A Christmas concert and a "Gift"

As I thought about the gifts that I would be giving for Christmas this year, I decided to fore go the traditional gifts and just give the gift of "time"spent with a dear friend. No store bought packages wrapped in pretty paper or tied up with fancy bows. Just some good quality one on one time to enjoy the company of a good friend. After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about? Well, little did I know, that an agreement between 2 friends to spend an afternoon together, would end up being one of my most precious gifts of all time. Let me share with you just exactly why.

We decided to meet for lunch at the mall - but this was not to be just any lunch. You see, for a couple of weeks before Christmas every year, the radio station hosts a "Christmas concert" everyday during lunch. Each day they post a list of who the guest performers will be. I was so excited when I saw that the day that we had set aside for our "gift" to each other would have as their guest performer, Paul Cardall. Now, if you have never heard of Paul, his music is beautiful and inspiring to say the least. In fact, it is his music that first plays when you log on to my blog. I just love his version of Silent Night. Anyway, the morning of the concert had arrived and believe me, I had high expectations of all of the many things that I was going to accomplish that morning before I made my way to the mall. -Getting kids off to school, picking up the house, shopping and picking up Christmas cards were all on my list of things "to do." Well, like many mornings with little ones, things do not always seem to go quite as you plan. I always try to be flexible, but this particular day I was feeling pretty overwhelmed. As hard as I was trying, I simply felt like I was only moving backwards all morning and everything that I tried to get "done," very quickly became "undone" by my sweet little Kambriella. The Christmas letter that I had typed up to mail to our family and friends became "history" pretty quickly when she erased it off of the computer screen. The oatmeal that she was having for breakfast made much better floor wax and finger paint than actual food, and the chocolate advent calendars that grandma gave the kids became fun packages to rip open along with all of the presents under the tree. Needless to say, I didn't accomplish much before we left for the concert, and all I could do when I finally got in the car was to strap all of us in and take a deep breath. It was a much needed and enjoyed quiet 10 minute ride to the mall. When we got there, Gavin, Kambriella, and I were all excited and ready for a little "Christmas cheer." As I sat with my friend and waited for the concert to begin, we giggled at the amount of "productivity" that went on earlier that morning. Then, Paul came out onto the stage and they introduced him and welcomed him back to their "Christmas tradition" which he had been a part of for 10 years now, all except for last year that is. You see, Paul was born a "heart baby" just like Kambriella. What I didn't know was how close he had come to death so many times, and that last year he had finally received a heart transplant. So, with the stillness and beauty of his piano playing, he proceeded to thank his Heavenly Father for a second chance at life and for the opportunity to be with his family at Christmas time. He expressed such a simple yet heartfelt message of being grateful for the little things and the little ones in our lives. He spent many hours at Primary Children's Hospital and saw far too many stories with unhappy endings. Because of the closeness of these things to his "heart," he played a song that he wrote and dedicated to all of the "heart babies" like him. The song he played is titled "Gracie's song." As he spoke these simple words and played the sweet song, my heart swelled with emotion to the point of overflowing. Tears came to my eyes and began streaming down my cheeks. I could not stop them from flowing any more than I could stop my heart from pounding and the lump in my throat from growing. I sat and sobbed uncontrollably through the whole song. Sweet little Gavin noticed my emotion and put his hand on my back and his cheek on my shoulder. All the while I was feeling this way, I was admiring my sweet little baby Kambriella and thanking Heavenly Father that she was alive and well, and there to be a part of our family and to share in this Christmas with us. I thanked Him for all of the smeared oatmeal and the tiny shreds of wrapping paper that littered the kitchen floor. I thanked Him for damaged advent calendars and deleted Christmas letters all skillfully constructed by two little hands with a strong will and a "strong heart." This Christmas concert became a gift to me from Heavenly Father who so tenderly reminded me of the important things in life and that it's really not the "things" that matter at all. There were many other special moments of tender mercies and revelation that came to my mind during that concert. I felt for a moment that time was literally standing still as I sat in a mall, of all places, and was learning one of life's greatest lessons. Along with testimony shared through word and song, a man in a wheelchair that needed a little "help" at Christmas, some physically handicapped adults that sang their hearts out - dancing and clapping along at times, the tender sweet smile of a dear friend, and the company of two of my very own precious little angels, Paul ended his concert with none other than my very favorite version of "Silent Night." Yet another tender mercy to let me know that I am loved and known deeply and personally by my Heavenly Father. How could it be that the thought of giving a gift to a friend of spending some quality time together, could turn out to be one of the most precious gifts of a lifetime? Well, that's what happens at Christmas. It happened on the first Christmas and it's happening now. The miracle of the Christ child's birth has blessed the lives of people for ages, and it is blessing my life today. I love my Savior and I am so thankful for the "gifts" that He so freely gives both at Christmas time and every day throughout the year. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card 2010

