it wasn't easy, but we did it! Thanks everyone for coming down! We loved having everyone all together! We love and miss you tons!
So, there you have it ... our 2008 holidays! Now it's back to a routine ... school, work, our New Year's resolutions and more fun, I'm sure!
