365 Reasons

I am still serving as a counselor in the YW presidency. At our last activity we gave each of the girls a poster board and asked them to write at the top; "365 Reasons to Be Happy". We then told them to think of the things that made them happy in life and to write them on their board. We encouraged them to think of one new thing each day that they could add to their list. By the end of the year, their board should be filled with happiness.

I decided I would take on the challenge and start filling a poster board with happy things. I've put it on the back of my bedroom door and have added a new "reason to be happy" each night. It has been a lot of fun thinking each day, what has made me happy. Some of the things I write down are quite simple, but it is amazing to realize the things that make my list don't come with a price tag. I've also noticed my kids and husband coming in at night to see what I've added to my happiness board.

Here is my list from the last 18 days--In no particular order. I hope I can make it to day 365!

Aaron
Hot Chocolate
Seth
Sleep
Visiting Teaching
Andrea
Naps
Kiana
Hugs
Sunshine
My Mom
Blogs
Pillows
Basketball Games
Slippers
Friends
Family
Flowers

Christmas Day

I think I should finish off the year with our pictures from Christmas day. It was very quiet and relaxing with just the five of us Christmas morning. We all slept in until eight and then Andrea read us the first Christmas story from Matthew while Seth and Kiana displayed the nativity for us to see.

After emptying our stocking, presents were passed around the room. A lot of fun things were given and received. A new purple bathrobe, electric toothbrush, book lights, gift cards, a new red Christmas dress, movies, a wedding Barbie, a new bike basket and plenty more!

We enjoyed spending the entire day together. Some of us stayed in our pajamas all day! How grateful we are for the many things we have, but especially for each other.

Christmas Eve

Our tradition every year for Christmas Eve is to go to Grandma Leila's and Grandpa Rick's house.

This year we enjoyed a delicious dinner with all the trimmings. We then headed over to the church for a Christmas pinata. (The cultural hall gave the cousins plenty of room to run around and pick up the fallen candy.) This year my sister Kathryn & her family were with us for the festivities. After the pinata was destroyed and all the candy was collected, we headed back to Grandma & Grandpa's for some Christmas carols. The grandkids then opened their present from their grandparents. The grownups then enjoyed a fun gift exchange. Oh, and you can't forget the wonderful desserts to finish off the evening. This year we were having so much fun, dessert was forgotten about--I guess we were enjoying the evening too much. We then headed home to put out the Christmas cookies and milk for Santa Claus.

Hurry to bed or Santa won't come!!! :)

Out with the Old . . In with the New!

I received a new camera for my birthday/Christmas--I must have been on Santa's good list this year! I love my new camera and will not be sad to say goodbye to my old one. Going from a 3 megapixel to a 10 is heaven!!!


(Can you see how my new camera took a great picture of my old camera and that my old camera couldn't focus that well on my new camera--ohh . . . the small pleasures of life!)