True Spirit of Christmas

I haven't kept up on my Simple Sunday posts lately, but I decided this week I couldn't wait and you are all getting your dose of Simple Sunday a little early.

I've had a conversation with Ebenezer and Scrooge lately about how the spirit of Christmas is missing. It made me think of a talk I gave to kick start the holiday season last year, and I felt it appropriate to share this simple reminder of what this time of year means to me.

"I love Christmas! It's not about my wish list for Santa- but about all the small things that make up Christmas for me- the glow of a big twinkling Christmas tree on a dark night, the sweet smell of cinnamon and pine, a steaming cup of hot cocoa with ooey gooey marshmallows, radio stations that play nonstop christmas carols, reminiscing about each ornaments story as I carefully place it on my tree, crisp snuggly new pajamas on Christmas eve, anticipating the excitement on the face of the recipient of that perfect gift I found this year, the general cheeriness that sometimes comes from unexpected places. It's the combination of all those wonderful things that make it feel like “it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”

Let me paint a picture of the traditional start of the holiday season. You stumble out of a cold car way before dawn, to begin the long trek across the vast parking lot, you quicken your step partially because of the hope of warmth inside, and partially to stay in pace with your fellow shoppers also heading towards the entrance, many still in their pajamas. Once you enter the store, the real race is on as the battles begin for carts and space. Yes, I'm talking about the tradition of black Friday. I remember a few years ago hearing stories of shoppers descending on a pallet of toys so much that the pallet collapsed and the shoppers grabbed and fought for toys all over the floor. And then the shoppers form large lines to check out with their carts overflowing so they can speed to the next store. And the innocent little sewers and quilters who shop at JoAnn's fabric similarly destroy the aisles and knock sweet little old ladies to the ground for $.99 flannel. Ahh, the onset holiday rush.

Now, please indulge me as I paint another picture of excitement and giving. Some of you may have seen a special Oprah did a few years ago about her Christmas in Africa. She brought a celebration of Christmas to orphans and needy children in Africa, who for many received their first Christmas gift ever. What struck me was that Oprah hand selected every gift and more importantly, each gift had the recipient's name. For at least one day, each of those children felt known and loved. In the crowd of thousands, they felt special. There was a visible light of gratitude and sincere appreciation in each of their sweet little faces. I watched full hearted as beautiful little children with tear stained cheeks hugged mother Oprah and thanked her genuinely.

While both of these pictures include excitement, gifts, and even a little chaos, one embodies the Christmas spirit and what this season really means. It's about giving, and more importantly the way in which we give.

While we may sometimes wish that we could give on the grand scale that Oprah gives, the reality is that many of us well, can't. But does that mean that we shouldn't try. I was watching a movie with my kids this week where a man was disappointed that he didn't change the world, the other character chastises him and says oh, but you did. How do we change the world? By one act of random kindness at a time. It is not in the scale of our giving but in the sincere and heartfelt effort of our giving that matters.

John H. Groberg said, “I wonder how many of us, in our Christmas giving and our giving all year long, think of not just exchanging material possessions, but of giving of ourselves, fully and freely. True giving comes from the heart, not the wallet.”

My husband gives me a hard time about gifts at Christmas, telling me “it's not about the gifts.” I retort that he is right, it's not about the gifts, it's about the giving of the gifts. For me, I don't give gifts out of guilt or competition or even obligation. For me, there is more in the quest for the gift, thinking about that person I love and trying to find something to show I love them and bring a smile to their face. It's about the giving of the gift, not the gift itself. Similar to the classic story, the Gift of the Magi, ultimately, the gifts were useless in and of themselves. It was the thoughtful, selfless sacrifices of each giver to show their love to each other that made the gifts meaningful. And in consequence, it is in the giving to others from our true self that we receive the most unto ourselves. We need to open our hearts and discover what it means to each of us individually to give of ourselves fully, and freely, and to truly give from our heart. I have no doubt that if I asked each of you what your most memorable and meaningful Christmas memory was , it would not include the Christmas where you finally received the official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle! It would include a humble story of sacrifice, and heartfelt generosity.

