What is the Christmas spirit to you? I think the answers would be as varied as the people who answered. For some the festive atmosphere in all the shops says “Christmas” while for others the simple nativity instills that feeling of celebration. A beautifully decorated home or volunteering at a homeless shelter might invite that spirit for still others. This […]
Many of my 48 Christmas celebrations have passed with little to make them stand out – but this year will be one I remember, because it is the first since Tom died where I feel a genuine sense of peace and even joy. There have been no complicating bouts of intense grief, but only grateful memories of our life together […]
It always seems there isn’t enough December for all the things I want to do during the Christmas season! It took me three weeks to put up all the Christmas decorations. I would work for ten or fifteen minutes and then get distracted or (better yet!) tired. We always wait till about 10 days before Christmas to get a tree […]
We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Since I didn’t get around to writing a Christmas Letter this year, I thought I’d take a moment to highlight 2013 for our family. Spencer spent a good portion of this year at BYU Provo, finishing up his freshman year in April and returning for a second year in September. […]
Well, we jumped from remodeling the kitchen to full-fledged Christmas preparations. As the mother and tone-setter for the family, I proceeded to lose my mind and take my family with me!! There are entirely too many things to do in December. It sounds innocuous enough – just a class party or work party or band concert – none of them […]
I’ve neglected the blog – and yet I’m selfishly checking everyone else’s blogs ALL the TIME hoping they have posted again. I am resolved to do better. Family update? We all had a wonderful time at Christmas – though it seemed kindof hectic. Tom made a really delicious gourmet meal for Christmas Eve: a course meal that began with roasted […]
Well – we survived thrived through another Christmas season! I was most relieved to stop shopping. When Christmas day arrived I was done, for better or worse! Tom prepared a five course meal for Christmas Eve. Here’s the menu: Black Bean Soup Spinach Salad with Raspberries and Cranberries and toasted Pecans Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and steamed Carrots A […]
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 […]
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 […]
I don’t really have much to say – but I’m trying not to leave the blog idle! I have been trying to do some christmas preparations – i finally decided what I was doing for my siblings, but I’m still thinking about tom’s siblings – although I think I might have made a decision. I’ve been trying to make lists […]