That's What Christmas Is All About

My friend Tara asked me a few weeks ago if I would do a favor for her. This "favor" involved my (so called) violin skills, and since I started playing again just this year, I was hesitant.

I was told that her neighbor had a horrible disease which caused her bones to be so brittle that just by moving at all she would break them. Her ribs, her back, her legs - so there she layed, on her back, all day every day. Of couse, I wanted to play for her, but I wasn't necessarily confident enough to play by myself, so I asked my violin teacher Calli to come with me.

Calli and I practiced some Christmas songs and we planned to play three or four duets for this poor girl. We had planned a few weeks in advance, so it came as a shock when Calli called to cancel just a couple of hours before we were supposed to go. I thought about cancelling also, but I thought that I'd do my best, say a prayer, and be confident in myself - hoping that I could pull it off without Calli's beautiful sound to tie it all together.

When we showed up at her grandmother's condo (where she's living), she was surprised and excited to see the violin. It just happened to be her 35th birthday too...so that worked out nicely. This girl (Amy) was a sad sight to see - A couple of IV's in her, an oxygen tank, laying on a small couch with literally everything at an arm's reach, along with a tote (and not a small tote at that) overflowing with medications. She told us her story, informing us that she had been sick since she was about nine, but only in the last three years did it start getting bad. We saw pictures of her when she was probably in her twenties; and she was nearly unrecognizable to the woman in the pictures - a beautiful, blonde beauty queen staring back. And now here she lay, demanding constant care and supervision.

She rattled off names of diseases that I can't even pronouce, and there were too many to remember. We were told that she was given choices in medication to treat her illness. In having chosen the wrong one, she has ended up this way. Despite all of this, however, she was as cheerful as could be. She was laughing, joking, and so happy to just have company that me playing a violin (no matter how bad I might have sounded) elated her. As soon as I saw her, my fear of playing went away. I just wanted to make her happy.

I am grateful for the chance I had to meet Amy. She is an inspiration to all those with illnesses like hers, and an inspiration to everyone, really. She has been dealt some hard cards - and she is dealing with them in a way that is beyond what I can even comprehend. I had the opportunity to be a part in making someone's day better. And I really think that's what Chrstmas is all about.

What Can I Say?

I have been catching up on my "blog hopping" or whatever you choose to call it... I decided to go through my list and it was a great idea for two big reasons:

1) I found lots of yummy holiday recipes (like I need more junk...)

and

2) I discovered, again, just how wonderful my life is.

While it may be a bit odd to discover while looking at someone 

else's life that yours is so great, this is what I realized today.

I was reminded that I have so many incredible friends who will always be friends. Amazing family whom I couldn't live without. A computer and the internet which allows me to have constant contact with my loved ones, all the time. A job, a husband, a roof over my head and money (if only a little bit) to spend on others this season. The ability to read the endless meaningful Christmas stories that bring the soul warmth (The Christmas Box, Christmas Jars), and a TV to watch those movies that make you want to be a better person (It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol). Life is good. If nothing else this year, please recognize all of your blessings and where they come from. 

It's when we think of the Savior and others that we really remember the reason for the season.

Here's to wishing it were nice,

Here's to wishing it were warm,

Here's to wishing we were ready

To say, "bring on the storm."

But of course, we should remember

What Christmas is for,

A season given to the Lord,

How could we ask for more?

Our wish to you this time of year

Is just to sit in thought,

Recall your many blessings and

Forget the things you've sought.

Remember those in need

And who could use a helping hand,

Perhaps someone needing your love

More than you'll understand.

So make this Christmas special,

And please, be quick to give

And know you're special to the one

Who died that we might live.

Love you all. Merry Christmas.

More Fat Please....

Why are holiday treats more addicting than others throughout the year? Is it because they are made for the season, therefore I allow myself to eat more? I mean, what is it about this time of year that makes chowing down on sweets more enjoyable?

My favorite holiday treats?

Peppermint Bark and Caramels. Can't beat 'em.

Fattening? Yes. 

And yet, I don't feel bad that I down what might as well be gallons of homemade caramels every December, or splurge continuously when there is peppermint bark in front of me. 

Even more embarrassing - a friend at work received some peppermint bark as a thank you/Christmas gift from a client. I told him if he wouldn't share with me, I'd be forced to confiscate some from him.  Apparently my problem doesn't stop at eating the goodies...  it's taking them too.

Isn't it quite fascinating, what holiday treats can do to you?

I Love Primary

Me: Can you believe we've been teaching you guys for almost an entire year?

Kids: No way!

Me: Yep. This is one of our last classes with you guys....

Kids: (Gasp...) Noooo! You're not moving up with us?

Me: We wish. But let's not worry about that. Let's focus on the lesson today.

Jake: How can I focus when I have that on my mind?!

