December 12th
Thought/story: "A Letter to My Loved Ones"
Scripture: Matt. 3: 13-17
Event: Was baptized
Jesus Christ was obedie.ntto God's law
Recipe: Reese's peanut butter cups (try making these instead of the store bought-these are better anyway)
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. margarine, 1 1/3 c. peanut butter, 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 12 oz. Choc, Chips
Instructions: Press down evenly in a 9x13 pan. Then melt choc. chips on low. Spread
evenly over peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Cut into
pieces.
Tradition: A fun idea for a family service project is to pick a family in need and
anonymously give them small gifts for the Twelve Days of Christmas (which begins
tomorrow).
Small gift idea: See the attached list for an idea of "Twelve Days of Christmas" gifts.
REDUCING CHRISTMAS STRESS: Delegate
If you want something done, don't do it yourself. Ask your spouse, friends, and
relatives to help. Let the children do the decorating. Even 3-year-olds can apply
sticker snowflakes to windows and go around the house distributing fat, colorful
candles. If they're a couple of years older, they can trim the tree (or at least the lower branches). Be nearby to aid and praise but don't take over. Likewise, shift some of the gift wrapping to 9- and lO-year-olds, who are plenty capable with scissors and tape. Or buy cheap, plain gift bags and let the kids put the kids put the gifts in and add bright stickers and bows.
You can divvy up tasks assembly-line fashion. While you and your spouse write out
and address greeting cards, the kids can choose snapshots to enclose, stuff cards in
envelopes, and add press-on stamps. Jobs tend to get done quicker - and more to the
point, the time is spent together instead of solitary toil.
Give Un-Gifts
Who could resist a slip of paper entitling the bearer to a trip to the zoo, a game of
Scrabble, an evening of babysitting, a foot massage, a home-cooked meal, payable on
demand? Or a card that says a donation has been made to a charity in their name?
(From Parenting)
A LETTER TO MY LOVED ONES
by J0 Ann Larsen
Funny, isn't it, that in our busyness we forget what our busyness is all
about. If we look far enough below the surface, we find that our activity is
inextricably linked to the welfare of those we love.
We are running, working, organizing, scheduling, and performing because all this activity will somehow benefit people who,ironically,need us-our love, time and attention-much more than anything else we can provide. And we may be startled to realize our busyness means nothing if the people we love are no longer there.
So, at Christmas, a time that symbolizes the deep and abiding love of God for mankind, I write to you, loved ones, to tell you of the gifts I want to
give you this year- gifts of love- gifts of myself.
I want to keep foremost in my mind that human life is tenuous and preclous, and that I am extremely fortunate to be here and to have you with me each hour of each day. I want to remember your profound value each time our lives touch.
I want you to know daily of my love for you. I want you to hear it in my voice, see it in my eyes, feel it in my touch. I want you to experience the bonding that exists between us and I want you to feel cherished. I want you to hear my words: "I'm proud of you," "I've missed YOU, "I'm so lucky I have you," "No wonder I love you so much."
I want to be there when you need me. I want to see your world through your eyes, and I want you to feel free to share your heart and your soul without feeling judged. I want you to feel our relationship is a safe haven and a resting place from the world.
I want my actions to convey to you that you need not be perfect-that your
imperfections are natural in the process of growing. I am reminded of the little
boy who asked his teacher before giving a talk, "Teacher, is it okay if I do
the very best I can?" That is all any of us can hope for. We are all doing in
this life the very best we can.
As you make your mistakes, I want you to see mine. We are fellow travelers perhaps at different stages or learning points-who are making this lifetime journey together. Let us hold hands and walk together in our growth.
I will work at always recognizing, as one poet put it, "the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul." I want my love to encourage you to be all that you wish and all that you can be. I want you to travel in directions you have not yet moved-with or without me. You are free and I wish always to honor that freedom. I cherish your being in my space but I do not need you for my own use.
I want to give you my time-to share it freely and without reservation, whenever
you need it.