One of my favorite traditions as a child was doing the twelve days of Christmas for another family. My family would gather together for family home evening in the beginning of December, and we would carefully plan who we knew that could use some extra holiday cheer. We would then happily argue if we should give 5 golden ornaments, or 5 golden bells. But the tenth was always the same, with 10 words to live by, “Jesus said, as I have loved you, love one another.” Which my Dad, the awesome artist, painted beautifully for the family. But of course, our favorite part as kids was anxiously waiting our turn to sneak quietly up to the door, and prepare to make our speedy and stealthy escape after quickly ringing the bell, and we competed with each other to not get caught. Thus in my youth, my parents taught us the valuable lesson to give from the heart, and that it was better to give than to receive.

President Monson shared this thought with us, “Let us not spend Christmas and let us not observe Christmas, necessarily, but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives”. . . for when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the spirit of Christ, because the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit.” It is the spirit of love, peace, and good will towards men.

President David O. McKay said: “True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.”

This is the spirit each true Christian seeks. This is the spirit I pray each may find. This is the Christ spirit. No quest is so universal, no undertaking so richly rewarding, no effort so ennobling, no purpose so divine. The Christmas season seems to prompt anew that yearning, that seeking to emulate the Savior of the world.

We often think of the new year as a time for renewal and rebirth, but it is that beautiful holiday season before the new year that prompts a renewal of spirit. It is a time when many the world over seek at once to kindle and share feelings of love, peace, and harmony. While, unfortunately many may not understand exactly what that warm, glowing feeling is that they seek, and hold tight to this time of year. We are blessed with the knowledge not only of what that feeling is, but that we can hold onto it for longer than the month of December. We can seek for that light, that spirit this holiday season, and more importantly we can let that light shine, “Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” 3 Nephi 12:16

While shopping for Christmas decorations, I found a carved piece of wood that simply stated, “merry and bright.” I thought that while it was such a simple sentiment, it was a very profound and telling statement. It very simply encompasses part of that Christmas spirit. Why do we celebrate Christmas? We celebrate the birth and life of Christ. The key word there is celebrate. “and men are, that they might have joy.” 2 Nephi 2:25 “Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her king!” This is a joyous holiday where we celebrate with family and friends, where we give freely with our hearts to share the bounty that has been given to us. This is a time of renewal of spirit. It is a time where we not only remember his birth, but his life, his teachings and strive to be a little more like him. This is the season where we try to not only know of him, but to know him. We celebrate the life of our brother and Savior, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

On the eve of His birth, the voice of the Lord came unto Nephi, saying, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”

What did the holy prophets of old declare? Isaiah, more than 700 years before the birth of Christ, prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

On the American continent, King Benjamin said, “For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. … He shall suffer temptations, and pain. … And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and Earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.”

Then came that night of nights when the shepherds were abiding in the fields and the angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. … For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

The shepherds with haste went to the manger to pay honor to Christ the Lord. Later, wise men journeyed from the East to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. … When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Since that time, the spirit of giving gifts has been present in the mind of each Christian as he or she commemorates the Christmas season. Our Heavenly Father gave to us His Son, Jesus Christ. That precious Son gave to us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave.

What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He “went about doing good.” As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours."

So hopefully I reminded both Ebenezer and Scrooge that this is not the time of year for "Bah Humbug!" Simplify, and remember the big picture, lighten up, and have some fun!

'Tis the Season

Ok, so I'm admittedly a blogger slacker, but with good reason (I always have great excuses)... I will try to post pics soon, but I've been busy. Mom and Dad came to visit (Yahoo!) in the beginning of November and we had a fan-freaking-tastic weekend together (they spoiled us so much that we don't need to have Christmas- almost), then I've been trying to get ahead in making all sorts of Chrismas projects and presents, then I joined a team on our city Volleyball league.

