Silly Boys!

In our efforts to get ready for the Christmas Eve party, one of Andrew's chores was to clean up the back yard. He decided that he would take the leaves and junk wood and such into the pit and just burn them. Sister Miller didn't think that was the best idea and called the fire department. They drove up to the front of our home in their big fire truck with ladders and the siren running. It was very exciting! They let us know that it was a no burn day and it was illegal to have a fire.
I didn't know that Andrew was jumping over the fire until Mikel showed me these pics that she took from her bedroom window. I was very angry as I am sure you understand. I was thinking up a really good punishment for him. Rotting in hell was not out of the question. Then I remembered a day from my youth when my Dad was re-roofing our house. He had left out some tar in a 5 gallon bucket. My brothers, in an attempt to find fun, decided that instead of the usual dirt clod war in the back yard, they would have a tar war!! What fun!! I am all for a good dirt clod war but for some reason that day, I found a good hiding place. I am glad I did. They were COVERED in tar. I remember that NOTHING took the tar off of them. I remember a lot of screaming and crying as Mom and Dad tried to scrub or burn the tar off of my big tough brothers. I do remember thinking, what a bunch of cry babies!! All I can say is, boys are silly.

Christmas Morning

A few weeks ago our family went to Danny and Jen's baby blessing. Afterward, they made everyone fajitas. They were soooo yummy! All the kids thought this would be a great time to change one of our family traditions. Instead of our yummy roast dinner with all the trimmings, we had Dan and Jen fajitas! I like this new tradition.

Christmas Pajama's

Every year, after all the Oliver's leave the house, Santa's elves leave us a little gift on the front porch. It is the same every year, Chirstmas Pajama's! There is just something cozy about Christmas Pajama's!

What Mary Felt

This is one of the displays that caught my eye this year at the Temple. It brought a flood of memories for me and many tears to my eyes.

Christmas of 1991 was a special Christmas for Lee and I. We were expecting our first baby. It was an exciting time. I remember having new feelings about Christmas that year. I did not understand all that I was feeling. Somehow Chirstmas had a whole new meaning for me. Shortly after Andrew was born I came across a song by Wanda Lindstrom. The words of this song touched me. They were the words that I was feeling on my special Christmas in 1991.

What Mary Felt

I was still a brand new mother when it happened.

My baby wasn't even six months old.

They asked if he could be their baby Jesus

for the outdoor Christmas pageant in the cold.

At first I felt so honored by the asking.

I bundled up my baby for his part.

But when I had to give him to those people,

I had a tug and pull within my heart.

Is this what Mary felt when she was chosen

to be the blessed mother of the Lord?
And did she also feel that heavy burden

when she had to give him up to save the world?

I had a sudden urge to take my baby

and steal him from the scene he had to play,

"Cause it had gotten colder than I'd planned on,

and I didn't want the honor anyway.

But my baby looked so peaceful in that manger;

He braved the cold and didn't even cry.

And I thought again of Mary watching her son

when he did his part and bravely died.

Is this what Mary felt when she was chosen

to be the blessed mother of the Lord?

And did she also feel that heavy burden

when she had to give him up to save the world?

And when the Christmas play had ended,

those people gathered 'round and shook my hand,

thanking me for sharing my sweet baby,

who made the Christmas pageant seem so grand.

And I knew then I could never know her feelings,

'Cause I'd never have to pay that bitter price.

But I could have my baby now forever.

Because of that dear mother's sacrifice.

I don't know what Mary felt when she was chosen

to be the blessed mother of the Lord.

But I'm grateful that she bore that heavy burden

When she had to give him up to save the world.