I want you to count on my commitment and loyalty to you. I have created boundaries around our relationship that protect your confidences and vulnerabilities.
I want to love you for those same vulnerabilities and to respect you for
your strengths.
I want to express my appreciation frequently to you for just being you for filling a vital space in my life-and for giving me so many personal gifts of love.
When, in my fallible state, I wound a fragile part of you, I want to make amends and have you hear the words: "Forgive me," "I was wrong," "I'm sorry."
Love is not a single act but a climate-a work in progress-in which we can grow and discover and learn together. I want to cultivate that climate and celebrate our love all year.
J0 Ann Larsen, a marriage and family therapist,
writes a popular column for the Deseret News. Her
best-selling I'm a Day Late and a Dollar
Short ... and It's Okay was publishtd in 1992.
Tis the FIRST day of Christmas
And the weather threatens snow.
My list of chores to do is long
And where to start I do not know.
To help in counting down the days
Old Santa came to call.
And left a gift of candy
To be enjoyed by all.
On the SECOND day of Christmas
A visit came again.
I couldn't believe it
But dear santa left for me
A festive ornament
To hang upon my tree.
On the THIRD day of Christmas
I found a nifty treat.
Twas a plate of Christmas goodies
All wrapped so nice and neat.
It's the FOURTH day of Christmas
And Santa's time is near.
A special story is sent to me
Its message I'll hold dear.
Tis the FIFTH day of Christmas
Only seven more to go.
The kids are getting restless for
Old Santa Claus to show.
But don't you go and worry
He'll be on time alriqht.
And he left a Christmas candle
To Brighten up the night.
Tis the sixth day of Christmas
And snow is on the way.
Looks like we'll have some white stuff
For santa and his sleiqh.
But santa got out early
He came before the storm
And left a pretty ornament
to sparkle Christmas morn.
On the SEVENTH day of Christmas
My spirits lifted high.
I found the scruptious cookies
That old Santa did drop by.
On the EIGHTH day of Christmas
Old Santa took a break
From making trucks and dolls and such
An ornament to make.
Tis the NINTH day of Christmas
The time is not too long.
The lines you will be reading,
Are a favorite Christmas song.
On the tenth day of Christmas
What shall Santa bring today?
A song, an ornament or goodies.
No, a lovely little poem,
To tell of God's love for us.
It's the ELEVENTH day of Christmas
Toniqht old St. Nick comes
The kids are now in sleeping
With thoughts of sugar plums.
This last gift Santa leaves you
With wishes for the best.
And hopes this Christmas season
Will be the merriest.
The fun has been in giving
I've enjoyed the things I've made.
But the best gift of the season
Is the one the Savior gave.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Author Unknown
Spreading the joy of families throughout the world. Hoping to give you and your family helpful tips and ideas to simplify your life!
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DECEMBER 12th
December 12th
Thought/story: "A Letter to My Loved Ones"
Scripture: Matt. 3: 13-17
Event: Was baptized
Jesus Christ was obedie.ntto God's law
Recipe: Reese's peanut butter cups (try making these instead of the store bought-these are better anyway)
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. margarine, 1 1/3 c. peanut butter, 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 12 oz. Choc, Chips
Instructions: Press down evenly in a 9x13 pan. Then melt choc. chips on low. Spread
evenly over peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Cut into
pieces.
Tradition: A fun idea for a family service project is to pick a family in need and
anonymously give them small gifts for the Twelve Days of Christmas (which begins
tomorrow).
Small gift idea: See the attached list for an idea of "Twelve Days of Christmas" gifts.
REDUCING CHRISTMAS STRESS: Delegate
If you want something done, don't do it yourself. Ask your spouse, friends, and
relatives to help. Let the children do the decorating. Even 3-year-olds can apply
sticker snowflakes to windows and go around the house distributing fat, colorful
candles. If they're a couple of years older, they can trim the tree (or at least the lower branches). Be nearby to aid and praise but don't take over. Likewise, shift some of the gift wrapping to 9- and lO-year-olds, who are plenty capable with scissors and tape. Or buy cheap, plain gift bags and let the kids put the kids put the gifts in and add bright stickers and bows.
