Traditional Clam Chowder

We went to spend time with family today. I love doing that on the holidays. We hardly ever see many of them.

This evening we spent time with Jim & Peggy Pippert and family. (Most people know Jim as Dan's twin brother :D) They have a tradition of Clam Chowder on Christmas eve. I asked them what started it...and they weren't sure. They just knew it was tradition. They think it started 20 or so years back. And I bet everyone of their children will do it with their families when they grow up.

That is what I hope will be tradition for us some day. Not knowing why...just doing it because that is what you always do.

Cinnamon Ornaments

I love Christmas baking. But, today I am making ornaments for the tree. They are made out of cinnamon and applesauce. They smell sooooo good. But, alas, you cannot eat them. Torture of the worst kind.

How littles view adoption....

My littlest sister is adopted. She is actually my niece....but was adopted by my dad and step-mother. (We call her my Niester) She is 7 years old.

They came by to visit today. (They live in Roseburg) We try and visit with them at least once a month.

We found out today that she has reacted to Britanie being gone differently than the other family members. She knows she is adopted. She knows Britanie was being adopted. Now that Britanie is gone...she is worried that she could be sent away too. She is actually concerned about her behavior because of it. She is trying to be the perfect child so she will always be loved and wanted.

I never realized the impact that adoption might have on little people. My little sister is a smart little thing. I know that by talking to her about it has or will make her feel better. I'm very sad that she ever had to be affected by the loss of Britanie.

Perfect gift givers

How do people know how to give the right gift? There are many people out there that don't receive well and end up taking all of their gifts back. (We won't mention names) In this day and age...how do you learn to be a great gift giver?

I've been studying this a bit this year. I know people who give gifts to see the look on the persons face when they open it. They want the eye popping action. I also know people who want to give anonymously. They don't want to be known as the giver at all. What do most people look for? Do you really study the person you are giving to? Or do you just get lucky?

President Henry B. Eyring said...."When you are on the receiving end, you will discover three things in great gift givers: they feel what you feel and are touched, they give freely, and they count sacrifice a bargain."

Have you ever thought of gift giving as a sacrifice? Or do you just give because that is what everyone else is doing? Think about it this year. It might be too late for some with shopping season already over. But what would Christmas be like if everyone gave with a sacrifice....gave with love....and gave freely?

Dedication

There is a little old woman in our ward who was baptized yesterday. She is an adorable little lady. She was giggling so much after she was baptized that I couldn't stop giggling. She is disabled and has to walk with a cane. When she does use the cane...it is with great effort. Due to her disability she is unable to drive. And she depends on members of the ward to take her to church.

Because she was baptized yesterday...she was to be confirmed today. There was a mix up in communication and right before church started the missionaries realized that she was not there yet. She didn't have a ride. Someone went to get her immediately. On their way they found her walking alongside the road. On her way to church. She was not going to miss this day. And she was willing to sacrifice anything to get there.

How many times have you felt that kind of dedication for anything that you do? I only hope that I can have the same faith and dedication that this woman has. She has truly inspired me today. I will never forget it.

The rush is over....

We finally finished all of our gifts today. We usually make ours. But, it amazes me how much we find ourselves in the hustle and bustle of stores. We went to get some milk today and were overwhelmed by people. The last Saturday before Christmas. It really makes me feel good to know that we are not a part of that hustle and bustle. What is the average dollar amount people spend on Christmas? It scares me to think of it. I am grateful that I have almost an entire week to reflect upon Christmas without all of the commercialism of it. I will visit friends and families in their homes and enjoy the rest of the season with Joy!!!

For this season.....

This
Christmas
Write a letter
Mend a quarrel
Give a soft answer
Seek out a forgotten friend
Apologize. Try to understand
Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge
Examine your demands on others
Encourage youth. Forgive an enemy
Manifest your loyalty in word and deed
Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust
Think first of someone else. Laugh a little more
Gladden the heart of a child. Welcome a stranger
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth
Express your gratitude. Speak your love and then speak it again.
Be Kind
Be Gentile
~Howard W. Hunter