Service

I got this email from Jodi Blake with an attachment to a link with a short little video about service. I have to admit I usually just delete these because I don't have time to sit and read all the forwarded email. However I watched this and it was very touching.

http://www.stservicemovie.com/

We can all do more service and it is just a reminder of how little things can make a big difference. I see that everyday at my job. I complain a lot about the fast pace, late hours, and long days I have and all the complaining I can get from my elderly residence but I feel like I need to also say that I love them. They are wonderful people and I am happy to see them each day I work and think about them often on my days off. It doesn't take much at all for me to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. Just the little things go a long way and they are the things that each family member stops to say thank you for.

I hope you enjoy this little video.

On a personal note it made me think of my sweet little niece, Emberlyn. It is amazing that at 2 years of age she has touched the hearts of so many people. She may not walk, talk, and do the things other 2 year old do but she can melt and touch a heart in a matter of seconds with her loving smile. Another reminder that small things, things from the heart can make a big difference.

Have a great day!!!

Ear Piercing

Ok this is out of order but I'm going to blog it now. Alyssa finally did enough work to earn enough money to pay to get her ears pierced. She just got back and is all smiles. She has placed her schedule of when to clean her ears, how long to wait before taking the studs out, and when she can wear dangly earing up for her to check off. She was very cute and a little nervous. The plan was for me to pick her up from school today and take her to get it done. When I picked her up she looked nervous and said, "some people said it hurts and some said it doesn't. I'm not sure if I want to do it" So we talked a little bit and she decided to go ahead and get it done.

Before

During

After

Ward Party - December

OK I'm a little behind. I remember being a child and having my parents say things like, "time goes by faster the older you get" or "it's Halloween, it will be New Years before you know it" you get the idea. I use to think they were crazy....Christmas took forever to get here. Boy were they right...and I'll admit not just about that.

So here I am it's January 8th and I haven 't kept up on my blogging/journal for a month and since I know some of you have been missing it (this ones for you Sharon) :O) I decided to take a few seconds to make a quick entry starting with the begining of December.

We had a ward party, it was a chilli feast and we brought food to give to families in need. I know some of you are thinking, aren't you guys a family in need. LOL Even though Abby had her ballet that day we got up and got to the ward party. We packed up some canned foods, put them in a bag and headed out the door. Of course we left the bag of food at home because..well..we've lost our brains. :O) But they didn't kick us out and it was fun.

Here are some fun pictures the primary took of Alyssa with Santa Claus. I can't believe she is as old as she is and look how grown up she is getting...I enjoy her more and more each day.

Being the very fun cousin that she is she decided to take Delayna up to visit Santa...I'm sure all of you who have ever had children or ever seen young children near Santa Clause can guess how that went. It was a nice attempt though.

How much do you love that grin on Alyssa's face as Delayna is screaming...CLASSIC.

The Day After

This Thanksgiving went very well. We had a very nice dinner at 1330 and then I went into work for a while. It wasn't too bad...half my patients were come for the holiday so it was easy money. Mom, Al, Ryan, and I actually continued Jaime's tradition and headed out at 0445 to black Friday shop. I wish I had had my camera to take some video. This year at Walmart they had all the crates with the deals covered in black plastic....when the clock struck 0500 an announcement came over the radio and all the clerks standing next to the crates simeltaneously ripped the black plastic off and the crowds dive bombed the merchandise. I was the cart watcher...for all those who know how to truly Black Friday shop (thanks Jaime) I stood off to the side with the cart and laughed at people...great fun.

Later that day while the boys went golfing Mom, Al, & I put up some Christmas lights. Since I don't have mom's tree this year to do my Dr. Seuss tree I found one at Alyson's house....I need to add a few more strands but you will get the idea. We had a light unveiling later in the evening.

After the light unveiling mom got out her little presents for the kids...countdowns for Christmas. It was very fun and even more fun because she made us adults one too. :O) Great times with a great family...We missed all who weren't here. LOVE YOU!!!

Ice Skating

We just got back from a fun night of ice skating. Mom, Al, Nick, Ryan, Ryan's date Megan, Alyssa, Abby, Braydon, & Cailah. We had a great time...by the end of the night all of us were skating by ourselves...even Nick! LOL Seriously the kids did a great job...Cailah's trick for the night was to be holding two peoples hands and jump up in the air..."it is easier to skate that way" she said. Braydon did a great little run slide and Abby was flying by on the side of the rink with her hand close to the edge. Alyssa found her feet not after too long and her and Abby had fun skating together. We only had two bad falls....one involved Alyson and the other Abby...none of which ended up at the hospital so we felt good about that. The pictures didn't turn out really well but here are a few.