You can divvy up tasks assembly-line fashion. While you and your spouse write out
and address greeting cards, the kids can choose snapshots to enclose, stuff cards in
envelopes, and add press-on stamps. Jobs tend to get done quicker - and more to the
point, the time is spent together instead of solitary toil.
Give Un-Gifts
Who could resist a slip of paper entitling the bearer to a trip to the zoo, a game of
Scrabble, an evening of babysitting, a foot massage, a home-cooked meal, payable on
demand? Or a card that says a donation has been made to a charity in their name?
(From Parenting)
A LETTER TO MY LOVED ONES
by J0 Ann Larsen
Funny, isn't it, that in our busyness we forget what our busyness is all
about. If we look far enough below the surface, we find that our activity is
inextricably linked to the welfare of those we love.
We are running, working, organizing, scheduling, and performing because all this activity will somehow benefit people who,ironically,need us-our love, time and attention-much more than anything else we can provide. And we may be startled to realize our busyness means nothing if the people we love are no longer there.
So, at Christmas, a time that symbolizes the deep and abiding love of God for mankind, I write to you, loved ones, to tell you of the gifts I want to
give you this year- gifts of love- gifts of myself.
I want to keep foremost in my mind that human life is tenuous and preclous, and that I am extremely fortunate to be here and to have you with me each hour of each day. I want to remember your profound value each time our lives touch.
I want you to know daily of my love for you. I want you to hear it in my voice, see it in my eyes, feel it in my touch. I want you to experience the bonding that exists between us and I want you to feel cherished. I want you to hear my words: "I'm proud of you," "I've missed YOU, "I'm so lucky I have you," "No wonder I love you so much."
I want to be there when you need me. I want to see your world through your eyes, and I want you to feel free to share your heart and your soul without feeling judged. I want you to feel our relationship is a safe haven and a resting place from the world.
I want my actions to convey to you that you need not be perfect-that your
imperfections are natural in the process of growing. I am reminded of the little
boy who asked his teacher before giving a talk, "Teacher, is it okay if I do
the very best I can?" That is all any of us can hope for. We are all doing in
this life the very best we can.
As you make your mistakes, I want you to see mine. We are fellow travelers perhaps at different stages or learning points-who are making this lifetime journey together. Let us hold hands and walk together in our growth.
I will work at always recognizing, as one poet put it, "the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul." I want my love to encourage you to be all that you wish and all that you can be. I want you to travel in directions you have not yet moved-with or without me. You are free and I wish always to honor that freedom. I cherish your being in my space but I do not need you for my own use.
I want to give you my time-to share it freely and without reservation, whenever
you need it.
I want you to count on my commitment and loyalty to you. I have created boundaries around our relationship that protect your confidences and vulnerabilities.
I want to love you for those same vulnerabilities and to respect you for
your strengths.
I want to express my appreciation frequently to you for just being you for filling a vital space in my life-and for giving me so many personal gifts of love.
When, in my fallible state, I wound a fragile part of you, I want to make amends and have you hear the words: "Forgive me," "I was wrong," "I'm sorry."
Love is not a single act but a climate-a work in progress-in which we can grow and discover and learn together. I want to cultivate that climate and celebrate our love all year.
J0 Ann Larsen, a marriage and family therapist,
writes a popular column for the Deseret News. Her
best-selling I'm a Day Late and a Dollar
Short ... and It's Okay was publishtd in 1992.
Tis the FIRST day of Christmas
And the weather threatens snow.
My list of chores to do is long
And where to start I do not know.
To help in counting down the days
Old Santa came to call.
And left a gift of candy
To be enjoyed by all.
On the SECOND day of Christmas
A visit came again.
I couldn't believe it
But dear santa left for me
A festive ornament
To hang upon my tree.
On the THIRD day of Christmas
I found a nifty treat.
Twas a plate of Christmas goodies
All wrapped so nice and neat.
