Christmas 2012

We just had Christmas, right?

It seems this year came and went in a hurry but it's been a great year with many changes and new adjustments. We're ready to tackle a new 2013!

A bit of family came over for a few on Christmas day to watch Ayla rip and tear open her presents while we munched on veggies and crackers...which cancels out all the candy calories and sweets. Eat a green = cancel a sweet!

It's the 'Christmas Rule'

 Chilling with my sista's

 Score: Monkey Slippers!

Ayla of course, assisted with opening presents and stockings. 

 Ryan's Giant Snickers Bar!

I have a feeling he will be sharing....

It was a low-key Christmas Holiday and we enjoyed lounging, movies, playing with Ayla and feasting at our neighbors. Quality time is always precious and rare (especially with our opposite schedules) so having a few days off together was a much needed energizer!

We're excited for what 2013 will bring and looking forward to great new adventures!

Evening of Memories

On Tuesday, Ryan and I were invited to share our story about Zoey at the St. Luke's 'Evening of Memories' Program.

We were both anxious and nervous but at the same time, glad to speak about Zoey and our experiences with her.

Ryan shared our brief story regarding Zoey and then I spoke on ways we honor and remember her.

After our talks, we played the slide show video of Zoey which was put together by the "Now I Lay me Down to Sleep" organization. That was hard- I still need to close my eyes during that video or end up a blubbering, snotty mess.

There are just a few things we're not yet prepared to review...one of those is her journal and for me, videos.

It was a neat program and we were grateful to be a part of it!

We met and mingled with fellow parents there who had lost children and it was nice to hear their story and talk about our little ones who had passed. Though Zoey's life was brief, we still miss her and think about her everyday. 

One woman shared that my remarks had touched her and she was grateful she attended, especially the part of my talk where I had said, "It's okay to grieve and there is no timeline for grief. When you lose a loved one, a piece of you goes missing that will always be lost until you're reunited with them. You feel sorrow and that's okay." 

She and her husband lost a child over the summer and she expressed the frustration of feeling guilty about still 'grieving' because someone had made a thoughtless comment to the way of, "get over it already, there's been enough time...."  She felt as thought there were an expected time frame to grieve then not speak of it again. I told her, "Poo-poo on that! Take as much time as you need and never, ever let anyone tell you otherwise." That comment was either made by someone who had not lost a child or close loved one and properly digested their emotions regarding. Or perhaps, by someone well-meaning who didn't know the right thing to say. Either way, I tell people that a simple smile and listening ear is all that's needed, no need for words. 

Glad we were able to share Zoey's story. After all, what parent doesn't like to talk about their child?    

Today I was reminded

I love this time of season and especially the peace and light it breathes into winter!  

On Sunday during an unexpected moment I was reminded why Primary is the place I need to be.

I was called to be the First Counselor in the Primary Presidency a few months ago and remember thinking, "Me, in Primary? Okaaaay...." Especially since I'm not so good with children (they are kinda scary) and haven't been in Primary for quite a long time. Our family joke is that I'll corrupt the children with my 'worldy-ways' as I had already corrupted the adults teaching Gospel Doctrine, so now it's time to move onto the little ones.... :-)   

However, a young boy, just 6 years old, taught me a lesson in humility and listening to the spirit that I will never forget- and it took him just a few minutes. He was assigned to give a short talk in Primary and had forgotten. I quickly expressed that it was okay and not to worry but his calm reply was, "No, I have something prepared in my mind." I was surprised and eager to hear what this little boy had to share.

He stood and explained the true meaning of Christmas and re-told the story of Christ's Birth, while sharing his testimony that Christ was our Saviour and loved us. 

I felt the spirit pouring strongly form this little boy and enjoyed his simple yet beautiful reminder of why we celebrate this season and why Christ has instructed us to "Be as the little children". 

I'm grateful for his parents who are fine examples of righteous parenting and raising their children with the spirit in their home. I was blown away by the faith and example of a six year-old boy and am grateful for a loving God who knew why I needed to be in Primary.