Kendal's Christmas Concert

We recently attended Kendal's Christmas Concert. Kendal is in advanced band and plays the clarinet. The evening included music performed by both the band and the chorus. It was a great show! Here are a few pictures I thought I'd share - a few more reminders of how quickly she is growing up! (I know I've posted more about Kendal than Justin lately. Now that he is in high school I have a harder time tracking him down to get pictures. I will definitely get some over the holidays - even if I have to take pictures of him sleeping, lol!)

A Great Story

Marc used this story in his talk on Sunday and I loved it so much that wanted to share. It was originally told by our beloved President Gordon B. Hinckley:

Years ago there was a little one-room schoolhouse in the mountains of Virginia where the boys were so rough that no teacher had been able to handle them.

A young, inexperienced teacher applied, and the old director scanned him and asked: "Young fellow, do you know that you are asking for an awful beating? Every teacher that we have had here for years has had to take one."

"I will risk it," he replied.

The first day of school came, and the teacher appeared for duty. One big fellow named Tom whispered: "I won’t need any help with this one. I can lick him myself."

The teacher said, "Good morning, boys, we have come to conduct school." They yelled and made fun at the top of their voices.

"Now, I want a good school, but I confess that I do not know how unless you help me. Suppose we have a few rules. You tell me, and I will write them on the blackboard."

One fellow yelled, "No stealing!" Another yelled, "On time." Finally, ten rules appeared on the blackboard.

“Now," said the teacher, "a law is not good unless there is a penalty attached. What shall we do with one who breaks the rules?’"

“Beat him across the back ten times without his coat on," came the response from the class.

“That is pretty severe, boys. Are you sure that you are ready to stand by it?" Another yelled, "I second the motion," and the teacher said, "All right, we will live by them! Class, come to order!"

In a day or so, ‘Big Tom’ found that his lunch had been stolen.

The thief was located—a little hungry fellow, about ten years old. "We have found the thief and he must be punished according to your rule—ten stripes across the back. Jim, come up here!" the teacher said.

The little fellow, trembling, came up slowly with a big coat fastened up to his neck and pleaded, "Teacher, you can lick me as hard as you like, but please, don’t take my coat off!"

“Take your coat off," the teacher said. "You helped make the rules!"

“Oh, teacher, don’t make me!"

He began to unbutton, and what did the teacher see?

The boy had no shirt on, and revealed a bony little crippled body.

“How can I whip this child?" he thought. "But I must, I must do something if I am to keep this school."

Everything was quiet as death.

“How come you aren’t wearing a shirt, Jim?"

He replied, "My father died and my mother is very poor. I have only one shirt and she is washing it today, and I wore my brother’s big coat to keep me warm."

The teacher, with rod in hand, hesitated.

Just then ‘Big Tom’ jumped to his feet and said, "Teacher, if you don’t object, I will take Jim’s licking for him."

“Very well, there is a certain law that one can become a substitute for another. Are you all agreed?"

Off came Tom’s coat, and after five strokes the rod broke!

The teacher bowed his head in his hands and thought, "How can I finish this awful task?"

Then he heard the class sobbing, and what did he see?

Little Jim had reached up and caught Tom with both arms around his neck.

"Tom, I’m sorry that I stole your lunch, but I was awful hungry. Tom, I will love you till I die for taking my licking for me! Yes, I will love you forever!”

To lift a phrase from this simple story, Jesus, my Redeemer, has taken “my licking for me” and yours for you.

Declared the prophet Isaiah:

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: …
“… He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 54:34-5)

Just a gentle reminder of why it is we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Love,

Some thoughts on Christmas

Yesterday, our family was asked to speak in Sacrament on the subject of Christmas. I thought I would share my talk with you. You see, at first I was a little irritated that Marc volunteered for me to speak. It was his high council assignment to speak in our ward but I didn't see how that meant I had to speak. I know I should have had a more positive attitude, after all, it is a growing experience right? But here I am, just finished finals, trying to catch up with Christmas shopping, trying to catch up around the house. I just didn't think I needed one more thing to do! Well, let me tell you, I am so happy that I was asked to give this talk. To others it may just be an ordinary talk about Christmas - the kind you hear every year. But for me, it was a wake up call. I guess I had lost sight of the true meaning of this wonderful season. Well, I suppose it was somewhere back in my soul. Back behind my to-do list and obligations. Anyway, here it goes - hope you enjoy it - I know it is a lot to read. May you have a blessed holiday season!!!

