Charity

I was reading a friends blog before I fell asleep and was so sad for her. She was blogging about her Christmas traditions and Love of the Holidays. She intended on posting traditions and celebrating throughout the holidays. She had someone post an anonymous comment that hurt her feelings bad. I'm sure the person reading her post was offended because she hadn't posted any of their traditions but what that person didn't realize is that my friend would continue to post and she would get to them. As a consequence my friend was crushed and chose to stop blogging her traditions. Therefore all of us missed out and so did she. As my heart broke for her I reflected on circumstances in my own life. How often do we take offense when no offense was meant? How often do we become irritated and short of patients which leads to much contention? We are all guilty of this! I know that this is Satan's greatest and happiest moment to cause turmoil and contention in families.

This is our little family Christmas Eve. And even though I would love to think that we were going to be happy and trouble free always I know this isn't possible. So I just hope we are strong enough to work things out and live by this council from Brother Ashton. It is something that I have learned a lot from, found great comfort in, and read often. If and when I ever get so that I truly am a Charitable person I know I will be the happiest person ever. It is easier said then done and something I will constanly have to work on.

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of being a basher repulsive.

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.

Marvin J Ashton

May we all strive to be more Charitable in 2010. Here is to a new year of Memories, growth, heartache, friendships, family, and most of all Love.

Where did December Go?

Where did the month go? This is a long photo catch up!

I was lucky to participate in a Relief Society Lesson. We took live photos dipicting the Nativity. It was an awesome experience.
The kids got a special letter and package from Santa Clause to start off the Month.
Let the decorating begin. Dan hung all the lights Thanks Mr Grinch! Christmas wouldn't be the same with out ya, and the lights are one of my favorite parts of Christmas. Hadley Hoffman spent a lot of time with us this month. Sorry her grandma was hurt but glad to add her to our family.
Traditional NFR/Chinese Night with the Berezay's and Durbins. Love this Family to peices!

The Man in the Big Red Suit...

SNow Angels!!!

Dance recital at Heritage Hills. Kaci Loves Performing.

Family Night with the William's we went shopping for Sub for Santa, had dinner, and went Caroling. We decided we had so much and as friends what better gift than to give to others this Christmas season. The kids had a great time shopping and then visiting neighbors in Mona. This is an amazing Village that Max loves to share with everyone young and old. What a fun tradition of sharing and giving. We are grateful for all that we have most especially our dear friends. Love You.
Dan's Aunt Lee and Uncle Art have added us to their family Christmas party it is becoming a fun tradition for us. They are so giving.
Grandma and Grandpa Lou's Christmas Party was fun this year with Gingerbread houses and breakfast. Life was a lot crazy for them this year thanks Grandma for fitting us in. We Love you!

More fun in the snow

Mona loves Tradition. The Christmas Operetta was another sucess. The Boys did great, Jake didn't get to do his part they cut it out last minute but he was prepared and would have done great. Zeak did awesome! We made a new tradition this year that we all loved. We sang a Christmas song every night. The kids loved this and we took turns choosing our favorite carols. This gave me a great chance to play again. Christmas isn't as magical if you don't have the music.

Making Candies at Durbin's Yummy!

A disappointed wrestler wanting a match and not one wanting to wrestle. We drove to Fillmore and Zeak was pretty bummed he didn't get a match. They ended up getting him 2 at the very end. He lost both matches. Then next night he went to Delta and redeemed himself winning both matches. He is loving wrestling!
Kaci has been sick every Christmas her whole life. This year we caught it early enough she was not so sick Christmas morning. Instead she shared with her mom and I was sick Christmas Morning. Thanks Sweetie Love Ya.
Delivering Gifts is a fun tradition. Dressing up might have been added to the fun this Christmas.

What a Month and I think we got it all in. Wahoo! Hope yours was as fun packed as ours.

Happy Birthday Jaker Man

Jake turned seven yesterday. He is very special to our family. Jake thinks his birthday is a 10 day deal. It starts the same day at the NFR and ends the day of his birthday or the last day of the NFR which ever one comes last. This has become a huge tradition for our family to watch the NFR with family and friends. This year he asked for 2 things first his pony that he got Thanksgiving day and to watch the NFR with Grandma and Grandpa Berzay and the Durbin's. He didn't want me decorating his cupcakes this year because I put coconut on them last year. So I decided it was his birthday and that was one less thing I had to do. Jake is a kind hearted boy, he loves school and learning, he is so excited to read and get new books, He loves the animals and has really taken to rodeo. I didn't know if he would or not but he really loves competing. He is a big competitor. He loves improving and winning. His favorite event is Goat Tying and his goal is to beat his big brother (he is not very far watch out Zeak!) He is very sentimental and treasures presents from friends and family but most of all he loves being with them. We LoVe you Jake and LOVE spending time with you. Thanks for making us all laugh and keeping us on our toes. Hope you had a Happy Birthday!

Week Three Wrestling

As I took this picture one of the dad's said don't take pictures of that. I said why not we are not always on top. The first week of wrestling we lucked out and didn't wrestle the second week we won one and lost one this week we lost all three. Even though we lost all three it was a good week. I can tell Zeak is learning lots and he is enjoying wrestling. I am getting better at cheering and supporting him. I am just glad he gives it 100 % and doesn't get discouraged easily. As long as he keeps improving and learning then I guess we will keep doing it. I told him as long as he was a good sport winner or looser we would keep doing it.

Festival of Trees

This was the most unique tree. It was created and decorated by a young boy who had spent time in Primary Childrens and wanted to give back.
Kaci got this Fancy Nancy Hat and outfit from Aunt Shannon for her birthday. She was so excited when she found this Fancy Nancy Tree.
Christmas isn't Christmas without sitting on Santa's lap. Rylon wasn't to sure about Santa but loves Grandma.
Kaci and I had the pleasure of going to the festival of trees this year with my mom, sister and nephew. We had a great time and saw so many beautiful trees. One of the young kids volunteering asked me which one was my favorite. I replied, how do you even begin to pick a favorite. I love a variety of things and there was a tree there for everyone. For me there was a magic unlike anywhere. As we learned of some of the stories behind the tree you could help but be full of gratitude for the many blessings we have. I was in complete awe at the time and love that went into each tree.