Perspective

Every year around the holidays I try to do something to focus on the REAL meaning of Christmas. Last year I read The Robe. If you haven't read it, I strongly suggest you do. It made all the difference for me last year. This year I have been reading the four gospels from the New Testament. I have tried to read with two things in mind. First, that this isn't just a nice story, but actual events. And second, what do I need to change in my own life because of Christ's teachings. That is where perspective comes in.

I know there are a lot of moms out there with more kids and more on their plates, so I shouldn't complain. But I do. Having two energetic children and a husband who is gone more nights than he is home is HARD. Some nights I go to bed so thankful that I can try again in the morning. Sometimes I am a little jealous that my husband gets to go out to nice lunches and have adult conversation, while I am home eating macaroni and cheese and explaining why we don't throw our food on the floor. It had been a rough couple of weeks when I read Mark 8:36-37 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

That scripture really struck a chord in me. Perspective. The most important thing I can be doing is to be home with my children trying to set a righteous example for them. All the accolades of the world will mean nothing if I fail my children. I have been praying for strength beyond my own so that I don't enter "Mean Mom Mode." You know, that point where you can feel the veins in your neck bulge and you think you might actually turn green like the Hulk. I have felt love pour into my heart. I love my children. And more than anything I have been reminded that all they really want is for me to show them love.

This Christmas I am thankful for the life of Christ. He is the best gift. He is helping me turn my weaknesses into strengths. Because of the teachings of the Savior, I have the perspective to know that the most important thing is family. So in the words of Hannah, "Merry Pimpas!"

All inclusive

There has been a lot going on lately. So much so, that I am just going to put the highlights in an all inclusive blog post! Lucky you.

First up is playing in the snow, then the leaves when it all melted. Tyler was truly giddy when we told him he could get his snowboots on....the ones he has been asking to wear since September!

Next up is BLACK FRIDAY. I am not one of those crazy women who are in line by midnight for their favorite store. I just go the day before Thankgiving and put stuff on hold. I'm not going to lie, I got the deal of a lifetime on Friday. I always buy my kids clothes this winter on sale and use them for next winter. The same goes for coats. Gymboree was having a 50% off sale on their winter coats. I found Tyler the most handsome navy blue Peacoat....EVER. So cute I almost don't want him to wear it next year. It was originially $70! With the 50% off sale, plus they were taking an extra 30% off since it was before noon, and I had a 20% off coupon, I got the coat for $10.50. No joke. I may or may not have jumped up and down...a little.

Then we have Family Home Evening at Temple Square to see the lights. We decided to go before it really got cold. I discovered something there. Hannah doesn't know how to say Christmas. She would point and say, "Look at those Pimpas lights." Or it would come out "Merry Crimpas!" Too cute!