He Surprises Me Sometimes

Chris is a total guy... as you've seen the "tough guy" post below. But once in a while, he'll surprise me by doing something to pass away the time... instead of playing with the ipod or on the computer, he'll do something like this.

He crochets. And he's dang good at it, too. 

He made me this scarf and beanie.

I think I'll keep him.

Tag... Again

I guess it's my time for tags... the truth is, not only am I bad about doing long ones, but I don't always check everyone's blog... so I was actually tagged to do this in October. Oops! Sorry, Danielle. But here you go, my 4th picture in my album.

These are my parents, Tracy and Shelly. In my opinion (of course, I am biased - but I know a lot of people that would agree), you couldn't find a more fun couple to be around. I am so grateful for my parents and for everything they have done for me. I would not be where I am today without the love, support, and friendship they have provided me my entire life.

This picture was taken at the John Mayer concert this summer. Just one of the reasons why I love them: they have fun! They go to concerts with us and dance and laugh and aren't afraid to have a good time. This is how it's been through all my 25 years.

Here are ten of the many reasons why I love these people:

1. They love music. I recall almost every saturday morning waking up to music blasting downstairs. They introduced me to the classics: The Eagles, Styx, the Beatles, Heart, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks, and more bands than I can mention.
2. My dad's a drummer. How is that not cool?
3. My mom is willing at any time to go hiking up ensign peak, no matter what the hour (I don't doubt that at some point or another, we went in the wee hours of the morning).
4. They taught me about Jesus Christ and the restoration of the gospel.
5. They supported me on my mission.
6. Even though looking back I realize we didn't have much as kids (we've lived in a couple of trailers), we never felt that way.
7. They are always there to listen and laugh or cry with.
8. They give and give and give. My sister and I counted once how many individual people they have taken into their home. I believe it was 35. 35 people who had a place to live because of the kindness of their hearts. And this was several years ago; there have been even more over those years.
9. My mom is a never-ending energizer bunny.
10. I am alive because they took the time to take care of me when I had cancer... how any parent could live through that, I can't even imagine!

Thank you for everything, mom and dad. I love you.

I tag: 

Holly, Tami, Katie Miller, Paige F, and Anna Mead

5 Things

I guess I haven't done a tag in a while. I admit that I am pretty bad about not doing the ones that are too long... but this one's not bad.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

• Loving my first year of seminary with Bro. C
  
• In concert choir with Mrs. McPharlin - I wish everyone knew who she was... what a nut case!
  
• Working with Fun Services
  
• Dragging State Street with my mom
  
• Loving 9th grade

5 things on my to-do list today:

• Study for my re-take test
• Go to lunch with my mom
• Find Las Vegas Bowl tickets for my boss
• Color Holly's "Busy Book"
• Practice my violin

5 snacks I enjoy:

• String Cheese
• Thin Mint ice cream... it's only available for a limited time... try it now because it's the best stuff out there!
• Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
• Vanilla Wafers
• Pretzels

5 things I would do if I were a Millionaire:

• See the world
• Get my family out of debt
• Pay a lot in tithing! :)
  
• Set up college funds for my kids
  
• Give to charity

5 places I've lived:

• Woodruff, Utah (population about 100 these days)
• Australia (ok, it was only for a month... but it sounds cool to say I lived there)
• Salt Lake City, Utah
  
• Fresno, California
• Selma, California

5 people I tag:

• Heather
• Nuria
• Christy
• Jeanette
• Robyn

He Will Be Missed

I believe it was last year after April conference that my good friend Katie mentioned she had gone to one of the sessions. 

Knowing that it is sometimes difficult to get tickets to the conference center that aren't stand-by, I asked her, "How are you so special to get tickets?"

To this she replied (very non-chalantly, I might add), "My grandpa spoke." Since that isn't something you leave alone, my next question was of course, "Who's you're grandpa?" Not even looking in my direction, she said, "Elder Wirthlin." Having been taken a little off guard, I asked the silly question of, "Who?" It was then she looked at me and said, "Joseph B. Wirthlin."

After that day, she teased me here and there, offering an invitation to his birthday party or to any gathering he might be at. I never got the chance, but I enjoyed some of the stories she told me about him, having a more intimate relationship with him. It made me wonder what life would be like when you have a grandpa as an apostle? 

Katie is one of the most wonderful, funny, kind-hearted people I know. I think, like her "granddad" (as she called him), the gospel of Jesus Christ has played a role in how wonderful she is. Thanks Katie, for being an example to me, just like he was.

He passed away just last night at the age of 91, being the oldest living apostle today.

Here is just a bit of his last conference talk, which was heart-warming for all who listened.

"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."

Charming

Matt and Jenny Baker are good friends of ours. A little while ago, we saw Matt at a movie. I thought I'd share the following snippet of our conversation.

Me: "Chris showed me how much he loves me last night and took me to see Twilight."

Matt: "..... I don't love Jenny that much."

What a sweetheart.