At this time of year, my mind is flooded with good memories from my childhood. Just like most families we had many family traditions. As most of you know, I grew up in the Catholic Church and one of our family traditions was attending midnight mass. Now, I wasn’t actually allowed to participate in this tradition until I became a teenager. Until that time, I was left at home with one of my brothers to sleep so that Santa could come. Well, that was easier said than done. I recall trying desperately to fall asleep all the while tossing and turning. I would still be awake when my family members returned from church and even after they had retired to their beds. I used to imagine Santa patiently waiting outside my window until I fell asleep (in fact, I even thought I saw him once). In my entire childhood I never remember falling asleep on Christmas Eve, I only remember waking up on Christmas morning. As soon as I awoke, I would shout “Merry Christmas” and one of my brothers would come bursting through my bedroom door to give me a piggy back ride to the tree. This was another family tradition – me getting a piggy back ride to the tree on Christmas morning – I’m not sure who started that one though I have my suspicions. I guess you could say, being the youngest of five and the only girl had its perks – I don’t think I walked to the tree on my own until I was at least 10! Once I arrived at the tree I recall staring unbelievably at the gifts Santa had brought for me. Through the years I received many wonderful presents. There was my easy bake oven, my raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, not to mention my roller skates, my skateboard and my bike with the banana seat. Oh, and best of all was the year I got my very own small black and white Sony TV. It had its own antenna which allowed me to not only get ABC, NBC, and CBS – I could get PBS as well.

Yes, I received many wonderful things for Christmas throughout my childhood but the greatest gift I ever received was the knowledge of what Christmas is really all about. You see, when I look back I don’t think about the actual material possessions I received. As a matter of fact many have been long forgotten.

Instead I think about my loved ones who sacrificed to purchase gifts for me despite their meager circumstances.

I think of my mother who made sure we had a good Christmas but never received a gift for herself (except for the homemade variety created by her children.)

I think of my dad who answered every phone call with a hearty merry Christmas and was even known to open the front door wide and shout it to all of the neighbors.

I think of the foster children who joined my family every Christmas and how we loved them as our own.

I think of family and friends who stopped by with warm wishes and greetings.

And, I think of parents who taught me to love the Lord and that he loved me.

I think of the warm feeling in my chest when I read the account of the Savior’s birth from the scriptures. Though I could not define the feeling, I somehow knew it was real. I would feel that same feeling years later when a couple of missionaries came to my door with the Book of Mormon. But that is another story for another time.

One of my favorite Christmas stories was and still is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, written by Dr. Seuss. As you may recall the Grinch was very mean and hated Christmas. He was in fact, determined to rob Who-ville of every holiday treat. The Grinch dressed as Santa himself, he moved through Who-ville taking every package, tree, ornament, and stocking. He then left the city, chuckling to himself in delight over the pain he will have caused children like little Cindy-Lou Who.

Three thousand feet up! Up the side of Mt. Crumpit,
He rode with his load to the tiptop to dump it!
“Pooh-Pooh to the Whos!” he was grinch-ish-ly humming.
“They’re finding out now that no Christmas is coming!
“They’re just waking up! I know just what they’ll do!
“Their mouths will hang open a minute or two
“Then the Whos down in Who-ville will all cry Boo-Hoo!
“That’s a noise, “grinned the Grinch,
“That I simply MUST hear!”So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.
It started in low. Then it started to grow …
But the sound wasn’t sad!
Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn’t be so!
But it WAS merry! VERY!
He stared down at Who-ville!
The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook!
What he saw was a shocking surprise!
Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!
He HADN‘T stopped Christmas from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so?”
“It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
“It came without packages, boxes or bags!”
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!”

It is so very easy to get caught up in the sometimes hectic Christmas preparations that we forget to take time to remember that Christmas is indeed a little bit more.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “Maybe the purchasing and the making and the wrapping and the decorating—those delightfully generous and important expressions of our love at Christmas—should be separated, if only slightly, from the more quiet, personal moments when we consider the meaning of the Baby (and his birth) who prompts the giving of such gifts.”

We should understand that Christmas celebrations need not be competitions to see who can give or receive the most expensive present. In fact, what would happen if we gave gifts of another sort. Gifts that could be given freely, at no cost but were in fact priceless. There are many such gifts we can give this Christmas season.

Our most valuable gift is our love—love for the Christ child, who was born in a humble manger; love for our families and our neighbors; love for the beautiful world Heavenly Father has given us. On one occasion an inquiring lawyer came to the Savior and asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The Savior responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” It is usually quite easy to say we love the Lord, to say we love one another. But how do we give the gift of our love? We give the gift of our love by what we do, by serving one another which brings me to another gift..

Another valuable gift is our compassion—the feeling that causes us “to mourn with those that mourn” (Mosiah 18:9), to lift the weak, to visit the lonely, to dry the tears of those who are sad. President Thomas S. Monsons has said: “There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done.” When we serve others, we serve the Lord – what a precious gift. Recently my sweet visiting teaching companion and I visited a dear 95-year-old sister in a nursing home. While we enjoyed this visit greatly I couldn't help but feel sad when I asked about her family. She told us that only her son visited her once in a while and that her daughter lived in Georgia and she rarely heard from her. I couldn't help but think what if that were my mother? What if that were me? This beautiful poem was written by Mary Dow Brine:

The woman was old and ragged and gray
And bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.
The street was wet with a recent snow,
And the woman’s feet were aged and slow.
She stood at the crossing and waited long,
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng
Of human beings who passed her by
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye.
Down the street, with laughter and shout,
Glad in the freedom of “school let out,”
Came the boys like a flock of sheep,
Hailing the snow piled white and deep. …
[One] paused beside her and whispered low,
“I’ll help you cross, if you wish to go. …
She’s somebody’s mother, boys, you know,
For all she’s aged and poor and slow,
“And I hope some fellow will lend a hand
To help my mother, you understand,
If ever she’s poor and old and gray,
When her own dear boy is far away.”
And “somebody’s mother” bowed low her head
In her home that night, and the prayer she said
Was, “God, be kind to the noble boy
Who is somebody’s son, and pride and joy!”

