Random Thoughts for Thursday

Hallie learned to point with one finger.  She makes a big "o" face and an amazed "ahhhh" sound to go with it.  I'm not sure if it is real or not, but it makes it seems like she is completely fascinated with all things Christmas and lights and presents.  It is a joy to watch her this season.

Hallie cried on Santa's lap.  It was our first experience since Jackson has always loved Santa. I felt bad for making her cry and then watching her terror.  Why do we do this to our little ones?

The other day (Dec 20) I thought, "What a beautiful and warm day to pick weeds from my rocks"  For many reasons I never thought I would say that.

Hallie takes 10-20 steps consistently now.  To see her toddle and reach out for her next support is so fun.  

We love Hallie so much because she shows so much love to us.  She cuddles, squeezes, kisses, nuggles, anything.  She always wants to be held (although is very good natured if she isn't being held.)  She brings so much love into our home!  I love watching Dave love her too!  However, lately she's been trying to hug other kids and they are pushing her away.  It breaks my heart that she is such a sweetie, but isn't wanted here.  I hope my kids are never teased at school, I would be so sad for them!

Jackson has been talking alot about Jesus lately (yea for the season!) He couldn't understand how he could always see us, so I said he had special eyes.  Now that is all he talks about, Jesus and his Special Eyes.  Somethings about Jesus are very hard to explain . . . I failed on that one.  Any advice?

Jackson is so stubborn and hard-headed in so many ways, but in several cases he is so open minded and I love it!  For example, he doesn't see boundaries between girls and boys things.  All toys are equal in his eyes.  In his eyes, pink is a fantastic color and barbies are awesome.    Also, he loves baby toys and baby things.  He doesn't discriminate. He also has nothing that he can think of that he wants for Christmas.  The only things he has mentioned are things he already possesses.  It makes it easy for us to plant in his mind what he "wants".  It is inspiring that he isn't overly greedy or wanting of possession.  Although, he also doesn't want to give away anything that he already has.

Did you know that it takes ALOT of popcorn to fill 16 bags of carmel corn?  . . . Like 10 batches.  That is ALOT of time turning my whirly pop crank! (Thanks, Lori for the most awesome gift ever :) )

Arizona has 'snow days' where the ship in a dumpload full of snow to a parking lot and have a bunch of vendors come try to sell you things while you let your kids play.  No one had gloves or boots and the parents got to stand around and not get wet at all . . .best of both worlds I guess.  We also went to see snow falling and were a little disappointed to see it was a bubble machine.  Still, the kids seemed to enjoy it. 

Arizona snow ^ verses Utah snow

We are going to be celebrating Christmas just with our little family and it is going to be kind-of different on Christmas Eve to not be with family, but I think it will be fun to focus completely on our kids and being together.  I am getting really excited.  We are also doing things a little differently so we can catch an open flight to Utah.  Lets hope everything goes smoothly.

I just realized that I didn't mention Jesus Christ in our Christmas card and I am completely disappointed in myself. He is the whole reason for sending out cards to keep in touch with others who have touched out lives for good.  He is the reason that we have Joy and Love and Peace to celebrate.  And He inspires us to create more Love, Joy and Peace.  I am so sorry that I failed to express my LOVE and faith in my Savior, especially this time of the year when he should never be forgotten! I hope the Savior is a major focus of our celebrating this season!