Just wanted to share our tips for torturing the kids on Christmas Day. #1 – when children arrive in Mom & Dad’s room begging to go down and open presents Christmas morning, begin an extended conversation on the advisability of sleeping a bit more, on maybe waiting until afternoon, on having breakfast first, etc. #2 – after agreeing to go downstairs, make everyone sit down and wait while taking pictures, talking about how everyone slept, and generally just postponing the moment. #3 – restrict the opening of presents to Santa gifts and stockings and take turns opening gifts, making everyone watch and offer appropriate oohs and aahs. #4 – stop the festivities and make everyone retire to the kitchen for breakfast. #5 – instruct everyone to get dressed. Take the family to the movies. #6 – finally...
So, most people don’t read the letters to the editor in magazines. But – I do. And though I have never written one myself, this fall I was inspired to write TWO and marvel of marvels, they have both been published (see – no one reads them, hence, no one writes in!). If you want to see for yourself, take a look at the December issue of the Ensign and the winter issue of USAA Magazine. I have to admit, as a closet writer-wannabe it was kindof a thrill to see my words published – even if they were in the form of a modest letter. Read More →
One of my favorite things about Christmas is getting Christmas letters! I love hearing about everyone’s news and how their year has been. Sure, some letters might be a little boastful, but mostly they are newsy and funny and creative and make me feel connected to friends that I don’t otherwise have much contact with. Keep them coming, people!! Another thing I love about Christmas is the chance to do thoughtful things for people. If you show up on the doorstep of a relative stranger with a loaf of freshly baked bread, they will smile and thank you and even wish you a Merry Christmas. For that brief moment I feel connected to my neighborhood in a way that I don’t get most of the rest of the year (we’re not a very sociable neighborhood!!). And if you are visiting teaching someone who doesn’t normally...
As the mother of one biological child, and two adopted children (who joined our family as toddler/preschoolers) I’ve thought a lot about those experiences that mothers have with their babies during the first three years of life. I remember really enjoying those years with my first child – especially since I thought it might be my only chance to have those experiences. However, they are far in the past! I was watching the young mothers in my ward today, and thinking about my younger siblings who are just starting their families. It is such an important time in a child’s life – all those daily experiences with a mother and father who are devoted to them. I watch mothers talking to their small children – their animated faces and enthusiastic voices – and all the caresses and physical attention –...
I have to report that I am STILL SICK. You might have noticed that I made a post about being sick back in November. Well, I had a brief reprieve in CA – my coughing never went away, but I felt better. As soon as we got back to Denver I went back to bed and stayed there for 72 hours. I have gradually begun to feel better, but the coughing is SO OLD. My whole family is annoyed with me. And now Tom is sick and coughing. This has been a crummy fall for me, health-wise. I sure hope we’re better for Christmas!! Read More →