Tired

I had a realization today. I take for granted what I have. I was making one of my friends feel bad that he didn't come on this Yurt trip with us yesterday. He didn't want to go because of the money he could be making instead of the adventure. I told him, "But what about the memories?..." Well right after that we went and saw- The Pursuit of Happyness. There was this one part where the main character lends someone five dollars when he, honestly, has no money and how hard it must have been... I turned to my friend and said," I would just punch the guy in the neck and run off with my money," kind of just being stupid when my friend said something. "But think about all the memories..." I know he was playing with me about our last convo. but really, I never thought about it. Money is a big deal to succeed, go to school, live... And here I am saying that the yurt trip was only 15 dollars. Only 15 dollars! I know alot of people I have worked with that could be just happy having that. I am selfish, unthoughtful, and not grateful enough. Makes me think how I really should use money and how I should rethink how I live life. So I realized today.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

There's something about-

The fresh scent of pine.
The bushes by my bedroom window and how they are green all year long.
The lady who conducts songs, on her radio, while driving.
The sound of the heater turning on.
The huge snowflakes that take their time falling.
Egyptian Licorice herbal tea and Mint Hot Chocolate.
The christmas lights framing my roof.
Decorating the tree.
Singing by the fire at night with my family.
Old Christmas claymation movies.
Scarfs, gloves, hats, and more.
The cool, crisp air and the bundles you roll yourself into.
The family I have.
The smiles and laughter.

There is just something about it.

Much to be thankful for...

150 Years ago today my great great grandmother, Mary Goble Pay, entered the Utah valley with the Willy and Martin Handcart Companies. It was around nine'o'clock that cold winter night. Mary was sitting in the wagon cradling her mothers head, who had just passed away. Tonight I was able to sit with a huge group of family that came about because of her. She had 13 kids and what a woman she was. What a feeling of love I have for this woman and the pioneers who strived to follow the Prophet and walk into the unknown. What where they wearing? What had they eaten? How many had died? What were their feelings as they came out of that canyon? Amazing. Truly.

Christmas Devotional 2006

What a wonderful time of year. I think everyday this week I was compelled to tear up due to some instance where I realized true happiness. Where I really understood what makes me happy. This Christmas Devotional was good. I learned a lot from it. When and where do I do things for others that they cannot do for themselves? Do I consciously make an effort to do that and to do more? Do I give God my heart, my all? Do I focus on the 'Spirit of Christmas'? How strong is my faith? Why haven't I met my neighbors I don't know? Do I make time or do I just watch t.v.? Tonight a lot of questions were rushing around in my head. I want to be more. Be better.

I smiled as I sat there, all snuggled up with Anna, Jessie and Scott watching. Loved seeing Scott gently kiss Jessie on the forehead or watching Jessie cross stitch a masterpiece with only one hand. I loved being able to put my head on Annas shoulder and write my thoughts down on paper. I love just being there. Being with my family. Its Home.

Whistle while you work

Got home from the gym. Rachel had made breakfast. Good! It was oven baked eggs with some good ol' spices like rosemary, basil, thyme, etc. I cleaned up. She cooked so I wanted to clean for her. BUT that was not the end of my cleaning. The fridge at my parents house just kills me! Always has. It smells funny, has weird food just piled in it from who knows and just not very feng shui. So.... I cleaned the entire fridge. Feels a lot better now. Beautiful and neat. Makes everything more enjoyable for me in the kitchen. Wish I had a before and after shot. Man on man. There is just something about having things clean and doing it with my own hands.