The Season...

The season has been crazy.  Busy, busy, busy. One day rushing into the next.  One of these years I am going to get my shopping done early and be able to sit back and relax and watch everyone else run around with their heads cut off!  That is what I have told myself for too many years.

Abby and her cousins, Cassie and Kylie

Last Friday we did spend the evening in Salt Lake with Brad's brothers and their families.  We went to Temple Square to look at the millions and millions of beautiful lights, what an amazing job they do decorating.

Then on Saturday we spent the afternoon with my family having our family Christmas party.  It is always an awesome time when I get to spend time with my sisters and their families.  Quite honestly, there is nothing better than family.
On Sunday our ward did a sacrament meeting of musical numbers.  I could feel the spirit pretty strong.  I also could feel the absence of Tanton.  I was sad that he wasn't there sitting with us, like he usually is.  I was trying to think of the bright side and that is that he will only be away for two Christmases and one will already be down so quickly!  But unfortunately, I am getting the sneaking suspicion that it is going to be very hard to not have him here this Christmas....















A good friend of mine gave me this poem, and I think it does an excellent job of summarizing my feelings.

A Missionary Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.  The thrill just wasn’t there.  No pictures taken with Santa Claus, 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, my testimony stirred. I’ve reread November’s Ensign, felt strength come from His words. 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 the lessons he always heard, his choice and mine are one. I’ll put my faith in God’s hands.  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.

I know there’s One who understands the sacrifice I’m making. Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll it will be taking. For He has done it all before – greater love, there could be none. For years ago God gave to me,

His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray; now knock the doors to find the ones who will listen to what he’ll say. Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering’s done. My gift has taken years to make.

This year…I’m giving Christ my son.

Time for an update, eh?

It has been a while since I have posted anything!  Life has been busy, it seems it just comes one thing after another...which can be good at times.  It has now been just over three weeks since Tanton went into the MTC.  He is still in Provo at the MTC, although he was suppose to fly to Spain on November 30.  He said he is "an official visa waiter" now.  He is just waiting for his visa to arrive then like six days later he will be off to Spain.  I am praying that his visa will come after Christmas.  I really think that it would be cool for Tanton to be in the MTC in Provo for Christmas.  They have had so many cool devotional speakers and I really feel that the spirit would be strong.  But....since I am not the one in charge of visa's, I am sure it will come when it is time, and that will be all good too. He is loving the MTC. He loves his companion, who is from Phoenix and thinks the snow is super cool.  He really loves playing volleyball, and he even thinks the food is good! :)  His Spanish is coming along very well also.  But that is not a surprise to me.  All is well.  I have to admit, it was sad to know he was less than 2 hrs away and could not spend Thanksgiving with us, and I do miss him.  But I love to get his weekly e-mails and he has even been a very good letter writer, which is impressive!  He is happy, which makes for a happy mom ~ missing him ~ but happy for him!

Grandma Vinson

My Grandma Vinson turns 90 years old today! She is such an amazingly strong woman.  Since I have not had my mother around since I was so young, my grandma has played an even bigger role in my life.  She has really been there for me and my sisters through the years and we have really been here for her.  That is what family is all about and it is great.  We are so blessed to continue to have my grandmother in our lives, she is very bright and her mind is completely intact.  Sometimes I feel like she can remember things better than I do!  We had a surprise party for her last weekend, it turned out great. What a fantastic way to show her what she means to all of her family!

Now, I guess it is time to turn my thoughts to Christmas.  I cannot believe that it is only 3 weeks away!  I tell you, before I know it we will be half way through January.
Merry Christmas! May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas, and feel the spirit this holiday season.