Family Festivities Finale

 We started our day early this mornin'.  Up at 6 am to enjoy gift giving before church at 9 am.  Our kids had hides to sit on instead of the floor (not sure why), so the cat thought he'd need to join in too.

 Kayla thought she'd get Kyle an Elmer Fudd hat, and he loved it.

 The kids enjoyed their gifts and got themselves ready to enjoy our Christmas service today at church. 

 We came home and had dinner with my Mom and step-dad Tom.  We had a great ham dinner, then moved to the tv room to enjoy one of Kayla's new gifts.  She got Just Dance 3 for the Wii.  Grandpa and Grandma weren't too chicken to give it a try!

It was a beautiful snowless day here.  We have a lot of happy memories for today.  Tomorrow the kids are ready to test out their new gifts.  I'll finally get some stray trees cut down!  (Yeah!)

Family Festivities Part Two

We spent the morning cleaning up the house for the two dinners that we are hosting this year.  After spending the morning cleaning up the house we went to Ashland to grab a bite to eat.  We stopped by a friend's house to see if we could help them out after surgery.  Then went back home to wait for Kim and her family to come over.  Dakota and Kayla worked on their paint by number pictures they got a couple of years ago. 

It has been Crawford tradition to spend Christmas Eve together.  As the only two of the eight siblings in Ohio we have been doing this for a few years.  This year we picked up the old tradition and had pizza and appetizers and we each had a plate full of the goodies that we prepared.

 Once again the kids could barely wait to be finished to get the gifts that were sitting on the self.  They didn't even take time to finish the last bites.  But the Hex bugs were a hit.  Koltin almost had his battery drained by the time he left.

We split up after dinner.  The kids moved to the TV room to play the Wii and the adults stayed in the kitchen and played euchre.  It was a fun time talking and catching up on life.  

It was fun watching the kids play.  Koltin would get so excited about playing and he would move the controller so fast that he often won.  Not by technique, but by shear energy.

Every Christmas Eve we have sat with the kids and opened our stockings.  Because Santa brought the presents and we provided the stockings.  It helped the kids go to sleep and we enjoy how excited the got.

We ended the night in family prayer, remembering the reason for the season before turning into bed.

Happy Birthday Jesus. (the celebrated one)  Thank you for your small and simple gift that makes all the difference in the world!

Family Festivities Part One

 We spent the evening at Dad's house with my brother, sister, grandparents and all the nieces and nephews.  Kayla was cheering at Chippewa, but we skipped the game to enjoy the evening with extended family.

 We all enjoyed opening gifts, but there is something neat about watching parent and grandparents opening gifts.  Maybe it's the fact that they always waited and watched us open presents when we were little, but as an adult it is still fun to open presents.  You know to tear into with wild excitement just like when you were a kid.

There is something fun about watching the little ones dance around the supper table anticipating when the last bite will be taken by the adults.  Gleefully racing to the tree and waiting ever so impatiently for their name to be called.  Once the name is called tearing into the gift with a frenzy like a school of piranahas feeding.  Then running the package, the treasure that needs a half hour of unpackaging because of all the twist ties.  I watched my nephew Carter drool over his Star Wars ship being unpackaged and put together so he could take it on its first test flight.  It was a magical and cozy evening at the Steigerwalt's.

My favorite part of all was watching my grandparents, in their upper 80s.  I couldn't help but wonder, how many more they have to go.  They are both looking tired and weathered, but grandpa, as always watched the grandchildren with a twinkle in his eye.  I'm not sure he remembers who everyone is, but he enjoyed himself still the same.  I remember 20 some years ago, grandpa getting down the box of ice skates that they collected in various sizes to fit all the grandkids.  He would take us to the creek behind their house and skate with us up and down for what seemed like hours.  Grandpa was always good about the best gifts...his time.  We'd come lumbering in covered in snow and smiles and he'd have grandma make us hot cocoa.  Merry Christmas family, I love you.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

I love this time of year.  The true meaning of Christmas shines forth from many.  People working on giving instead of receiving.  People trying to do nice things for others.  Donations abound to those who need it.  Love and compassion fill the air.  We gather with those who we love most and share love, laughter and dreams.  Wouldn't it be great if all year could be like this time.  The love and laughter abounding.