It's the FOURTH day of Christmas
And Santa's time is near.
A special story is sent to me
Its message I'll hold dear.
Tis the FIFTH day of Christmas
Only seven more to go.
The kids are getting restless for
Old Santa Claus to show.
But don't you go and worry
He'll be on time alriqht.
And he left a Christmas candle
To Brighten up the night.
Tis the sixth day of Christmas
And snow is on the way.
Looks like we'll have some white stuff
For santa and his sleiqh.
But santa got out early
He came before the storm
And left a pretty ornament
to sparkle Christmas morn.
On the SEVENTH day of Christmas
My spirits lifted high.
I found the scruptious cookies
That old Santa did drop by.
On the EIGHTH day of Christmas
Old Santa took a break
From making trucks and dolls and such
An ornament to make.
Tis the NINTH day of Christmas
The time is not too long.
The lines you will be reading,
Are a favorite Christmas song.
On the tenth day of Christmas
What shall Santa bring today?
A song, an ornament or goodies.
No, a lovely little poem,
To tell of God's love for us.
It's the ELEVENTH day of Christmas
Toniqht old St. Nick comes
The kids are now in sleeping
With thoughts of sugar plums.
This last gift Santa leaves you
With wishes for the best.
And hopes this Christmas season
Will be the merriest.
The fun has been in giving
I've enjoyed the things I've made.
But the best gift of the season
Is the one the Savior gave.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Author Unknown
Thought/story: "A Letter to My Loved Ones"
Scripture: Matt. 3: 13-17
Event: Was baptized
Jesus Christ was obedie.ntto God's law
Recipe: Reese's peanut butter cups (try making these instead of the store bought-these are better anyway)
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. margarine, 1 1/3 c. peanut butter, 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 12 oz. Choc, Chips
Instructions: Press down evenly in a 9x13 pan. Then melt choc. chips on low. Spread
evenly over peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Cut into
pieces.
Tradition: A fun idea for a family service project is to pick a family in need and
anonymously give them small gifts for the Twelve Days of Christmas (which begins
tomorrow).
Small gift idea: See the attached list for an idea of "Twelve Days of Christmas" gifts.
REDUCING CHRISTMAS STRESS: Delegate
If you want something done, don't do it yourself. Ask your spouse, friends, and
relatives to help. Let the children do the decorating. Even 3-year-olds can apply
sticker snowflakes to windows and go around the house distributing fat, colorful
candles. If they're a couple of years older, they can trim the tree (or at least the lower branches). Be nearby to aid and praise but don't take over. Likewise, shift some of the gift wrapping to 9- and lO-year-olds, who are plenty capable with scissors and tape. Or buy cheap, plain gift bags and let the kids put the kids put the gifts in and add bright stickers and bows.
You can divvy up tasks assembly-line fashion. While you and your spouse write out
and address greeting cards, the kids can choose snapshots to enclose, stuff cards in
envelopes, and add press-on stamps. Jobs tend to get done quicker - and more to the
point, the time is spent together instead of solitary toil.
Give Un-Gifts
Who could resist a slip of paper entitling the bearer to a trip to the zoo, a game of
Scrabble, an evening of babysitting, a foot massage, a home-cooked meal, payable on
demand? Or a card that says a donation has been made to a charity in their name?
(From Parenting)
A LETTER TO MY LOVED ONES
by J0 Ann Larsen
Funny, isn't it, that in our busyness we forget what our busyness is all
about. If we look far enough below the surface, we find that our activity is
inextricably linked to the welfare of those we love.
We are running, working, organizing, scheduling, and performing because all this activity will somehow benefit people who,ironically,need us-our love, time and attention-much more than anything else we can provide. And we may be startled to realize our busyness means nothing if the people we love are no longer there.
So, at Christmas, a time that symbolizes the deep and abiding love of God for mankind, I write to you, loved ones, to tell you of the gifts I want to
give you this year- gifts of love- gifts of myself.
I want to keep foremost in my mind that human life is tenuous and preclous, and that I am extremely fortunate to be here and to have you with me each hour of each day. I want to remember your profound value each time our lives touch.
