A Christmas Tag

Here is a little Christmas Tag. Copy and paste this post, change your answers and then tag 5 people.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper...there is just something about the anticipation while unwrapping the gift to see what is inside. A bag is to quick and easy.

2. Real tree or Artificial? C'mon, real! I love the smell of a real tree. I can also deal with the needles on the floor versus taking apart the artificial one.

3. When do you put up the tree? As a kid it was like a week before...that was fun, but now that I am in charge (sorta) I like to have it up right around Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? I like to take it down after New Years. Sometimes its before then because I am tired of dealing with the kids pulling off the ornaments.

5. Do you like eggnog? I like the flavor so one glass is all I can mangage...but after that I cant handle it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? It wasn't a gift I received but rather a gift someone received from me. My brother Mike showed me a guitar special and a local store. He was soo excited to get it and start lessons. I could see he was a bit disappointed because he didn't have enough money and not enough time to purchase it before the sale was over. I ended up going and getting it and giving it to him for Christmas. It was a special Christmas for me because it was my last one before leaving on a mission. I was able to give my family gifts that made it a meaningful Christmas before leaving.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Alice. She is so difficult. Not because she is hard to please, its just that I want to make it a special gift.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Josie. I could give her an empty box and she would be thrilled.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Personally - No. Alice has us covered with this one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Well, if I did it, I would choose email. Saves money and if I procrastinate, I could still send it before its too late.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I would have to say those cheezy QVC gifts that are dust collectors.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf. "Smiling because smilings my favorite!"

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When the money comes.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? What is recycle? Does that mean you take it back on a bicycle??

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham. I love eating a big fat juicy pig. I would rather eat something salty and fulfilling rather than candy and sweets.

16. Lights on the tree? Of course. As a kid we had colored lights. I prefer the simplistic and clean looking white lights.

17. Colored or White? I think I covered that in the previous question.

18. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy by Colin Raye.

19. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like not having to travel unless it is worth it.

20. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Um... Buck, Doe, and...oh Rudolph.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? As a kid it was this retro star that lit up with colored light. I thought as a kid a tree is incomplete without the top....now, I prefer no top.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Alice said, "Both, we open new pajamas Christmas Eve and save all the good stuff for Christmas morning. There is nothing better than sleeping in a nice new pair of cozy pajamas." I agree with Alice

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? I am not done with school.

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Being an artist I love lots of color. But, for me I like the red color. It reminds my of the Saviors Atonement..."that though our sins be as scarlet, they can be made white as snow..."

25. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Funeral Potatoes and yummy soft rolls!

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Peace.

Christmas Memory

With Christmas coming up my mind reflects upon some special experiences I had as a child. Growing up, life at home was an ongoing financial struggle. When Christmas time would come around, I wondered if we were going to have presents under the tree. I felt bad for my parents that they were unable to give us the Christmas they probably wished they could. Fortunately, grandparents and other relatives were kind to give in our behalf so that our tree wasn't empty. Don't get me wrong, our parents were able to give us some things...just not very much. I remember one year I knew money was really tight. Mom asked me what I would like to have for Christmas. I knew to give her an answer of some grandiose (sp?) gift was out of the question, and also I didn't want to be honest to protect her feelings of not being able to give to her children. So, in a quick reply, I said, a bag of reeses butter cups. Well, Christmas morning arrived and low and behold, I had next to my stocking a bag of reeses butter cups. My heart was touched. I didn't even want them to be quite honest. Yet, in her efforts to try and make her kids happy for Christmas, she gave me what I requested. As years have passed and I have become the parent, I am on the other side, with financial struggles, how to give my kids what they would love to have. It is a different feeling to be the giver and feeling like you can't give because you have nothing too give. My thoughts turn to the Savior. He gave everything in his life for each of us to have what we need. The way He lived His life was the greatest of gifts I or anyone could receive. He gave up a majestic birth that rightfully he deserved. He gave up his time to serve his fellow man. He gave up his ability to wipe clean the evil and wicked men that persecuted him. Ultimately, he gave of his life so that I could live again. I think of Christ's Father...my Heavenly Father too, how he had to vanish to the farthest parts of the universe to resist the help He would have liked to give while he son blead from every pore. I ask myself, what can I give my kids so that they will have a wonderful Christmas this year when finances are meager. My gift to them will be me. I love my kids and my wife. All I have to give to them is my love, my care, my protection, my hugs and my prayers. I hope I can be an example to them that they will see me as their hero. My life is for their benefit. To ensure that they are having the life they chose before they were born. It is my opportunity, my privelege and honor to give them the life they sought to have. May the Lord bless me in my efforts that I may not "give" up on them, but rather "give" to them.

Blog or Bust!

So, I have finally joined the blogspot bandwagon. Lets have some fun!