Then I cleaned my house in preparation for the annual decking of the halls, which I started last Wednesday but am still not finished. I spent the entire Thanksgiving day in the kitchen- started at 8:30 am and paused for a quick shower at 4:45 pm (dinner was at 5)- but then enjoyed a fantastic feast at our friends the DeSantiago's. Came home and cleaned my kitchen, and made my shopping plan. I got up at 4:30 am for the annual Black Friday shopping spree (it was so nice that it wasn't freezing this year, until we got into Wal-Mart with 50,000 other shoppers who also didn't feel the need to shower at 4 in the morning but layered and prepped for cold, only to start sweating and stinking in unison- it smelled like smelly feet and armpits- Yuck!) But I got everything I really wanted so it was worth it. Then it was back to decking the halls Friday and Saturday... and Saturday we also enjoyed a spontaneous hangout with Sonny and Patty, and their friend Ray. Patty brought Potato Soup and bread bowls and we introduced them to RockBand (haha)... and then I took off on a quest for the score for Messiah (more on that later).

Sunday was a crazy day because I played the Cello in sacrament meeting (yes, I know you are all floored, but as it turns out, I can still do it, but I need to play a little more frequently I've decided). Zach had the flu... and he's a needy Momma's boy ;) Then Sonny and Patty and Caitlyn came over for a Thanksgiving encore ( I needed to make my own Turkey for my leftover Turkey fix). Then Patty and I left the dishes to the boys and headed up to Salt Lake to attend the Utah Symphony's annual Messiah Sing-In.... and it was absolutely fabulous! You wouldn't believe how great so many amateurs sound when they get together. After we strolled through the lights on Temple Square, which was great because we weren't freezing as usual, and got some pie and hot chocolate on the way home. It was so nice to hang out with Patty too.

Monday was admittedly a somewhat lazy day, but the highlight was playing Clue with the kids for FHE (thanks Mom and Dad for the game, it was so fun), and then playing RockBand with Chris after the kids went to bed. And now here we are and it's time to deck some more halls- because Chris got me the garland I needed to finish my entry, mantle, and stairs- And now you know why I've been busy not blogging... Fa La La La Laaaa- La La La La!

Just One more... Just One More... Just One More...

We got an XBox 360 for our family Christmas present this year (yes, we are already playing with it). We got a really sweet deal from a friend as a package deal, and ended up with Guitar Hero, and RockBand! I wasn't that excited about it... But... from the first time I played RockBand, I was hooked! My name is Heidi Maloy and I am a RockBand-a-holic! I LOVE it.... yesterday, the choice was bang on Chris and the kids, or bang on the drums--- I chose Ch... drums! They are SO fun... Saturday, I stayed up until about 1 am playing with the Nielson's, and last night I was on for hours beating the medium level, and then going back to make sure I have 5 stars on everything. And I got my first 100%.... and.... ok, you get the idea! And by the way, I so totally ROCK!

This reminded me of Scott

A Discussion on Marriage for Simple Sunday

Lately, I've been privy to many discussions and debates (sometimes heated) about the definition of marriage- with so many discussing what marriage is and who should or shouldn't be a part of the instituton of marriage, I've decided it is my turn to join the discussion on marriage (since other than private discussions, I've stayed quiet about the matter).

So, I've decided to share my definition of marriage- it is work! And that work is never done, and we have to repeat it every single day if we want our marriages to be successful. One of the arguments I have heard against Prop 8 is that we should allow everyone the same right to be as miserable as the rest of us, interesting. While obviously we all know people who are, what, happily married... I think the important discussion is how we can make our own marriages better, happier, more fulfilling. I don't claim to be an expert by any means, but I do have at least 11 years experience, and I've decided to impart some of my observations and wisdom nonetheless. So here are my simple thoughts on the discussion of marriage that we should be having.

In the fairy tales of our childhoods, the princess is found or saved by the handsome prince, and the conclusion is that they get married, and it always ends..."they lived happily ever after." The problem is when we grow up and still believe those things. How many of us looked forward to getting married, thinking all the games and work would end on the wedding day? How many of us planned our weddings and not our marriages? The fairy tales end at the wedding, because the marriage after that is full of reality, and responsibility, and trials, and frustrations along with the joys, and the triumphs. The wedding is not the "happily ever after," it's just the beginning.

