The Gift of Time! ...It's been 7 years now!

 

Every year for Christmas...Mr. C himself brings our family

 the most wonderful and anticipated gift of all...

The Gift of Time!

 

Every day for the few weeks before Christmas, one of the little ones would say...

"Mom, do you think Santa is going to bring us the Gift of Time this year?"

 

I would simply reply,

 "I sure hope so...it's our favorite gift! Besides, he promised us in one of his letters that he would bring it every year...it's a tradition!" :)

So, on December 21st at 6:00 a.m., a stampede of little feet came running into our bedroom ~ flipped on the light and yelled,

 

"IT CAME!!! The Gift of Time came!!!!"

 

As Clint and I scurried out of bed and threw on our robes, we hurried behind everyone down to the kitchen to find that Santa had set us a beautiful table with Golden envelopes numbered from 1 to 7...

and a letter explaining that we needed to sit down together at the breakfast table and open the envelopes along with a few gifts to reveal what the Gift of Time would entail this year!

We all sat down together and opened the letters...they were so pretty! Sparkly candy canes on the edges...it was all we could do to sit down and read the letters as fast as we could! Dallin especially seemed to be doing an "excitement jig" in his seat... it was so fun to watch them! :)

 

Letter #1 told us that Mrs. Clause had made us some of her yummy gourmet doughnuts

 (amazingly a lot like Beyond Glaze), and that we were to enjoy them with some hot cocoa while we sat and opened our letters...so that was what we did! ( I wish I would have had time to take a picture of them...they were so beautiful! Candy cane, grasshopper, Oreo cookies and cream, pumpkin chocolate chip, and egg nog too! Boy were they YUMMY!!! That Mrs. Clause knows how to bake! ;)

 

Letter #2 told us that as soon as the kids got home from school we would need to dress in our snow gear and head to Gorgoza Park!

This is such a fun sledding hill right up Parley's canyon...and the best part is that you don't even have to walk back up the hill after you tube down!!! All you have to do is hop on the conveyor belt that pulls you back up the mountain ...and then you just slide right on down again!!!

It was SOOOOOO much fun!!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter # 3 held a gift card to dinner and a letter that said we could take the card to any restaurant we wanted because Santa had already paid for it! Dinner was on him! Yippee! :)

 

Letter #4 Held an inflatable beach ball and swimming pool toys and the address to the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Salt Lake where Santa had reserved 2 suites for us to stay in for the night!!! After our tummies were full, we drove downtown where... sure enough!!! We had 2 rooms awaiting us with warm fresh cookies too ;)

 

We immediately checked in and got our swimming suits on and took our pool toys down where we sat in the hot tub and swam for a bit. Everyone had a fun time but we all had played so hard that by the time we all fell into our beds, we were dreaming of fairies and sugarplums before we knew it!!!

 

When we woke up we had a wonderful breakfast in the hotel, and rode in the glass elevator to the very top where we could look down and see the view...spectacular!!! :)

 

Letter #5 told us that we were going to the Clark Planetarium where we would get to watch 2 Christmas shows! Santa gave us tickets to the shows and each of the kids also received their own gift card to the Planetarium Gift shop. We watched the movie "The Light Before Christmas," shopped for souvenirs in the Gift Shop, and then watched the laser light show, "Let it Snow." It was a lot of fun exploring all of the exhibits and we even found out when we got there that we each needed to have our picture taken because Santa had actually gotten our entire family an annual pass! Now we can come and enjoy this neat place all year long!

 

 

 

 

 

Letter #6 had another yummy gift card for dinner...this time it was to Rumbi Island!

 One of our favorite places! :)

We were so ready for some yummy food after all the activities and especially after the spinning and twirling in the laser light show! This momma was a little queasy!!!

After a drink of Sprite and a cool salad I was good to go on to our last

 letter of the Gift of Time...

#7... The Letter held glow light necklaces and candy cane ring pops that we were to wear to Temple Square where we were to go and see the beautiful lights and find the Baby Jesus...the Real reason we have Christmas, Families, Time, Eternity, Love, and all of the many other blessings in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We rode the Trax to Temple Square from the Gateway and arrived there one of the first families and just in time to hear the first nativity story of the night.

Immediately after, all of the lights turned on and we were able to enjoy the evening touring the visitor's center and taking in all of the beauty and wonder of the Temple and the lights. As we rode home together we all talked about how blessed we are as a family and how lucky we are to have each other, to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ,and for this sweet celebration of Christmas

 and for the Gift of Time!

"The Living Christ"

 

Christmas has been wonderful...another spectacular year full of family, memories, and traditions.

...And now that Christmas day has come and gone, I want to share a gift that will be one that I will never forget.

 

The Living Christ.