“Timeless Memories of 2010”

T raveling as a family to Ramona California this year! Lego Land,
Disneyland, Sea World, and the beach! Fun times for all!
I nstruments of all shapes and sizes filling our home with music and –
noise? :) The clarinet, piano, flute, piccolo, and bassoon!
M a and Pa Trickett and their “12 children” pulling handcarts across the
Wyoming wilderness for a memorable “pioneer Trek experience.”
E venings of “date nights with dad” riding on TRAX and going to the
JAZZ games! GO JAZZ! BEAT L.A.! :)
L asik eye surgery for Susette! Oh how beautiful the world really is!
There are leaves on trees, mountains with detail, and no more migraines!
E ntering Jr. High! Kierra turned 12, loves Young Womens, and we can’t
believe we’re old enough for all of this!
S erving in Young Mens and Primary in our ward and absolutely loving
every minute of it! (And Kambriella is officially in nursery! YEAH!)
S occer, soccer, soccer! Dallin and Gavin have officially found their
competitive sides! (I can’t imagine where they got them from! :)

M any, many mornings taking Kambriella for walks in the wagon! Oh
how she loves to be outside!
E scaping the world for our 16th wedding anniversary celebration! The
Florida temple was beautiful and Disneyworld was amazing!
M any reasons to laugh and NOT cry - such as, a flooded basement,
broken air conditioner, dishwasher, water pipes, and water heater!
O utdoors with grandma and grandpa! Camping, boating, and hiking –
Carew especially loved tubing down the river!
R emodeling and adding on to Premier Vehicle Installation. Business is
growing and we’re thankful to be surviving the economy.
I ncreasing the ability to multi-task! For example, refereeing sumo
wrestling while singing and having family home evening!
E ntertaining children full of laughter, smiles, independence, and
forgiveness. Learning to love and give.
S incere gratitude for our Savior, His birth, His life, and His love. Merry
Christmas to all our family and friends we treasure throughout the year!

All our love, The Trickett Family
Clint, Susette, Kierra, Carew, Dallin , Gavin, and Kambriella

We are Santa's Elves!

On November 18th I had a sad attempt at ringing in the Christmas season with the WORST Christmas concert I have ever attended. But today, I am very happy to say that the Trickett family has officially "rung in the holidays" with the Trickett family Christmas party! I asked my kids each one individually what their favorite part of the day was, and I got the same answer from all of them: "the whole thing!" We had such a great time and it would have never been as much fun if we didn't have some of the funnest (and most competitive) family members around! Our party was centered around an "E.L.F." theme (everyone loves fun!) We had snacks and treats of every color and size! Thanks for all the yummy cookies, cream cheese balls, cheesecake bites, soups, chili and everything else that pleased everyones taste buds and sweet teeth! I especially loved playing the fun games with everyone, and yes, Clint was right. If his mom's team wanted to win, all she had to do was to pick Clint first to be on her team. And she did. And they won. ;) The men made some fierce "Mr. Grinch" faces! And those kids really know how to use their sense of feel, don't they! The pudding up the noses of Kierra and Cody made me glad it was them and not me, and the "stealing of the elf socks" would make a great addition to a wal-mart black Friday shopping game, don't you think!? :) You all make great balancers, builders, and keebler elf cookie monsters! After the games were all over, we had a yummy dinner of soups and bread bowls. It was delicious and I loved watching the little ones try to tackle their bread bowl that for most of them was bigger than their head! From there, we headed off to the Olympic oval for some ice-skating along with all of the other families in the Salt Lake Valley! Yes, it was packed, but that did not keep me from having fun watching everyone try to be brave in their skates, and from laughing so hard while skating with Gavin who would start cracking up every time he would start to fall and then I would hold him up dangling by one arm till he regained his footing! We had a wonderful time. What a magical night! When we finally returned home, we enjoyed doughnuts, cookies, and sweets galore. The children's eyes lit up as Santa knocked on our door and presented each one of them with a new pair of Christmas pajamas! After everyone changed into their jammies, we took pictures and exchanged gifts while a couple of men caught a short nap! (What kind of Head Elf sleeps on the job? Especially when we are this close to Christmas?;) To end the evenings festivities we dimmed all the lights (and added the glow of a crackling fire, thanks to Todd:) and listened to a Christmas nativity story from an animals point of view. It was cute to watch the little ones crawl like a dog, cat, ox, mouse, or donkey and lay down next to each other as if they were soooo tired! They welcomed the Savior of the world to their stable that night, where there was always room for a little one. And so my dear sweet family that I love, let us tuck these treasured, timeless, Christmas memories deep in our hearts and be grateful for them and all that we have as we make room for the Little One! I love you all! Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Everyday