Another gift is our gratitude—gratitude for our Savior, who taught us how to live and who lovingly and willingly bore our sins, our griefs, and our weaknesses as His Father had commissioned Him to do.

We are told by the Apostle Paul, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God."

Remember the account of the 10 lepers? “And as [Jesus] entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:“And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,“And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?“There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude”

I know for a fact that the gifts we give this Christmas need not be expensive at all. Like Kendal said in her talk, we sometimes long for material things only to find that we grow tired of them with time. But I know for a fact that there are gifts that we will never grow tired of, that will last forever. Let us all consider giving those gifts this holiday season.

I know that Jesus Christ lives.

I know that He was born to save our very souls.

I know that He loves each and every one of us.

I know He bore the burden of our sins.

I know without a doubt that He is the greatest gift ever given.

I am so very thankful for that precious gift.

I leave this with you in His holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,

Gotta Love A Christmas Story! (Pause my playlist and enjoy=)

YWIE

One of the best things about serving in the Young Women's organization at church is getting to be a part of all of the fun activities.

This week was our Young Women's in Excellence Program. It is an annual event highlighting the accomplishments of the the Young Women throughout the year.We had a county fair theme which included a pie eating contest...

I'm not sure if Kendal won or if Lauryn won...

But I know they both enjoyed the competition (and the pie=)

We also had a duck shoot...

And guess who got to be the ducks?

Yep, you guessed it...

We had popcorn, hot dogs, and a yummy dessert competition...

There were games and prizes and best of all good friends...

Oh, and I must include a picture of the pillowcases we gave to our YW as a gift. They were created by our YW secretary, Sister Britt and they were a BIG HIT!

In fact, Kendal has already replaced her favorite pillowcase with this gentle reminder...

One of the best things about the night is that we shared it with the Mobile and Semmes Wards. I'm really not sure why we don't do more together.
After all, the more the merrier right?

Plus, they never fail to put a smile on our faces...

Or, even crack us up entirely...

Should I Be Worried?

Not much time to post an explanation. But, I ask you - based on this picture - should I be worried?

I mean, what's up with the rapper pose?

Hmmm... is this what happens when they turn 13?

Now, scroll down a bit and compare the photos taken only about a month apart.

Okay, now you understand my confusion...

Lovely young lady turns into a rappin' football player overnight?

So again, I ask you - should I be worried??

(disclaimer Kendal is actually dressed for a Halloween party - hee, hee)

Happy Birthday My Sweet Baby Girl! Are You Sure You're Really 13?

I'm thinking there must be some mistake. Surely 13 years have not passed since we brought our beautiful baby girl home from the hospital. Honestly, it seems like only yesterday...

I'll never forget our reaction when we found out you were going to be a girl. We were so excited we cried both tears of joy and tears of disbelief. As you know, boys run in both sides of the family. Girls are a rarity indeed. Could we be so blessed? Had our dreams really come true?




Oh, and you were so anxious to come to earth that you arrived two weeks early (and at 9 lbs. 3 oz. I'm sooo glad=) Your dad was out of town with the National Guard. As soon as he heard you were on your way, he took the first flight to Mobile. Well, he didn't quite make it to the hospital but an amazing thing happened. Just as you were born, the phone rang in the delivery room. It was your dad, calling from the airport. He heard you screaming in the background. He couldn't wait to get to the hospital to meet you.

I wasn't alone in the delivery room, though. Nana and Gram were right there with me. They were among the first to greet you. I know it is a day they will never forget...


Justin was so happy to have a baby sister. Finally, our family was complete. And, believe it or not, he loves you with all of his heart...

As you grew, it was obvious you'd be a beauty. Not just your ordinary pretty girl, mind you. But, a true beauty that radiates from the inside out...

Over the years you have developed very special relationships. The kind of relationships that are honest and true. You can find a friend wherever you go! More than that, you seem to attract others who are in need of a true friend. You do not judge, you accept...

I love that you have a desire to do what is right and to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love that you remind me to do what is right. I love that you are a quiet example to me and to everyone in your life.


You also have a love for animals. And, they love you too! They seem to sense your sweet spirit and are drawn to it..


Kendal, I want you to know that it has been a blessing and a privilege to be your mother. You are the daughter that others dream of having.

I wish I could stop you from growing up so quickly but I know that is a selfish desire. You have so much in life to look forward to and I am so very proud of the young woman you are becoming.

For me, the next 13 years are sure to pass by as quickly as the first. I know you must grow and spread your wings. Always remember who you are and what you stand for. You are a choice daughter of a kind and loving Heavely Father. You can count on Him!

Once Again, Happy Birthday My Sweet Baby Girl! I LOVE YOU!!!