A Memorable Moment

Uncle Dave told the MyMy to go home and write her feelings down of how she feels before she forgets. I am also going to take that advice to heart.

What a special day for a very special girl. What a special day for some very ordinary parents. Special in the sense that family traveled from afar to come and spend time with us for a wonderful event. Special also, because of special gifts and phone calls sent from family members, from afar, to let us know they were thinking of us. Special because of friends, ward members, and family supporting us with food, video dvd, helping to set up and clean-up after. Special because some wonderful Aunties gave such sweet and personal talks to the MyMy about the ordinance and gift she would receive that day. And, don't forget the special children, cousins and friends, who sang so sweetly and, the special Uncle who shared his piano talents so we would have music to set the tone.

I am so blessed!



The day was also very sweet. Sweet because the MyMy has such a sweet and wonderful father who loves her very much. Sweet because the 2 of them spent some alone time the night before preparing for the ordinance. Sweet because he lovingly talked to her and hugged her before the service to calm her nerves. Sweet because he was fighting back emotion as he spoke. Sweet, because he gave a beautiful prayer so fitting for a special young lady.

Once again, I am so blessed!



Last, but not least, the day was beautiful. Beautiful in the sense that one of our Heavenly Father's choice daughters became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That our Savior prepared the way for all of us. That we all have the opportunity to one day return to the loving arms of our Savior and Heavenly Father.

Beautiful that I get to be a mother to 2 beautiful girls and share special days, like yesterday, with them.

I am thankful for my blessings.

Cousins Slumber Party

Pink Room, Pink Bed, Pink Pajama's, Little girls.....Need I say more?



What started out as a "go to my room and watch cartoons so you don't wake the others up" to one little girl, soon became (about 30 seconds soon!) 6 monkeys in bed watching cartoons. Go figure!

Christmas Traditions

The older I get the more I realize how important it is to carry on family traditions. Family traditions provide anticipation for the event to come and wonderful memories to remember after. I have tried to instill many family traditions all year long for my family. One tradition, that I grew up with, has been absently missing in my current family and home.

Tonight, I decided to reconcile my blunder and carry on the tradition that I once loved and cherished so deeply, realizing that it had been deeply missed.

First thing- Get girls on board. Explain the tradition.
Second- Cook, cook, cook
Third- Set a beautiful table



Fourth- While the girls were helping me set the table, we noticed the porch light off even though we had turned it on several times. A closer look told us that Joulupukki (the Finnish Santa Claus) had been by to visit.





Fifth- We ate a very yummy traditional Finnish Christmas Eve dinner. I really can cook something foreign!

Sixth- We read the Christmas story found in Luke 2 and sang Silent Night. (I have always kept this tradition).

Seventh- The girls got to open a traditional Christmas gift. Don't they look cute in their new pajamas?



Eighth- We look for Santa using the Norad Santa tracker found on the internet.

Ninth- The girls prepare a wonderful treat for Santa.

Tenth- Derrick and I watch the beautiful Christmas concert, put out by my church, on our local PBS station.

I love traditions. Now that everyone is snug in bed awaiting the new day........





It is time to say good-night and Merry Christmas!