Grateful Sunday

1. My cell phone. I don't know how I ever survived without texting capabilities. (except for this morning when a text came in on FULL volume seconds after the opening song ended in Sacrament meeting - argh...my own fault). 

2. My girls - you know who you are.  Where would I be without you? My life exists as it is because you have loved me. Through laughter and tears, you have stuck with me. You endure my endless phone calls and drama galore. And all without judgment. What more could I ask? Love your guts, girls.

3. Tess Paskey, my wonder-stylist. I've been with this amazing woman for nearly 10 years. She has become such a good friend, she knows what I want without even needing to say it. Besides, I change my hair every 2 months. I need a superhero to keep up with me...

4. The New Testament. I have such a love for the scriptures. I am currently reading the New Testament, and it is amazing to me how much closer I feel to my Savior by reading about his life. In Matthew, then Mark, oh yes, and then Luke. I find something new every time I read, and it brings such peace into my home.

5. The snow. Have I mentioned how much I love snowboarding? I know, it's been a while, but how I love to feel the wind stinging my face as I race down the slopes on a beautiful sunny day. I have yet to enjoy LIVING in the snow, but I enjoy visiting just fine. 

6. Christmas songs. I have always had a passion for music. I learned the piano and flute as a young child and I've always loved singing and dancing. Especially at this time of year, I love the song Silent Night. It moves my heart every time I hear it. 

7. My piano. How could I mention how much I love music without a nod to my out-of tune, scratched, chipped, hand-me-down piano. I don't care. I just love the way the sound that emanates from the dusty coils vibrates in my ears. 

8. My fireplace. How I love to sit on cold, rainy nights, right in front of the flames for an instantly gratifying heat. I don't have to wait for my own body heat to fill the surrounding area, I can just relax, and most often, fall asleep enjoying the warmth. 

9. President Monson. Is it weird to say that I have looked forward to him being prophet since I was a little girl? I have always been drawn to Thomas S. Monson. His demeanor draws me in and I'm captivated by his stories and sincerity. I have such a special place in my heart for this man, especially as a prophet of God. 

10. Faith. Yes, I'm grateful for faith. Because there are times when life is tough and it seems like things never going to get easier or better. Faith gets me through. When I feel overwhelmed and discouraged, I'm reminded to have faith, and a simple perspective change alters my existence. I'm grateful for faith, and also that we can pray for faith, and it comes. 

More Christmas cheer

Last week I took the boys to the Christmas Train to see Santa. Santa only comes after 5, so it's a chilly adventure in the middle of December, to say the least. The temperature makes no difference when Santa is waiting for you at the end of the windy train ride, though. We waited in line for about 20 minutes, enjoying the lights and music, building the anticipation to see the big guy!

The train and trees are dripping in little twinkling lights. They really make the park look magical.

We finally arrive, and my camera decides to act up. In my anxiety to get the camera working and not make the gobs of people behind me wait, I forget to flip up the flash. Nice. 

That was fun, but I sooo need some hot chocolate 'bout now!

Once Upon a Disney Christmas

Christmastime at Disneyland is one of the most magical sights I've ever witnessed. Fake snow dons the top of the castle, It's a Small World is a whole new holiday wonderland, and there are Disney characters running amok sporting santa hats and scarfs.

We got very lucky recently as we walked in the park to find the Christmas Mickey photo line very short. We hopped right in line, and lil C immediately objected to anything involving a camera OR Mickey Mouse. The whole tantrum routine, you know. I bribe him to stay in the stroller with a sucker until we get all the way up to the front. As I'm readying my camera to capture the holiday moment, I look down to find my stroller flipped backwards on the ground, and Caleb snuggled so deep in Mickey's arms I could barely see his little body. He has this magical moment with the sweetest Mickey I've ever seen. Mickey holds his (or, more likely, her) hand out for Trey who has his reservations, but captivated, tentatively creeps in for a photo. 

Christmas Mickey rocks.