The Christmas Spirit

Someone in our house has been helping us remember the true meaning of Christmas each day....

Everyday Hazel picks a princess to be for the day. If, for example, she was Belle, she would pick out a yellow dress and act like Belle for the day. This week she asked me to dress up as Mary. We found an acceptable Mary outfit for her and she spent the day rocking baby Jesus (her frog lovie), changing his diapers, and singing to him. It was precious and so touching.

The next day we were out playing in the snow and she made a snow angel. Then she said, "Mom, look! An angel just like the ones that told the shepherds about Jesus!"

Last but not least, while visiting Michael's grandma she said, "Grandma, Jesus is our Savior!"


Now that is the true meaning of Christmas!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Last week Michael turned 30! (Yes Michael - the past year or so he has been going by Michael more than Mike. Guess that happens when you get older, hehe.)

We had a fun weekend celebrating. Saturday my parents took him to Texas Roadhouse for lunch. We embaressed him by telling them it was his birthday. He got to ride the birthday pony:)

 

 

Then we headed over to the mall to hang out. I may be weird but I love the hustle and bustle of the mall around Christmas time. I don't like shopping during this time of year, but I love the atmosphere. Neither of the girls had any desire to visit Santa so we let them run wild in the play area instead.

Sunday was spent at church, enjoying an afternoon nap, dinner, then speaking at a fireside. They had a combined fireside of the Deaf singles group as well as our ward and had asked us to speak. Michael was nice to agree to speak on his birthday:)


It was a wonderful weekend to celebrate an amazing Dad! He has been working so hard this semester with taking three Master's classes, teaching two classes at UVU plus teaching one institute class. He also just accepted a calling to serve as a temple worker again. We love you Daddy! Thanks for your hard work and great example. Happy Birthday!

All I Want for Chirstmas...

Hazel is adorable! Except this video is not true. Hazel doesn't want her two front teeth for Christmas. In fact, she has decided that she doesn't want to get fake teeth at all. I'll admit we were disappointed. So were her grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. We've tried to make sure she knows they won't grow back for several years. She doesn't care. It will be easier to eat things like apples and corn on the cob. She says, "You can just cut it up for me"

What else do we tell her, "you will look prettier with teeth" or "kids won't make fun of you?" The thoughts have seriously crossed my mind but then what message am I sending to her? That you need to change something about yourself for other people to like you more. That's a terrible thing to teach anyone but especially a three year old!

Then I realized why the fake teeth were more important to us than to her. Because she's a child full of humility and innocence. We, on the other hand, are adults who care too much about what other people think. It really made me realize that although I don't think I have my heart set on the "vain things of the world" in some areas I do. So, sweet Hazel, once again thank you for teaching me. Thank you for helping me realized that I'm more prideful than I thought. Thank you for inspiring me to do better. Most of all, thank you for your shining example of humility and love. I love you sweet girl.

Here's to several more years without front teeth and loving every minute of it!

Guess who got in to Mommy's make up?