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I feel like it's important for me to share some of the gratitude that is in my heart, because although "the day" has come and gone, there are so many things to give thanks for every single day! President Thomas S. Monson said in this last conference, "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love." I feel that is so true. When I sit back and count my blessings, I always seem to become overwhelmed with a deep sense of love that I know my Heavenly Father has for me. In fact, the more I feel gratitude, the more blessings I am freely given. Doesn't it seem kind of ironic? In trying to give back thanks to Him, I am given even more. It's also that way with service. When we give of our time and talents to others, in the end, we are the ones that feel the blessings of serving. President Monson also said, "feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." So as we move from Thanksgiving to a holiday full of gift giving, I wish to express my love and gratitude to those who touch my life. My husband - he's truly amazing and is always giving to me. He gives me love, support, laughter and encouragement, and compliments that would make any woman feel like Ms. Universe! I love you Clint! :) And my children - who make me feel needed and loved, who love their one on one time with me, and who unconditionally love me even when I am grouchy! (and tend to pick those moments to tell me that I'm the best mom in the whole wide world! Imagine that! ;) I love you kids! And my parents - who have given me all that they have to give throughout my life - and can be good sports about attending a "rock Christmas concert" for an unforgettable 69th birthday gift with no complaints! I will never forget that one! I love you mom and dad! And my siblings - who I know love me even through banana-less banana bread and my all time famous attention getter - "accidentally" getting my nose in my ice-cream cone and then acting like I don't know it's there! I love you guys! And my in-laws - who accept me and love me just the way I am, and who make me feel not at all like an "in-law," but a prized sister and daughter who can do no wrong! Boy do I have you guys fooled! ;) I love you all! And to all of my friends - who love me, encourage me, believe in me, and inspire me and make me want to be better. Thank you for your devotion and friendship! They mean the world to me! And last but NOT least, a kind and generous, wise and eternal Father in Heaven who lifts me, forgives me, and loves me to the end. I am eternally grateful for all of these precious gifts!

It's a Wonderful Life!

I recently wrote about the "speed limit " that we travel through this life at, and since that day, I feel that "time" is traveling at the "speed of light!" I am just simply amazed at how true it is that the older we get, the faster time goes by. Everyday seems to be full of things to do, people to see, places to go, reasons to celebrate-laugh-and smile. And as much as I desire for the little things in life to linger, I am enjoying life to the fullest - along with each of the days that come and go. I love taking my little ones to the zoo, (especially when it's their first time!) I love going on dates with Clint and taking our children on their individual dates each month when it's "their day." I love making birthday cakes for my family and laughing out loud when the little ones press their faces up against the window with squished noses and crazy faces! I love having Family Home Evening and the time that we are together with no where to run off to, and no where that we have to be. Whether it's being a "Ghost buster" with Clint or "Booing" someone for the 3rd time in one week, our family home evenings is on my list of favorites. I also love serving in the church. I feel like life has so much more meaning when we are doing something for someone else. And although I wish I could do more at times, I still feel so much joy and satisfaction from the time that is given from a mother to her family. I love having my parents come and stay for a visit and to see everyone giddy over the"special attention" that they get from grandma and papa. I love when the kids say something so cute like, "I'm choosing the right because I want to be on Jesus' side!" I also love watching the kids all run for the back door for a big hug every night around the same time, (you know the time, when daddy comes home?!) I love watching the seasons change and taking in all of the wonder and beauty of Heavenly Father's creations. I love watching my children grow in confidence with their accomplishments in church or at school. I love getting together with family for blessings and baptisms and holiday gatherings. I love family traditions, especially the ones that come this time of year! (Baking, singing, decorating, and the "Gift of Time!") I love seeing old friends and wrapping my arms around them and hugging them a little longer than usual. I love to close my eyes at those moments and push pause and record those thoughts and feelings and memories in my heart. And even though there always seems to be challenges both great and small that are mixed in with all of the good, I love making it through the hard times and then looking back on how we may have grown through the experience or trial. Because - it is true that without the opposition in life, we would not know true joy. For all of these reasons and so many more, I am so grateful at this Thanksgiving time. I know that all that is good in my life comes from our Heavenly Father and I can honestly say, "it's a wonderful life!"

