Holiday Cheer

The tree is trimed, the halls are decked, the Christmas music is playing

It's Christmas Time!

I am Thankfull for.......

All month I have been posting things that I am Thankful for on Facebook. My friend at work said that some one at church, as part of their talk mentioned that those people who are Thankful are better able to deal with stress, and are healthier. I really believe in the mind-body-spirit connection. So, I am doing my best to remain thankful as a daily habit.

Dave was asked by his boss at Bryce Canyon Academy (the boys home) if we would be willing to have Thanksgiving there at the school with the boys and their families. Although it is not what I had planned, I think it will be a good thing. It will remind me that our kids turned out pretty darn well, that they are not drug addicts, that we still have them with us for a few short years before they all go off in the world. We will just make our Thanksgiving the next day ( I am glad that we decided to go with the ham this year). So, plans change, but maybe that is all a part of helping me be thankful.

Heart of Gold

I have been watching old episodes of Ugly Betty on Hulu. I have always wanted to watch, but it conflicted with The Office and other Thursday night shows. So, I was excited to run across all seasons of Ugly Betty online.

The episodes are a bit predictable and somewhat cheesy, but they are also sweet and comfortable. Betty, played by America Ferara (who is one of my favorite actresses), is a naive Hispanic girl that doesn't know quite where she fits in. I can soooo identify with her. She works as an assistant for the editor of a high fashion magazine, and the show echoes The Devil Wears Prada. But, there is something so likable about Betty. You really cheer for her as she struggles to be true to herself in an industry that favors beauty over substance.

The other characters are great, with the classic villains and unexpected heroes all through the story lines. I am hooked! Betty has a heart of gold, a contagious optimism and an innocence rarely seen in a leading role. I can't wait to see what comes next.

The 19th

An adult for 1 whole year. She is learning from the trials of life and figuring out that it is all different now that she is all grown up. She still loves children, hanging out with her friends, and being goofy. She is alway's a daddy's girl and a good daughter.

She is trying to decide what to do with the rest of her life now that high school is over. The options are many and the choices are hard, but we know she has all the tools that she needs to make the right ones. Happy Birthday, Heather Marie!

If I plan it, it will happen

I am determined to be stress-free this Holiday Season. Last year was hard, and the season seemed to confound all the difficulties. I am going to focus on what is really important--time with family, creating memories, appreciating what we have.

We won't be able to make it up north for Thanksgiving (Dave and I both have to work the day after), and though I was a little disappointed, I can deal. We are planning on having a simple, casual dinner at home. I want to sit around in our PJ's and watch movies and play board games all day. We will make a ham and some pies, nothing too fancy. We will enjoy the time together.

For Christmas, we will be heading to SLC, and I am looking forward to catching up with family and friends, I hope we have time to do and see everything we want. Gifts will be easy, the kids will get stockings and money, other gifts are already taken care of. But, again, I am focusing on the true spirit of the season. I really want to make it to Temple Square, I have not seen the lights for years.

For New Years, we will have a turkey dinner and another quiet evening at home, the kids may go out and do their own thing, but that is cool with me. Dave and I are good at enjoying eachother's company. The kids will have fun either way.