I feel such warmth and care this year.  I am grateful for many things.  Most of all I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me.

I had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament meeting at church today.  My topic O Little Town of Bethlehem.  The point the branch presidency member wanted me to make was out of small things, great things come to pass.  It was a great lesson for me to learn more about. 

Merry Christmas, may Christ's love reach your heart.

Nothing But a Scratch

I'm in complete humility today after the weekend I have had.  My son walked away from a wreck with nothing, but a few scratches on his left hand.

 He was coming home early at the request of me.  We went to the branch Christmas Social Friday, splitting from Kyle and Kayla going to her game.  I helped Kathy and Jack with a project so I had to leave early with Kota so he could get to work on time. 

As mothers and sons do from time to time we quarreled over stupid things  whether or not to take the Trailblazer vs the car and whether or not gas prices were cheaper in town vs closer to the church.  He was on empty in his car and I had him stop to get gas, which I was paying for because we thought we'd help him out this weekend and fill him up.  We argued over whether or not he had enough gas to get to work before I got him gas and compromised on getting a stupid amount of $10 instead of taking the time to complete fill up and unload my plethora of things at the church before he had to be at work at 5:15, while sitting at the gas station at 5:00.

He took me silently up the hill to the church and helped me carry my things in the building.  I set up my things frustrated at the indignity of raising teens.  Feeling like, why do I even try talking to the kid.  It seems when I open my mouth arguments are inevitable.

When he came back to the church it was as if nothing happened and he had a friend (which he didn't ask to have come) in tow.  Now, he was fine, laughing and joking while I'm still annoyed that he is so moody and I have to take the brunt of his swings.  He asked to go to another YM's house after the social.  I had to have him take me to the game.  With two other teens in the car, he takes me to the game.

In route he asks me which way is best to go, then argues with me over my answer.  His friend Chase, says, why are you arguing with your mom?  Me wondering the same thing.  I just said what ever you think Kota.  Just get me to the high school.

We parted ways, I watched the end of the varsity basketball game and got to see Kayla cheer a couple of quarter cheers.  I told Kyle about the early happenings and he wondered why I even let Kota go.  So now I'm arguing with my other guy....Ugh!

I texted Kota and told him to come home earlier.  I asked him to be home at 10:00 instead of 11:30.  On his way home he encountered a big buck and swerved to miss.  He over corrected his car and ended up rolling the trailblazer.  (stupid deer)

Kyle gets the call Kota rolled the trailblazer, my thoughts go from upset mama over disrespect and injustice, to grateful he's alive.  He has 3 scratches on his left hand, none requiring stitches.  No broken bones, black eyes, concussions, everything is working fine in his body, not even a sore muscle or headache.  MIRACLE!!!

I believe this kid was protected by angels.  He has some purpose to fulfill that we are unaware of yet.  I walked into church today with my son, instead of a funeral home to say my last goodbyes.  I'm so very grateful to my Father in Heaven for this blessing.  The gift of my son's life this Christmas will be one I won't forget for many years.

I am looking at Kota with a lot more patience than what I was earlier Friday evening.  Somethings don't matter as much now (gas prices).  I love you son, I hope some day you realize how much!

Gratitude Challenge Give Away

This is my first attempt at a give away, so I hope you link up my page and spread the wealth.  I will send a box of Christmas goodies to one lucky blogger by the luck of the draw on Monday 12/12.

Here is what you need to do.  You need to leave a comment on my blog and follow the challenge given on your own blog site, then link to my post.