"SPEED LIMIT 35"

I can hardly believe that it's already November! It feels as if the hands of time are turning faster and faster as the days pass by. So, in an effort to remind myself to take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life, I have been listening to President Uchtdorf's talk from this last conference titled, "Of Things That Matter Most." I love everything that he says in this talk! He reminds us that during some of the busiest, most hectic times in our lives, we need to slow down and SIMPLIFY! As I have listened to this talk over and over again, (almost daily now!) I find myself learning new things all of the time. (And just as Dieter relates almost all of his stories to airplanes, I seem to relate almost all of mine to running!) So, I guess I'll chalk this one up to just one more of "life's little lessons" that I learned on a run!
I was on my way home with only about a mile or so left to go, when I happened to look up just as I was passing a speed limit sign. It said, "SPEED LIMIT 35." Now, I don't know how many times I have passed a sign like this, but for some reason, today, this sign taught me something. A speed limit is just that. It's a limit. Not a challenge of "how much faster than that can I go?" Well, as I thought about this sign, I also realized that it was there to help me and to keep me safe. And - not coincidentally, the closer we get to home, the slower the speed limit gets. In some areas on the freeway we can travel at speeds of up to 75 mph! After we exit the freeway the speed limit drops to 50 then 45 then 35, then once inside our little neighborhood, the speed limit is a whopping 25 mph! So, as we continue to race on through this life, we need to be sure that the closer we get to home, the more we need to slow down! Doesn't it make perfect sense? Some of the most important work that we do in life happens within the walls of our own homes. Wouldn't it be sad if we were in too big of a hurry or we were in such a rush that we ended up missing out on those priceless opportunities? I know that I personally try to fill my day to the fullest with good things. But, I also know that there are millions of "good things" in the world and that I need to be selective on which ones I put my effort into and which ones can be left aside for another time. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is kind enough and wise enough to help us learn and grow while we are here on this journey through life. I am grateful that He speaks to our hearts and minds in ways that we can understand, and if we are listening, we just might hear what it is that He is trying to tell us. This life truly is a gift and I am so happy to be reminded daily that there is a purpose and a plan to all of this! Now, if only I could figure out how to get the laundry done at freeway speed, and how to turn nap time into a "school zone!" Or hey, how about a "STOP" sign! THAT would be awesome!

The Parable of the Socks

One thing that is certain in this life is that there is always room to grow. There is always room to improve and learn and to be better than we were the day before. I know that I can definitely learn more patience from my children, increase my knowledge and learning through good books, and thankfully, gain more "wisdom" through life's little lessons. Some days the lessons that I learn seem to be simple in logic, yet profound in meaning - just like what happened to me the other morning.


I was sound asleep, peacefully dreaming, when I was abruptly awakened by the sound of my alarm. I threw back the covers and stumbled to turn off the sound. This morning was starting out the same as most mornings as I mechanically maneuvered myself through the room in the dark, gathering the items that I needed to go out for my morning run. I had been successful at collecting all of the items except for one thing - my socks. I reached into the basket to get my socks and was certain that all of the different materials that I was feeling were NOT my socks. I could feel nylons, wool socks, my nice trouser socks, my furry warm slipper socks - everything but my running socks! Frustrated, I left the room and decided to go and get dressed and get a drink, and then I would go back a second time and this time surely be able to find my socks! Well, when I went back and "felt" my way through the sock basket, I found myself once again frustrated at not being able to find my socks! Finally, after mentally apologizing to Clint for having to turn on the light, I reached my arm around the doorway of my closet, flipped on the light switch, grabbed my running socks, and then quickly turned the light back off. That was it! Within a matter of seconds I was able to see clearly what I needed, get it, and be done! I had finally obtained the last item that I needed before I could move forward with beginning my day. As I sat (in the dark) putting on my socks and shoes, I had this very distinct thought come to my mind. -Sometimes in life we think that we can do things on our own - that we don't need any "light" to find what we are looking for or to get us where we need to be. If only we would take an extra second in our day to "turn on the light," then we could begin to move forward and progress. Who knows how much time I would have wasted in the dark had I not decided to just turn on the light. It's also interesting to think about the fact that Clint was right there in the room with me, but I was still the one who had to flip the switch. It is the same with the gospel of Jesus Christ. What we need is right in front of us and only we can choose to turn on the light. Only we can invite our Savior into our lives and let His light shine bright for us. It's a pretty simple lesson, but one that I have thought about time and time again, and one that I am reminded of every single day as I simply choose to "turn on the light!"