A funny story came to mind when I was thinking about this blog, it happened so long ago, that the statute of limitations in respect to judging me or Chris about this has expired, so don't even bother. But, for those of you who know us, know that Chris and I are both very independent and stubborn and that we occasionally butt heads (more in the early years of our marriage). Our first year being married, we were in a little apartment in Provo, Utah, we were both going to school full-time and working part time. One night we were having a disagreement about who knows what, and we were both getting rather frustrated. I got frustrated enough that I walked right out the front door, and probably slammed it behind me! (there was not enough space in our cramped apartment to have some space to yourself when you needed it). I started walking but quickly realized- where was I going? I didn't have any family to go to, we had very few friends. I didn't even have a car. How frustrating to want to leave and have no where to go! So there I was sitting on the tennis courts, pouting, and steaming, and trying to figure out what my purpose was and what I intended to accomplish!? Finally, it was night and getting cold, so I decided to swallow my pride and go back in... but when I tried the door, it was locked! He had locked me out!! And no way was I going to give him the satisfaction of knocking and asking to get back in, so I went back to my spot on the tennis courts to stew some more. Now I didn't care if it was cold, it was a matter of pride! I think I saw him open the door to look for me, so I came back and accused him of locking me out, and he accused me of taking off, and not knowing where I was, etc. etc. etc.. You may be wondering where I'm going with this, well, I will tell you. There are a few lessons to be learned in this story- one, someone once asked me, "Do you want to be right? or Do you want to be happy?" and that is a VERY important question to ask yourself (all the time) in marriage. Chris and I missed out on so much in those early years if we had just been able to decide that being happy was more important than being right! And been able to control our natural tendency towards stubbornness and independence. But there was another lesson to be learned there as well- Chris and I both agree that while it has always been hard to be so far away from our families- there is a strength to us as a couple by having to get through things on our own. We couldn't run home and cry to our families when something went wrong- we had each other to work it out with and that was it. I decided early in my marriage (at the advice of my mother) to not bring my family or friends into our squabbles. Many people try to recruit friends and family to their sides to help make them feel justified- but it's damaging not only to their relationship with their spouse but to those outsiders brought in. It is harder to forgive and forget from the outside looking in, particularly at a snapshot of a situation or more complicated relationship. That is not to say that you shouldn't have a confidant, or that you shouldn't ask for help when you really need it, we jsut need to be mindful and choosy about how much of our private relationships become public. If a marriage is between a man and a woman, so are the disagreements, fights, decisions, among many other personal matters. But I think Chris' and my relationship is stronger because we have worked and grown, and built our relationship and family together, just the two of us.

Having said all of that, I return to original definition of marriage- work! (and remember that work is not a bad thing) Marriage takes work, every single day- it's like laundry, it is never finished. A successful marriage takes effort, compromise, sacrifice, selflessness- and yet, also, respect, appreciation, unconditional love, communication, and a sense of humor! I believe it was my Dad who taught me the simple math of marriage. 50% plus 50%, does not always equal 100%. When the marriage is about two people, both people have to work to give 100% all the time, because it is inevitably impossible to give 100% all the time. If we are both trying to give our equal share of only 50% and we fall short, we can never reach 100%, not even together. But if we are both trying to give 100%, and we fall short, that's okay because the other is there to pick up the slack and we are more likely to reach our goal of 100%. Simple marriage math.

But here is my real question of the day, can we give so much that we lose ourselves? Michelangelo once described his statues as being in the rock, he just needed to chip away the pieces to reveal the potential inside. I think marriage and becoming our true individual selves, is a little like that. Through our efforts and compromises, we learn and grow and hopefully don't make the same mistakes as often, and become better people and couples for it. We chip away at each other's rough edges, and more importantly at our own to reveal our own true and mroe beautiful potential. But coming back to my original question, is it possible that while we are trying to chip away our rough edges, we get carried away, or give away too much of ourselves? Do we chip beyond the potential, and this whittle away too much of who we truly are as individuals to compromise and sacrifice in the name of giving to our better halves? I think the secret is balance! The trick is finding that balance in our own lives. While we must make compromises, and sacrfices, and make changes in ourselves to make our marriages work, succeed, and be happy. We need to find the balance at chipping away the rough edges to reveal the smooth and beautiful potential that lies within the stone, without chipping so much away that the rock eventually crumbles. We have to find the balance in becoming our best and most natural true selves- and we can only find that balance for ourselves, and we can only become our truly best individual selves by sharing ourselves with someone else.