 

My sweet neighbor brought over an envelope full of 15 4x6 cards that she had printed up for her gift to us for Christmas. All 15 cards make up the entire document "The Living Christ."

With the gift came a challenge to memorize each card, just one per week, and then by the end, you will have the entire Living Christ document memorized.

 

This task could seem a little challenging, but one that I absolutely want to do!

I have decided to take on the challenge and would like to invite any of my family and friends to join in...follow along and each week I will add the next card to be memorized.

 

I feel like this is such a wonderful thing to do...not only is it something that will strengthen my testimony of the Living Christ, but it will help me to remember His life and all of His precious gifts every single day.

 

I have memorized this first card and can already feel the effects of this blessing in my life. My mind repeats the words throughout the day and my thoughts are kind and turned to the Savior. I know that this will be something that will bless my life and hopefully that of my family and friends too.

 

I love you all and am so thankful for the gifts of friendship, family, and love in my life.

 I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas celebration...now let's carry the celebration  throughout the rest of the year...and every single day for that matter!

Life is good and we are so blessed.

 

My goal is to have this document memorized by Easter and then hopefully be able to share it with my testimony to my family. Won't you join me and accept the challenge too? I promise you that if you do, your life will be blessed, and you will have a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas dear friends and family!

I love you!

Sweet Hearts...

Everyday when Gavin comes home from school he immediately sits down with his backpack and shows me ALL of the papers that he made  at school for the day.

I love it!

It's so fun to see how his little brain is thinking and how creative he can be...

But when I read this paper it struck me, and I asked him to tell me more about it...

He was so sweet as he pointed to each circle and read it to me.

"This is why I love the holidays mom..."

I looked at Gavin with a big smile as his tender little heart showed me once again how innocent and good these little ones are.

The "I can" circle very easily could have said, "I can get presents from Santa!" ~

But it didn't.

It said, "I can give. He has joy. And he sees kindness. (Although he really over sounded out the word "kiynde." :)

I love it! My heart loves the little moments when I am aware that my children are getting it.

They know good from bad, right from wrong, and they are learning how to be selfless and think of others...although I have seen some pretty detailed wish lists as well ;) ...

I just love these kids...

And then there's Dallin...

Talk about a sweet little boy! I saw this letter sitting on the counter in the kitchen last night and it literally just about melted my heart!

He has been talking about the "Gift of Time" for weeks now and asking me if I thought Santa would bring it again this year...I told him that I'm sure he would! It's a tradition now!

In this sweet letter I noticed that Dallin thanked Santa for our previous "Gifts of Time" since he has not brought it yet this year...

and although he was sure to remind Santa about the things he would like, I was more touched at how genuine his words were about being "so excited to see there faces" when he thought about his family opening their gift.

THAT is Dallin...a normal little boy with a REALLY BIG heart and a LOT of love for his family and others! He has been praying everyday for the families of the little children who lost their lives in Connecticut...he prays that they will "not be too sad at Christmas..."

My heart is full. I love my family. I love my Heavenly Father and brother Jesus Christ.

I love that there is still lots of good in the world even though some would have us believe differently. And I love that we can make the world a better place by helping others, serving others, and loving others...especially the ones that live right under the same roof as me, and the little ones that are always tugging on my heartstrings :)...

Merry Christmas everyone :)



A Kurt Bestor Christmas

Last night was one of our great Christmas traditions...

a Kurt Bestor Christmas concert at Abravanel Hall!

We parked at the new City Creek center and walked through a sea of shoppers, music, lights, sounds, and sights that set such a tone... you could feel Christmas in the air!

We  saw the beautiful lights at the temple and people riding in the horse drawn carriages, hot chocolate and doughnuts being sold on the corner, and people everywhere celebrating fun times together. These kinds of memories are so sweet to me...especially with my sweetie pie :)...

This concert was Kurt's 25th anniversary celebration which made it pretty special.

He had 2 guest performers

~ Jenny Oaks Baker (violinist) and Alex Sharpe (A Celtic Woman Singer).

They were my favorite part of the show!

What amazing gifts of talent!

The concert included everything for me...beauty, inspiration, laughter, nostalgia, and the spirit.

Thank you Clint for being by my side in everything we do...from fun Christmas concerts to grabbing a coke on the ride home to help with car sickness...:)

I love celebrating every day with you!

Merry Christmas!



Christmas in the heart...and at the hospital

There are certain moments in this life that are hard to put into words, and yet are so completely meaningful and almost sacred that they need to be recorded. So, as I sit here tonight, I want to share my thoughts and feelings in my heart about two of the most special people in the world.

 My parents.

This past week my mom had to undergo surgery to have part of her colon removed. This was something that my mom knew was necessary, but still was not looking forward to.

I sat in the hospital with my dad hoping that my company would somehow make it easier for him to wait out the time until the doctors would come and tell him that they were through and that everything was going to be alright.

