The Simple Woman's Daybook - A Peek Into My December Day~

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Enjoy reading and perhaps join the fun!

Outside my window... is a beautiful serene view of snow capped mountains . It is a cold and crisp winter day. We received several inches of snow two days ago. It is the first real snow fall we have had except for a light snow storm a couple of weeks ago. The first snow of the year always brings feelings of nostalgia. I don't like to go out in it; but I do like to look at clean white snow.

We tried to get a picture of Sammy our dog going out for the first time in the snow. He usually backs up; he knows it is cold outside. This time he just wouldn't budge for a while. He had to be encouraged to make the potty run.

 I am thinking...that Christmas is coming way too soon for me. Since Thanksgiving was the last week of November this year it seems impossible that it is December already. I needed an extra week; I have so much to do.

I am thankful...that we were able to spend Thanksgiving with our two sons and families that live in Idaho. We enjoy lots of good food and conversation. Yes, a little football too. It was a great trip. My husband had surgery the Monday before Thanksgiving on his hand. Therefore I had to drive to and from Idaho. Driving long distance is not my thing but at least I stayed awake while driving that is a good thing.

Here's a glance at our Thanksgiving Day~

My dear daughter Amanda had her hands full with many children trying to help. It was fun to watch. There was no room for me in the kitchen; that was a good thing.

 Kason, Age 6

 Amanda, Karlie and Ryley

Amanda, Layton, Kason and Karlie~

 Austin and Christian~

 Justice~

 Layton, age 3~

Amber, James and back of Taylor Jo~

Family and friends at the table~

In the Kitchen....dinner will be simple tonight. I haven't decided what to fix at this point.

I am wearing....brown slacks, light green shirt, beige sweater, brown socks and black slippers. I had to go out for a Dentist appointment today so I am dressed a bit better. I really like to wear my comfortable PJ's that work great for staying at home.

I am going....to finish this post and then try to read my favorite blogs and comment. I haven't had a minute to do any blog or face book reading of entries for about a week.

I am wondering....if I can actually complete Christmas Shopping by next week. I really like to get it completed early so I can just enjoy the  Christmas season.

I am reading...The Book of Mormon as always. Right now I am still in 2nd Nephi in the chapters on Isaiah's writings. I am reading this area slower because it is more difficult to understand. This is taking some prayer. I feel like I may not get through this before next year.
I am continuing to read a fantastic book entitled: "The Triumph of Zion - Our Personal Quest For The New Jerusalem" by John M. Pontius. I am  learning more about the different meanings of the word, Zion. Along with a lot of thoughts on how to become a Zion person, a true Christ like person. This is a personal quest.

We were asked to speak in our home ward sacrament meeting and report our mission on Sunday, the 1st of December. Our Subject was "Becoming More Christ Like". This book helped with some thoughts for my message. We were released that morning by our Stake President just a few minutes before our meeting. Our Stake President and his counselor came to the Sacrament meeting. I was already scared enough about speaking; this added some extra pressure. It went well. My husband's talk was very inspiring. It was sweet to be back in our home ward.

I am also trying to read a Christmas Novel. I love to do that each year. Thus far I have read just two chapters and that was a couple of weeks ago. I will probably have to start over with this one. I hope to find time to read it because it is one of my personal Christmas traditions. There's nothing like reading a romantic novel in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
I enjoy Debbie Macomber books because she doesn't have any bad stuff in it; no Violence, language or sex in any of her books. She just writes good feeling books.

 

I am hoping...that our family can stay well during the Christmas month of celebration.

I am looking forward to...lunch with friends and perhaps having some friends over for dinner. I also love going out to eat and movies during the holidays. It's always so awesome just to enjoy some moments with my dear husband and then family of course. We always have a Christmas Family Party with our oldest son's family. I wish more of the children could come but it is hard to travel here in the winter months.

I am learning...that it is OK to take a break from technology. I love to blog; but there are times when I just can't find the time and that is what it has been like the past two weeks.

Around the house....we have our home decorated and I think it is lovely. My husband did the trees this year; which usually he doesn't have time. He has a touch with decorating. He has an eye for where to put things. Many years ago he helped his sister Marilyn's husband Don decorate the trees in ZCMI's windows in downtown Salt Lake. I think he picked up some skills at that time. 

I am pondering...how sad it is that many individuals and families will  not have any gifts for Christmas this year. In the area we served in for our mission there are so many who have nothing. The ward we served in had some great Christmas service projects while we were there. Our home wards helped with the Christmas needs of many families in our assigned ward. In November three couples were released and now there is only one couple.I am praying that they won't forget this year the people that we were assigned too. Since our mission is over I can't help worrying about the families we had.  I have been in touch with a couple of families because they do become your friends. We have a tradition of Christmas service each year so we will come up with something.

A favorite quote for today...

Let Every Day Be Christmas

by Norman Wesley Brooks

Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. Peace on Earth, good will to men, kind thoughts and words of cheer, are things we should use often and not just once a year. Remember too the Christ-child, grew up to be a man; to hide him in a cradle, is not our dear Lord's plan. So keep the Christmas spirit, share it with others far and near, from week to week and month to month, throughout the entire year!

 "Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."  ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

One of my favorite things...is Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with my eternal love.

A Pet Peeve.....children that don't remember things. Only I am suppose to forget things. I won't disclose what things were forgot.

Something New About Me...I love Hallmark movies; especially the Christmas ones. My poor sweet husband is so good to me that he will watch them with me. The truth is he has a few tears that will fall down his face when there are emotional story moments.
One of my guilty pleasures...lunches with my friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Visit to my sweet Aunt Della who is not doing well right now. I am very worried about her - Our temple shift on Saturday - Attending a special musical program - An extra Stake Conference and our churches' Christmas Devotional; I love hearing the messages and the Mormon Tabernacle choir.

 Next week we are flying to South Dakota to share some moments with two of my daughters and their families. Our Jenni's husband, Michael is graduating with a PhD in Psychology. I love that I can call him Dr. Thomas. He has worked long and hard for this degree. My daughter Christina, Brandon and their children are coming for this also.

 A Picture I wanted to share.....

Have a Christ Centered Christmas~