Wise Men Still Seek Him

It's Christmas! I love Christmas. There is a magic in the air. My whole life I have been trying to put a finger exactly on what that magic is. It seems to be so many things wrapped up in one so I can never quite explain it very well. It's the lights, the music, the love, the excitement, the giving, the sharing and so on and so on.....
We went to church today and Brother Fuller talked. He hit it right on the head for me and I had one of those epiphany moments. "This is the magic of Christmas: that Jesus Christ was born and that He lives today."
It all flooded over me and I cried. This is what we live for, whether we know it or not. And me, in my totally imperfect state, am so THANKFUL for that babe that was born who was willing to pick up the slack for me and all of us. I can only pray that I am a good representative of what He means to me.

"Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus." -Neal A. Maxwell

Make Poverty History

There are an estimated 3 million people in the U.S. every year that go homeless. About 40% of those people are employed. The really scary thing is that 1.35 million of them are children. It is said that the average american is one paycheck away from becoming homeless. I complain that I am too hot, so I turn down my heater. Then I complain that I am too cold so I put on a sweater while I am turning my heater up again. I complain that I have 20 pounds to lose because I have so much food to eat all the time. I complain that I don't sleep well on my nice cushy bed in my big house with all of my family close around me. It's insane how much people suffer. What's more insane is that I don't always help when I know I could be. I am going to make this year the one to reach out more and to do my part no matter how small it might be. We are all God's children and so we are connected. How can we look the other way when it is our brother or our sister who is suffering?

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Apron

I think I have posted before about my 3 friends. They are my dearest friends in all the world. They impact my life every day. You know I recently moved up here to Eden. It is about 45 minutes away from Clinton. Has that stopped me from driving there every chance I get to see my sisters? Heck no! The gas and time are well worth the fun and the bond that I share with these people. Krista moved to St. George last Friday. It was so hard for me to know that she is that far away. I am so glad that I have a house there so I can see her whenever I am there.
We friends wanted something to connect us continually since we are all separated by distance. We all have a passion for cooking great food. Or should I say, a passion for EATING good food. The cooking part of it is just a perk. We came up with the idea to have a traveling apron. We found the cutest, girlie, frilly, red, pink, and purple apron. It is beyond cute. We took it to Krista the day before she left and gave it to her. In a month, she will send it to one of us who will then keep it for a month and pass it to the next person. And so on. It just goes on and on. I am really excited to do this.
So here's to good friends, good food and cute aprons. I know these things don't happen for a lot of people. I am really grateful that they have for me.

No Longer Homeless

We are finally here! We moved into our new home the Friday before Thanksgiving. It seems like it has been so long. Actually it has; it took a year and a half. It really seemed like we would never be here. But it was worth the wait. It turned out so great and it just feels like, well, home. We have had much fun already climbing the rock wall plus we hosted Thanksgiving for the Walker side of the family. We had so much help getting here. I just want to give thanks for ALL of the many things I have been blessed with. When I think of it all, I lose count. I am truly, truly blessed.

The Way To A Boy's Heart......

A couple of days ago, Tyson was sitting at the bar eating something I had fixed him for dinner. After having his 3rd helping, he said, "Mom, promise me that you are going to teach my wife someday to cook." That is the best compliment I could ever get! Now the only problem is finding a girl that's EVER going to be good enough to marry my son.

It's All Coming Together Now

House update: It looks freaking amazing! Here is a list of what has been completed or is in the process of being completed as we speak: our acid stain floors are done. They look beautiful. Our painting, including the faux, is done. The tile is being laid right now and our cabinets are going in right now. It is so exciting. I think that all the colors and stain, etc. etc. look really good. That is always a worrisome part, waiting to see if everything flows nicely. I can't post pictures yet, it's a surprise you know. You will just have to come and visit to see the finished product.

Snow-crusted Mountains

It is officially fall in the Valley! Amongst the beautiful, changed leaves, lies snow. We had a big storm through the night and today. I freaking love snow. I love how it looks and feels. I love the frigid chill it brings. I love to swoosh down the mountainside on a board and watch it fly out from around me. I even like to shovel it. It just makes me happy.
To catch up a bit: our house is almost done! Hooray! Cabinets are going in on Monday and my tile guy starts on Wednesday. It looks so amazing. Everytime I go there, I just feel, well, at home. I feel so lucky to be here!
We are all doing well. Life is clipping along way too fast, as usual. Marcus, my cousin, got his endowments out this last Thursday. He is leaving in November for his mission. He is going to Melbourne, Austrailia. It was good to be there for him. He is such a good guy. I am really enjoying living next to Steff and Randy. Steff is always taking care of us. Nothing like mom of course, but she does a good job.
We had a big pumpkin painting party at Grandma and Grandpa Walker's last night. It was fun to get together and see everyone. We all had a good time.
Life is grand!