Sometimes we complain that a person has changed, a spouse has changed, the situation has changed, the expectations have changed. But the reality is that a marriage is not a stagnant entity- we are not stuck in the end credits of a movie promising a happily ever after.... we are in a living, changing, and evolving relationship. And when we recognize that, and decide to roll with the tide rather than fighting against it- it takes so much less work and we will be much less frustrated at our previous lack of progress. Without change, we cannot progress, and isn't that the point, to grow, to learn, become better people for having lived, and loved. The reality is that we are working towards progress, that tide will rise and fall- we will ineveitably have ups and downs- but it's how we weather those, it's whether or not we are ulitmately progressing- learning, and growing, and becoming better, even if it's only in small increments?! We will always have steps back, the question is if we can still take the two steps forward!

Now that we remember that relationships, and marriages are always changing, and that people are always changing- we need to have realistic expectations about who those people are, and what we want from that relationship. Unrealistic expectations can be the most damaging, because you will always be disappointed. And most of the time, we impose those unrealistic expectations on that other person we love and respect the most. But, in theory, we all know the reality that the only person we can change anyway is ourselves, so quit trying to impose those expectations on your spouse and look at how you can change your own situation, behaviors, attitude, expectations, and habits- and work to change them. Change never comes easy, but anything worth having is worth working for. And remember that one of the biggest downfalls is selfishness. When one person is selfish, or worse, both. No one's needs will be met, and anger, resentment, loneliness, will abound. We can not fulfill our own needs by ourselves, but when we are selfish we end up not fulfilling our partner's needs or our own, and we are both at a loss. On the other hand, if each act more selfless, both needs will be met by serving and caring for each other, and the cycle for good has no bounds because the more we serve, the more we love, and the more we receive, the more we give, and the more we give, the more true happiness and satisfaction we feel- it's a win win and a no brainer. The cylce can spin either way, so which direction makes more sense in your lives?

While marriage undoubtedly does take work and effort (and no, it's still not a bad thing). Work is often given a negative connotation in this entitle generation, but the reality is that anything worth having is worth working for, and we do find great satisfaction in a well made effort. And the rewards can be incalculable. But on a still more positive note- we need to keep the big picutre in mind- why are we making the effort? why are we working so hard in the first place? Hopefully, we are working at this relationship, and this thing called marriage because we entered into this contract, because we love each other. We want each other to be happy. We want the other's burden to be lighter. We want to show love, and respect, and appreciation. It has been said that too often we are nicer to strangers we encounter than to our loved ones living under own roof- familiarity sometimes brings apathy, or lack of effort in basic human decency. We need to make a greater effort to be nicer to the ones we love the most- a little kindness can go a very long way! It's okay to think differently, and even to disagree, it's okay to have our own thoughts and opinions- the secret is that no matter how much we disagree, to always remember to show kindness, and respect for each other- and everything else can work itself out. Even therapists have said that they don't care what their couples are fighting about, they care about how they treat each other and how they end the fight- that is more telling than the subject matter of the fight, rarely is the subject matter of real importance anyway. In my story of stewing on the tennis courts- I couldn't tell you what the fight was about to save my life, but I remember the feelings, and more importantly, I remember that we resolved it and have obviously been moving forward ever since.

But most importantly, ALWAYS try to show respect, appreciation, care and concern, genuine interest, treat each other better than strangers or acquaintances. Give each other the benefit of the doubt. And always try to have the positives outweigh the negatives in the grand scheme of things. And it's not the big, grand displays of affection- it is the constant little thoughtful and simple kindnesses that have the greatest impact. They build and develop our relationships into unbreakable bonds. And remember that love is not a noun- it is a verb! It is an action, so act!

That is at least a beginning to the discussion I think we should be having about marriage- and the reality is that our own marriages are the only thing we have any real control over so that is where we need to put our greatest effort, and where we will receive our greatest reward!