I have been reading a lot of blogs where people are having hard times and not in the Christmas Spirit this year.  As I was reading a magazine of mine it had a Gratitude Challenge to get rid of the blahs. 

As any good challenge goes I will do what I've requested.

100 things I am grateful for:

10 Physical Abilities
1. Seeing: especially watching my children grow into young adults
2. Hearing: although I selectively ignore my family sometimes (okay, a lot) I enjoy my hearing
3. Tasting: who wouldn't during the holiday season
4. Feeling: warm bear hugs, blanket wrapped evening on the couch
5. walking: I walk up and down 3 flights of stairs several times a day
6. breathing easily
7. healthy heart
8. healthy cholesterol levels
9. dexterity
10. overall health

10 material possessions
1. my house
2. my Yukon
3. my laptop
4. my cell phone
5. my washer and dryer
6. books
7. clothes (more than I ever wear)
8. refrigerator
9. snow blower
10. hair dryer

10 living people
1. Kyle
2. Dakota
3. Kayla
4. Mom and Step-dad Tom

5. Dad
6. Kathy
7. Dee
8. Kristie
9. Linda
10. Susan

10 deceased people
1. Jesus Christ
2. Great-Grandma Steigerwalt
3. Grandpa Beninghof
4.  Grandpa Souleret
5. Captain Moroni
6. Gordon B. Hinckley
7. Grandma Sindeldecker
8. Aunt Bonnie
9. Uncle Jack
10. My brother Eric

10 things in nature
1. autumn leaves
2. water falls
3. sunsets
4. sunrises
5. gentle summer rain showers
6. lake water
7. oceans
8. ice crystals in the trees
9. 70 degree days
10. white fluffy clouds

10 things about today
1. my family
2. my job
3. giving service
4. my health
5. blogging friends
6. my daughter's choice in career (open house visit)
7. lunch with a friend
8. great new colleagues
9. technology
10. Christmas candy

10 places on earth
1. Upper Michigan
2. Minnesota Lakes
3. Hayesville, Ohio
4. Tybee Island
5. Savannah, Georgia
6. Leech Lake, Whipholt
7. Cache National Forest
8. Lake Superior
9. Grand Sable Lake
10. Mohican State Park

10 modern inventions
1. Internet
2. satellite TV
3. skype
4. blogger
5. microwave
6. mp3 player
7. smart boards
8. I-pads
9. electricity
10. candle warmers

10 foods
1. chocolate
2. warm pancakes
3. sweet potatoes
4. pizza
5. mozzarella cheese
6. homemade bread
7. ice cream
8. orange juice
9. grapes
10. clementine oranges
(I'm noticing a lot of carbs!)

10 things about the gospel (your religion)
1. atonement
2. testimony
3. Holy Ghost
4. line upon line learning
5. word of wisdom
6. prophets
7. apostles
8. scriptures
9. sacrament
10. repentance

It really was easy to make these lists.  When I was finished making it I sure realize how much my Father in heaven loves me.  It is easy to react to the things that are in our face daily.  It is easy to get caught in the blahs, but we all have much to be grateful for.  Sometimes it just takes a moment to remember.  (Someone remind me when I'm feeling blah later!)

My gift to you is to remember what you have to be grateful for, and a chance at a Christmas goody box.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Happenings

 Every year at Osborn Elementary we have a Santa Breakfast.  My kids come in with me to help volunteer.  I signed us up for an hour shift, but Kayla ended up helping for the entire thing.  (I graded papers for a bit).  I really enjoy giving service and so do my children.

 Kayla and Kenzie are helping decorate the tree last week.

 Kyle cutting down the tree on our annual outing to collect a tree from Grandma's.

This is the biggest tree we have gotten so far.  It is fun having the live tree and walking into the pine aroma every night after work.

Sunday, we watched the Christmast Devotional on BYU TV.  I always feel like the Christmas season can start after I watch that program.  I really enjoyed the new vinette the Church is doing.

A lot is happening, which makes for great memories.