 

I thought it was interesting how my dad somehow was transformed in my mind to a young love~ struck boy waiting for his girl. He was so sweet with her when they were sitting together in her room. The first day was hard, but my mom was under so much pain medication that she really didn't even know that we were there.

 

But, the second day, I watched the two of them reaching out for each other across bed rails and IVs and oxygen lines as if they just knew that one simple touch would bring comfort and stop the pain.

I watched as my dad helped her so tenderly...

holding her hand, putting the cold wash cloth over her eyes to comfort her headache that came from the medication...gently he wrapped her legs and propped up her pillow...

There truly is much to be learned from the love that has grown and evolved over time.

True love bares ALL things.

 

I am grateful I was able to witness a side of my parents that I always knew existed, but had never before appreciated with these spiritual eyes.

They are truly great examples to me and how I have learned to model my marriage.

 Treat my love with the utmost dignity, love, and respect...and through the good and the bad, stand side by side and always be true, kind, and loving.

 

After visiting the hospital everyday, I have had an added "sacred" spirit to my holidays. Yes, they are fun and busy and exciting...but it is truly amazing to feel the Spirit of Christmas beside the bed of a sick loved one...especially my sweet mother.

Here is the lady who raised me, taught me, supported me, and loved me...took care of me when I was sick or sad or struggling...

Went to all of my track meets, cheer leading competitions, and bragged to all of her friends about me;)

...and now the roles are reversed.

I sit beside her hospital bed and offer soft words of encouragement. I put lotion on her feet and try to rub away a little bit of her pain...

I go to her and lean over her and hug her, rub her forehead, and brush her hair back.

I kiss her forehead and squeeze her arm...I'm sure that the feeling is mutual. I want her to be better, and she knows I want her to.

 

Today, she was so much better. I got to her bedside early and brushed her hair, painted her fingernails a light shade of pink and her toenails a bright Christmas red.

 It brought such a big smile to both her and my dad. :)

I turned on some soft Christmas music and delighted in her relaxed facial expressions. The tension of pain disappeared from her face and we talked, and smiled and it was a peaceful day.

I love my mom and dad so much.

What wonderful people they are to have always given so much to their children. I will forever be grateful for their loving examples, and I am forever grateful to a kind and merciful Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers and who is aware of our needs, our joys and our pains.

Get well soon mom, and have a very Merry Christmas.

I'll meet you at the hospital again tomorrow. :) 

The Polar Express!

 

ALL ABOARD!!! :)

On the 1st of December we took a magical ride on the Polar Express!

That's right! All the way to the north pole...and with special visitors like Santa, Mrs. Clause, and even the elves...

At 1st Gavin wasn't sure if Clint and I would get to go...he thought that only little kids in their pajamas could ride...but I told him, "No! Anyone can go as long as they BELIEVE!!!"

Uncle Kevin, cousins Caden and Ava, Aunt Ginger, Grandma Trickett, Kierra, and Kambriella

Dallin, cousin Cohen, Gavin, Grandma Trickett, Clint, cousin Sawyer, Uncle Blake, and Aunt Cherie

Kierra, Kambriella, Grandpa Trickett, cousin Alora, and Carew

Uncle Blake, cousins Sawyer, Ella, Brier, Aunt Laura, and Aunt Cherie

Santa's elves, Gavin, and Dallin

Look at all the fun family!!! We ALL BELIEVE!!! :)

Santa's favorite chocolate chip cookies and Hot Chocolate! YUMMY!!! :)

It seems like the smiles and squeals of laughter were pretty constant to me...all of the little ones were so excited and having such a great time singing Christmas carols, having their treats, and answering Christmas questions from Santa's helpers... The elves kept on visiting and making them laugh with their stickers on their noses...:)

Then, when Mrs. Clause arrived the fun REALLY began!!! :) She took the little boys by the cheeks and kissed them on their faces...They seemed so happy! She took the time to visit with everyone and even shared her chocolate chip cookie recipe with us to take home too!

Mrs. Clause and Gavin

I just love how much Mrs. Clause really loved every single child!

 She was so sweet with them...and I LOVE how Kambriella's cheeks are all bunched up in this picture! It makes me just want to pinch 'em ~ eat 'em or ~  kiss 'em!!!

I guess I will just have to do all 3! ;)

And though Santa's arrival was REALLY when all of the shouts of joy erupted... I am sad to say I have no pictures of the moment...There was just so much going on and all of the pictures I took were of his back or his bum...oops! :)

But BELIEVE ME! He was a jolly and happy soul! ;) He gave a silver bell to each person on the train and we all shook our jingle bells as we sang all the way back home from the north pole! What Fun! What a treat! What happy memories we are making together with these sweet little ones!

Christmas really is the most Wonderful time of the year!!! :)