You Better Not Pout

Luke wasn't excited about seeing Santa at our Ward Christmas Party last week.

But I think he would have been even more freaked out if Voldemort had shown up, as was the obvious expectation from the announcement we received a few days before the party.

Jack and Eliza were more than happy to visit with Santa.  Eliza told Santa that she wants a dog and Santa happily agreed, adding that St. Bernards make good pets.  Eliza enthusiastically smiled and nodded.

I know where Santa lives, and he will be hearing from me soon.

I'll try again tomorrow.

I had planned on publishing a real blog post tonight but my computer seems to have disappeared while I was at choir rehearsal and I just don't have it in me to try to do anything worthwhile on my phone.

So, good night.

Sharing Scriptures

The theme for today's Light the World activity is "Jesus read the scriptures and so can you." So I asked everyone in the family what their favorite scripture story is and wanted to share them here.

The number one spot must go to the story of Nephi Getting the Brass Plates from Laban.  It was the hands-down winner because half of the family designated it as their favorite.  Eliza said she likes it because if it wasn't for Nephi, we wouldn't have the scriptures.  Why does Ben like it?  He said Nephi "was led by the spirit not knowing where exactly he was headed.  I appreciate how the Lord leads us in our lives and allows us to demonstrate our faith that way." This story is also a favorite of Jack's, but I failed to get anything else out of him on the topic.

Cat's favorite scripture story is that of Moroni and the Title of Liberty.  She was about to get out of the car to go to school when we were talking about it.

Me: What do you like about the Title of Liberty story?
Cat: It's cool.
Me: What's cool about it?
Cat: (picking up her backpack) The Title of Liberty is to cool as my backpack is to heavy.

So there you go.

Luke said his favorite story is when Jesus became a baby.  Yes, that's a beautiful one.

And after deliberating, I've finally decided to list the story of The Stripling Warriors as my favorite - but my answer might be different tomorrow.  I love that these young men had taken the teachings of their mothers to heart and lived with such obedience and faith that not one of them died during intense fighting.  The Lord's protection is real and He blesses us for our righteousness.

High Scorer

Cat has finally decided/agreed to give basketball a try.  She's on a bantam team affiliated with a nearby high school and is having a lot of fun with it.  A soccer friend is on the same team, so that's cool too.

Yesterday was Cat's first game and she can boast that she scored 33% of the team's points by way of a free throw.  Swoosh!

I expect the team will get more than 3 points at their next game.

Pink cupcakes. Just because.

Baked by Cat.  Decorated by Ben, Jack, and Eliza.  Enjoyed by all.

Junior Jags

My oldest three kids joined Junior Jags, a free children's choir put together by the choir director at a nearby Junior High.  The director is funny and cool and the kids had a blast.  Cat was part of the 4th-6th grade group and Jack and Eliza attended during the younger kids' time slot.  Unfortunately, Jack decided he no longer enjoyed the choir just before the concert, so he didn't perform.

The director mixed the children's choir numbers in with performances by her 7th grade boys' choir and girls' choir, and a few of the songs included everybody.  Below are some videos from the concert, which was earlier this week.  Luke was crawling on my lap half the time, so the videos aren't great, but I wanted to share anyway.  Also, it's hard to see Eliza sometimes.  She's in the dark red dress on the bottom row, third kid from the left.  Cat is easier, but I'll tell you anyway.  She's always on the top row, on the right side, with long blonde hair.

Light the World

Have you already perused the Light the World website?  It's so awesome!  I'm excited to participate in this campaign this month.  I happened upon this advent calendar when I was looking for something else last week and decided to use it to help us in our efforts to become more like Christ.  I didn't use the ideas included on the printable for the hidden layer.  I made up a list that I thought would work for my family (see below).  I wanted the activities to be simple enough that they were achievable but I also tried to think of things that would be meaningful and pertinent.  I hope it goes well.

I would have liked to do a big service project today, since it was designated as the big worldwide day of service, but I just couldn't figure out how to make it work.  So instead, we talked about looking for opportunities to help others in small ways during the day.  I'm happy to report that we were successful.  Everyone served someone else in at least one way during the day.

Here's our list for the whole project:

1. Jesus lifted others' burdens and so can you.
     Look for ways to lift others' burdens during the day.

2. Jesus honored his parents and so can you.
     Write a letter or draw a picture for your parents.

3. Jesus helped others to see and so can you.
     Sincerely compliment people today.

4. Jesus worshiped his Father and so can you.
     Name 10 ways you've been blessed and say a prayer of gratitude.

5. Jesus healed the sick and so can you.
     Bring a gift to a sick neighbor.

6. Jesus read the scriptures and so can you.
     Everyone share your favorite scripture story on our blog.

7. Jesus fed the hungry and so can you.
     Make a donation to a local food bank.

8. Jesus prayed for others and so can you.
     Remember others in your prayers throughout the day.

9. Jesus visited the lonely and so can you.
     Visit a widow in the neighborhood.

10. Jesus helped people to walk and so can you.
     Sweep or salt neighbors' front steps.

11. Jesus ministered to children and so can you.
     Spend extra time together as a family.

12. Jesus taught others and so can you.
     Teach the family a story about Jesus during FHE tonight.

13. Jesus showed humility and so can you.
     Sincerely apologize today.

14. Jesus clothed the naked and so can you.
     Donate clothing to a local charity.

15. Jesus worshipped through song and so can you.
     Learn a new Christmas song.

16. Jesus showed compassion and so can you.
     Assemble blessing bags for the homeless and keep them in the car.

17. Jesus cared for his mother and so can you.
     Kids make dinner for mom.  Call grandmas.

18. Jesus honored the Sabbath and so can you.
     Make an extra effort to honor the Sabbath.

19. Jesus calmed the storm and so can you.
     Work on our family 72-hour kits.

20. Jesus saw potential in others and so can you.
     Write notes to family members pointing out their positive qualities and potential.

21. Jesus forgave others others and so can you.
     Share a time when you forgave someone.

22. Jesus showed gratitude and so can you.
     Write thank you notes to Primary teachers.

23. Jesus was a peacemaker and you can be one too.
     Make an extra effort to be kind and get along with everyone today.

24. Jesus cared for his loved ones and so can you.
     Give everyone in your family a big hug and tell them you love them.

25. Jesus' disciples followed Him and so can we.
     Write down your feelings about Jesus Christ.