* Famn Damnily Christmas Party *

Oh Hark the Herald Angels Scream... actually when our family gets together it's like sardines fitting into a tiny box, conversation is had by all... at the same time! So yes the volume in the room gets a little loud! However I wouldn't want it any other way! I love my family and I love the lil' Hobbits (nieces and nephews). Today was a special day - Dad's Birthday! Happy Birthday Dad! You are an inspiration and a hero in my eyes. You have heart, soul, faith and a love that is incredible. You have taught me many things in my life - how to give, how to love, how to work, etc. You always hear the phrase "worlds greatest dad".. Well he's not the worlds greatest dad. He's MY greatest and favorite dad! :) I couldn't have asked for anything better! We have had our ups and downs - but that is what has kept us going. I love you dad and all that you have done and still do for me! Happy Birthday Father!!

Here are a few of the pictures from tonight's party! I do love my family! *Mwuah*

(you can click on this image to enlarge it)

*Family Tradition - Food Coalition*

For the past four years we have made it a tradition to go with Denny, Cecelia and the boys to the Food Coalition in Provo and feed the less fortunate. For each year, there is little surprise that I am moved and touched in more ways than I can describe.

This year we were blessed to have our dear friend Nalani and our niece Avery come with us! Thank you for joining us! However I think if I were to ask Avery about her experience, she would tell you it was a little different than what she expected.

As Avery, Kayden and I were serving the trays to the tables, the Chef asked if anyone knew how to play the piano. Avery not really volunteering was volunteered by Cecelia! :) Nothing like being put on the spot! Avery went up on the stage, sat down and played "Phantom of the Opera". It was absolutely beautiful and perfect! Later on in the night, a gentleman approached Avery "I want to personally thank you for the beautiful music. Our entire table appreciated the talent and the sound. You truly were amazing up there". Wow if the experience last night wasn't enough, to hear such passion and gratitude was awesome! I looked over at Avery and her face was as red as the ornament that hung on the tree.

A humbling experience to hear the stories of why those individuals are there. Most of which have full time jobs, homes, families, etc just not enough money for food. Others not having a place to stay or a job. It's sad and humbling but a true blessing that there is a place that they are able to go and get something warm to eat.

We as humans are on a every day journey with life. A journey of finding out who we really are. A journey of opening our arms and helping those in need. A journey of finding balance. A journey of figuring out if what society calls acceptable and not acceptable is really a fair grading system. Life is definitely a journey full of ups and downs. Understanding, Knowledge, Compassion, Love and Strength are really what I have found that keeps me moving forward in a positive direction. I am really focusing on positive energy that is brought in and out of my life. Experiences like last night with family and friends that I love, definitely is bringing positive energy into my life!

I love and adore my family and friends. I hold each memory close to my heart. The gratitude I have for opportunities like last night, words can't describe how I feel. I have to be the luckiest girl in the world. I have the most amazing nephews and nieces. For them to help and do service unto complete strangers really shows what kind of individuals they are!

Thank you again for an amazing and unforgettable night!

*Dream*

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey. I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell. I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing.

I had a dream

*The Garden*

Plant three rows of peas:
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of lettuce:
Lettuce be faithful
Lettuce be kind
Lettuce be happy
Lettuce really love one another

No garden should be without turnips:
Turnip for service when needed
Turnip to help one another
Turnip the music and dance

Water freely with patience and Cultivate with love.
There is much fruit in your garden.
Because you reap what you sow.

To conclude our garden,
We must have thyme:
Thyme for fun
Thyme for rest
Thyme for ourselves

--Unknown

*Being there*

To love is, above all, to be there.

If you are not there, how can you love?

But being there is not easy thing, it takes practice.

The question that arises is: Do you have time to love?

The most precious gift we can give to the one we love is our true presence.

What must we do to really be there?

Do you have enough time to love? Can you say "I am truly here for you."

Perhaps the lives of those close to us cry out for us to take notice of our own.

Do you have a quest to be aware? Do you have the time?

Who are you, really?

*Embrace Criticism*

Embrace criticism, whether from the wise or from fools.
Never has a word been uttered that didn't have meaning to those who heard it.