This Year at Christmas Time

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

Thrill just wasn't there.

No pictures taken with Santa Clause,

my decorating has no flair.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,

two suits and socks...no fun.

I've bought him all white clothes because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,

Felt strength come from His words.

I've reread November's Ensign,

and my testimony stirred.

Our family prays more frequently

My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,

gave their sons to war?

Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,

their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence,

I'll miss his smile a ton

For two years we will pray for him,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.

I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He's always hungered for the part of him,

that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard,

His choice and mine are one.

I'll put my faith in God's hand,

This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,

I think I finally understand

Christ's birth should be celebrated

by giving Him a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns

that all his packing's done.

My gift has taken years to make,

This year... I'm giving Christ my son

This is just a little of how I am feeling this year and I know many of you don't understand this but maybe when you send out your first missionary you will. Merry Christmas!!!

How could I really say NO?

As this year gets closer and closer to Christmas, it is hard for me to focus on what I need to get for Christmas gifts etc. I have all of my attention focused on my wonderful son, AJ. He leaves on his mission for the LDS church on Wednesday for two years.

I keep asking myself this question, How can I let him go?? Can I really do this??? As I look around my heart is so fun because of all of my blessings that I have been blessed with. I have great kids, a wonderful husband, good health, enough money to live on, wonderful friends and family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have been blessed with AJ for 19 1/2 years and I think I would be so ungrateful if I wasn't willing to let him go out and serve the Lord for two years. This is going to be a very hard thing for me, but as I have said "How can I not?" AJ is such a blessing in my life and always has been. He always cares about me and making me happy. I will really miss his hugs, smile, laugh and humor. I am also so excited for AJ, because he will be a great missionary. He loves people and he has a great way of showing people. I know he will make many great friends and touch many people's lives.

Good luck AJ!!! You will do awesome.

SO Thankful

I know I have been much of a slacker as far as blogging, but my life is so busy with so many things right now. I do miss my wonderful blogging friends that always make my day and have great things to encourage me.

I would feel so ungrateful if I didn't post something about the many things in my life that warm my heart and that I am so thankful for.

We had a great Thanksgiving. It was at our house, which is a first in a long time. It turned out great. Wonderful food, great family and fun.

I am so blessed with so many things. Especially this year, I am focusing so much on the things that mean the most, which aren't things.

I am grateful for

great kids that are always trying to be great examples in their every day lives

great husband that has put up with a wife gone every day all day long for 12 wks

Warm and comfortable home

Great friends that have helped to make me who I am

Great family that are so loving and caring

Health and strength to continue on

An end to my dream of wanting to be a teacher, I can't believe it.

A testimony of the gospel and all the joy it brings to me.

A son with a desire to serve the Lord in a full time mission in a couple of weeks.

I am so thankful for all I have and just hope that I can continue to be strong in all that I do.

I AM SO THANKFUL