Finding Hope this Christmas Season

I have so many things I want to blog about right now (Gourmet Dinner Night for starters) but my heart is heavy and I just can't bring myself to blog about the silly right now.

I have to admit that I have cried on and off several times over the last two days thinking about the families in Connecticut who lost their dear children.  I can't seem to shake the sadness in my heart thinking of them burying their children at Christmas time.  Then, tonight, I came across this video called "An Unexpected Gift" on my friend Marta's blog.  When I watched this video, I lost it.  It took me back to how I felt two years ago with the events in my own life.  While the circumstances were different, I still felt completely shocked and had the same experience of having to act like nothing was wrong for awhile.   I totally relate to the woman's experience of feeling held by Christ and carried through her ordeal.  Watch the clip here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpV4MIUrT9Y&feature=share&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0

Last year, it was Christmas time when Sam and I made the final decision to end our marriage.  I remember sitting in front of our Christmas tree telling the kids that Mom and Dad had decided to get divorced.  They cried in my lap and I cried with them.  Yet, I was able to share with them that the Savior understood and would help us get through it.  We talked about faith and hope and that Jesus came to earth not only to pay for our sins but to learn how to comfort us and carry us when we are in our darkest hour.

I have always been grateful that it was Christmas time when we were at our lowest point.  It gave my kids something else that was fun and happy to focus on.  But, more importantly, they learned why Jesus Christ came to earth.   The Savior made good on his promise--He has carried us ever since.  Here we are a year later..doing so well.  My children are happy.  Ryan still asks me questions about why we got divorced and what that means exactly.  I don't have all the answers but I can tell him that Heavenly Father and Jesus love him just like his earthly parents love him and that everything will be okay. I hope that the families in Connecticut who lost their precious children can be comforted the same way as I was that Christmas.

May the peace and love of our Savior bring each of you hope this Christmas season.

Dear Santa, I Want It All

The minute Halloween is over, Christmas shopping begins. I'm already stressing because my kids have not nailed down what they want from Santa. As for me, I'm making it easy on Santa (and anyone else who feels so inclined) this year. I'm not really this greedy--I just want to make sure there are a lot of options. Is there anything worse than going to Bed Bath and Beyond for some one's gift registry and seeing only 10 things and they are all $75-$150?

That's not me. I want you to have options...and I have a birthday in March and Mothers Day, etc, etc. The list is a work in progress. Let's begin.

1. A new stainless steel kitchen garbage can. My old plastic white one is disgusting. I like this one from Costco--it is touch less:


2. Clinique lip gloss in "air kiss"


3. Tall boots to wear with skinny jeans. I bought these and the heel wasn't quite high enough. I'm verrrrry picky. Maybe it is best if I pick these out myself.


4. Car wash coupons to Platinum. I've got to see my boyfriend and who wants to wash your car when it's cold outside?


5. A small camera for my purse. Sam was kind enough to buy me a big daddy nice camera last year which I love. But I need a small one I can throw in my bag and whip out especially for inconspicuous photos for the blog. Part of the gift is not having to pick it out myself. I hate learning about technology:

6. High thread count king sized sheets for my bed. Preferably in tan or off white.

7. Gift cards to any of the following; Impact Fitness, Ann Taylor Loft (not Ann Taylor), Nordstrom, Taipan imports, Rod Works, Sweet Briar Hollow, Basket Loft


8. Gift cards for these food places. I would not use these for date night, but for when I want to pick up a good lunch without guilt: Hagerman's, Kneaders, Rumbi's, Zupas.


9. The true gift--gift certificate to Sanctuary Day spa for a massage. Pure heaven.


10. Cash. Just like my cute 90 year old grandpa says, "Always the right size, always the right color!"