Musings on Life and Beauty Archives - Page 131 of 146

Early Morning Stillness

December 30, 2009 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

I was up early this morning, much earlier than the children, and since it’s Christmas vacation, I could let them sleep.

It felt really good to have some quiet time to read my scriptures, ponder, pray, and record some things that I am grateful for. I want time like this every morning!

I’ve been pondering and praying about what direction I should move in with the start of a new year. I had so many thoughts, and there are so many areas in which to improve. Then I realized that I needed to ask my Heavenly Father what direction HE wants me to move in.

I’ve had some thoughts today that feel really good. I think I have the beginning of a plan. I need to keep praying about it, but I feel like I’m on the right track and THAT is a happy feeling.

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2009 jennifer Christmas, Musings on Life and Beauty

We spent Christmas Eve with my husband’s brother and his family last night, remembering the reason for the holiday.

With costumes on, the children (14 in all!) quietly portrayed the events recorded in the New Testament surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.

As I photographed the production, I noticed something. Having a real baby in our own little manger changed the feeling a little. The excitement really was about that little bundle in a rough wood box.

They all wanted to be close to the manger, gathering around it in a circle.

The baby truly was center stage, the object of their attention.

As I watched this awesome group, I realized that they were teaching us a silent lesson.

Christmas really is all about baby Jesus. It reminded me of my favorite Christmas embroidery:

I hope we all will spend a few quiet minutes today, kneeling in the stable. Adoring Him.

It will make all our lives more stable.

Merry Christmas to you, from our family, and especially from our little angel who’s taking this all in for the first time.

2 comments Christmas

My Cuppycake is TWO!

December 21, 2009 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

Today my daughter is two years old, and a more delightful two year old girl could not be found.
She has thoroughly enjoyed the day. The excitement began yesterday, with a visit from her Aunt Kristen and Uncle Jake, with a special gift just for her. She’s been saying, “Kisen and Jake give it me, and Jake open it for me.” The little doggy even went to church with us today.
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This morning she looked lovely in her beautiful dress (given to her by Grandma earlier this year) even though she threw a five star fit while wearing it.
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I have never seen a two year old sing “Happy Birthday” to themselves with so much gusto, or with such a sassy little “cha cha cha!” at the end. She opened each gift with pure delight, making us laugh and smile the entire time.
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And as I watched her, I couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly two years have passed. How much we love her. How sweet she is. How can it have been two years already?
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She has been such a delight!
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Grandma and Grandpa called to wish her a happy birthday and she strolled around with the phone to her ear, chatting like a teenager. She even gave them a tour of the Christmas tree.
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At last, birthday cake complete with two candles and another round of “Happy Birthday” complete with her “cha cha cha” at the end.
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After modeling the new ballerina pajamas her grandparents gave her (complete with tutu), she climbed on my lap and announced that she wanted to brush her teeth and go to bed. A full, happy day for our darling cuppycake.
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She is fast asleep, and as I review the day I’m happy to say that now I am officially done with birthdays for the year.
We had two last month:
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Our sweet oldest daughter turned 11, and on Thanksgiving weekend our second son turned 9.
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Now we have our birthday break: 3 whole months before the next one! Just in time.