Too busy to Blog

Chris actually relinquished his computer and practically demanded that I blog tonight- he said I was too far behind and had some fun things to share. I told him I was too busy doing things to take the time to write and blog about them---

And this is only the start of the busy holiday season... Yeah!! Chris may be burned out already- but I'm ready to go, and next week is going to be great because my parents are coming to visit! Yahoo...

So even though I know Jodi hates to get more than one at a time... here are a bunch for your enjoyment! I know I should spread them out but, when I get going and thinking about something... so get over it and enjoy my fun and crazy life! Keep reading...

Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat!! Happy Halloween everyone!

Abby had so much fun getting into her part as a witch, and loved posing with her cape!
Caitlyn was happy to get dragged around by her cousins, and was a trooper even after she had obviously had enough!

This year had an added element of fun because it was the first year where Zach really understood what was going on (or at least how to get what he wanted). "You mean if I say Trick or Treat (or even if I don't), peeople just hand me candy??" He thought it was great, and after the few first houses had the biggest smile on his face. He already has a cute little run where he swings his arms- but seeing him running up driveways with his arms swinging and his feet flailing- and his little bumble bee wings bouncing?- it was way too much fun, and SO cute!

Once we got everyone out the door, even Trick or treating was fun because we had a big group- and a lot of our neighbors and friends were on the same path we were. I walked out the door to catch up after a quick kitchen cleanup- and it is SO fun to see kids all dressed up running from house to house in the nieghborhood- I LOVE it! There were our family and friends all up and down our little street at every house, and on every sidewalk, and at every door- Trick or Treat! It was fabulous! (Especially since our little neighborhood is relatively new and still somewhat empty- so we weren't sure what kind of turnout we would get?) It was great!

It's always funny to go with a group too because all the kids are different ages, and speeds! Abby is almost always leading the pack- RUNNING from house to house! Zach brings up the rear and everyone else is everywhere in between.
Our great friends, the Nielson's- Derek and Kemari (she was great to dress up for the who knows how many times?) I had already been queen for the day, and was ready for jeans and a sweater.

We kept a couple of our Halloween traditions this year- we had our good friends, the Nielson's, and Patty and Caitlyn (and later Sonny) over for homemade Chili before we all went Trick or Treating. Patty made some great cornbread to go with it, and the Nielson's brought fun Halloween desserts (but the kids were too anxious to get out the door, so we admittedly didn't get to them- yet). It's always great to get family and friends together around some good, hot food- and talk and laugh and enjoy each other's company!


The other great part was, after we got home, the kids all dump their candy on the floor and Chris goes through it with them- and they divide and conquer! (even distribution of the wealth) But it was funny because Chris and Sonny start talking about how they need to check the candy because when they were kids, people were scared of needles and razors and stuff ending up in the candy... but the great part was that I could say without any reservation that I wasn't worried about the candy at all. We went through our neighborhood and Sonny and Patty's neighborhood. We know most everyone we visited, and more than that- I love that we feel so safe and comfortable in our neighborhoods.

It took me a long time to get "used to" being in Utah (and the fact that we would probably stay awhile) but... There is a sense of community here that I love. I love that I can let my kids ride their bikes and not worry, or today the girls were playing football in the street with the nieghbor kids, and later went to play at the soccer fields across the street with some other friends--- and I don't worry (too much) about them. I love that we know so many of our neighbors and that we can also call many of them friends, and that even when we go to Sonny and Patty's neighborhood, I can say the same thing about many of them. And I love that when we go out on Halloween night, the streets are filled with other young families with kids in tow, and that the biggest problem we had all night was waiting for each other while one of us is talking to someone else we know...And here are the winners of our favorite costumes-
Winnie the Pooh, dressed as a Bumble Bee!- Zachary
Pretty, Pretty Princess Claire!
The always spooky, and still fancy witch -Abigail!
And, of course, our very own adorable girly Cheetah - Isabelle!

Happy Halloween from Payson, Utah!
And P.S. wasn't Chris a fabulous photographer?- Thanks Chris!! Love you!