I want you to know daily of my love for you. I want you to hear it in my voice, see it in my eyes, feel it in my touch. I want you to experience the bonding that exists between us and I want you to feel cherished. I want you to hear my words: "I'm proud of you," "I've missed YOU, "I'm so lucky I have you," "No wonder I love you so much."
I want to be there when you need me. I want to see your world through your eyes, and I want you to feel free to share your heart and your soul without feeling judged. I want you to feel our relationship is a safe haven and a resting place from the world.
I want my actions to convey to you that you need not be perfect-that your
imperfections are natural in the process of growing. I am reminded of the little
boy who asked his teacher before giving a talk, "Teacher, is it okay if I do
the very best I can?" That is all any of us can hope for. We are all doing in
this life the very best we can.
As you make your mistakes, I want you to see mine. We are fellow travelers perhaps at different stages or learning points-who are making this lifetime journey together. Let us hold hands and walk together in our growth.
I will work at always recognizing, as one poet put it, "the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul." I want my love to encourage you to be all that you wish and all that you can be. I want you to travel in directions you have not yet moved-with or without me. You are free and I wish always to honor that freedom. I cherish your being in my space but I do not need you for my own use.
I want to give you my time-to share it freely and without reservation, whenever
you need it.
I want you to count on my commitment and loyalty to you. I have created boundaries around our relationship that protect your confidences and vulnerabilities.
I want to love you for those same vulnerabilities and to respect you for
your strengths.
I want to express my appreciation frequently to you for just being you for filling a vital space in my life-and for giving me so many personal gifts of love.
When, in my fallible state, I wound a fragile part of you, I want to make amends and have you hear the words: "Forgive me," "I was wrong," "I'm sorry."
Love is not a single act but a climate-a work in progress-in which we can grow and discover and learn together. I want to cultivate that climate and celebrate our love all year.
J0 Ann Larsen, a marriage and family therapist,
writes a popular column for the Deseret News. Her
best-selling I'm a Day Late and a Dollar
Short ... and It's Okay was publishtd in 1992.
Tis the FIRST day of Christmas
And the weather threatens snow.
My list of chores to do is long
And where to start I do not know.
To help in counting down the days
Old Santa came to call.
And left a gift of candy
To be enjoyed by all.
On the SECOND day of Christmas
A visit came again.
I couldn't believe it
But dear santa left for me
A festive ornament
To hang upon my tree.
On the THIRD day of Christmas
I found a nifty treat.
Twas a plate of Christmas goodies
All wrapped so nice and neat.
It's the FOURTH day of Christmas
And Santa's time is near.
A special story is sent to me
Its message I'll hold dear.
Tis the FIFTH day of Christmas
Only seven more to go.
The kids are getting restless for
Old Santa Claus to show.
But don't you go and worry
He'll be on time alriqht.
And he left a Christmas candle
To Brighten up the night.
Tis the sixth day of Christmas
And snow is on the way.
Looks like we'll have some white stuff
For santa and his sleiqh.
But santa got out early
He came before the storm
And left a pretty ornament
to sparkle Christmas morn.
On the SEVENTH day of Christmas
My spirits lifted high.
I found the scruptious cookies
That old Santa did drop by.
On the EIGHTH day of Christmas
Old Santa took a break
From making trucks and dolls and such
An ornament to make.
Tis the NINTH day of Christmas
The time is not too long.
The lines you will be reading,
Are a favorite Christmas song.
On the tenth day of Christmas
What shall Santa bring today?
A song, an ornament or goodies.
No, a lovely little poem,
To tell of God's love for us.
It's the ELEVENTH day of Christmas
Toniqht old St. Nick comes
The kids are now in sleeping
With thoughts of sugar plums.
This last gift Santa leaves you
With wishes for the best.
And hopes this Christmas season
Will be the merriest.
The fun has been in giving
I've enjoyed the things I've made.
But the best gift of the season
Is the one the Savior gave.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Author Unknown