Christmas Memories from Mom

My one memory of Christmas was when I was around eight years old.  I knew for a long time already that Mom & Dad were Santas, so . . . but being the youngest I knew I had to keep pretending I believed in Santa, so I didn't ruin it for everyone else.  I remember feeling a lot of pressure.  I got a life-size doll that year, a lot like the one I have now.  That doll meant a lot to me.  That's why Dad replaced it for me while we lived in Preston.  I believe this pressure of "believing" is the reason I told all my children when they asked about Santa; that their Santa was their Dad;  I also really believed and still do believe in being HONEST with my children, even about make-believe.
I know this part is not about the prompt but I can't resist.  When Raymond was about 3 and Angela 1, Dad worked at Harmon's Grocery Store in Salt Lake.  He had to work the night of our ward Christmas party, so I took the kids by myself.  Santa was there, of course, and Raymond got on his lap and whispered in his ear, "I know it's you, Dad, but I won't tell.":)  Angela was afraid of the Santa.  She wouldn't get near him.  It was not Dad, in case any of you wondered.:)

To sell or not to sell?

That is the question. I've taken so long to post because I've been conflicted. On the one hand, I really do like having both mine and Dave's parents in the same place. Especially because Dave's family hasn't had a place for us to stay comfortably. That's still kind of the case, but less so. I think. We'll see, because this Christmas is Dave's parents' turn, and mom and dad's house is rented out. Anyway, on the other hand that house is quite the beast to maintain if it's not being lived in. It is either way, but it is really a lot to maintain if it's not being lived in. On the other hand I'd be sad if it was sold because it is an awesome house with a large yard - the grandkids love it. I love it, too! The indoor pool cannot be beat for an exercise option.
We personally would be willing to take care of it on the off chance that we do end up in Preston. You all have heard about that possibility haven't you? In terms of property and house we already have a place that could be had for an unbeatable low price . . . but no job. Not even one that's unavailable because it's filled, it's unavailable because it doesn't exist. At least not in Preston, and commuting really does not appeal.
That aside, even being stripped of all the special touches that mom has put into that house (a costly process in and of itself, I would think), I have a hard time believing that that house could sell for a worthwhile price. However, the bottom line is that while I would ultimately prefer that the house isn't sold, I can also see in terms of practicality how it would really be a burden to mom and dad to keep it if they're serving a mission(s). And if that's how the spirit directs them, then who am I to fight that? It just darn well better be a move that's dictated by the spirit. :) So my vote is: don't sell unless you have clear direction from the spirit to do so.

Christmas rememberies . . .

One Christmas that stands out in my mind is the year that mom made me a dress. We lived in Boise, and I was nine. Somehow mom must have known that I loved the fancy dresses that my cousin, Staci Stokes wore . . . or maybe she just liked the style, too. Regardless, I did love Staci's dresses and wished that I had one. They probably cost a crazy amount - as the only daughter, she was a little bit spoiled. Anyway, what is especially funny about this memory is that I actually saw the dress well before Christmas. It's tricky to hide homemade gifts. The dress was hanging in mom and dad's closet and it caught my eye when I was in there one day for a legitimate reason. My little heart beat faster, but then it occurred to me that it might not be for me at all; it might be for April, or for somebody not in the family at all. Not wanting to completely ruin the surprise for myself I quickly exited the closet, but naturally continued to wonder about it for the remaining time until Christmas morning.
On Christmas morning as we walked from our room to mom and dad's for the devotional I couldn't resist peeking to see if that dress was out; we could easily see where gifts had been placed from the upper floor. I could hardly stand waiting through the devotional to find out that the pile that had that beautiful dress was mine. I was so thrilled when I found out it was.

That might have been the same Christmas that Nathan gave me a beautiful dress, too (wish I had a picture - it really was gorgeous). Obviously, he didn't make it, but I remember being so surprised that he had picked it out himself. I didn't know yet that Nathan was actually very good at gifting, but somehow in my mind it seemed inconsistent with his personality in general. Or at least with what I understood about his personality at the time. Now it makes sense. haha

Christmas Memories

Well, I've really been bad about posting on here...and on my personal blog.  Oh well!  I have a problem where I have an inability to choose just one memory...so I believe there shall be at least three.

Probably the youngest memory I can come up with is the year I was given a Barbie JEEP.  It actually drove, and I was super thrilled.  Probably one of my favorite toys.

I'm not actually sure how old I was for this, but the first year Mike set a trap for us was really fun.  Rachael was there, so it may have been Christmas break for her because I'm pretty sure she would have been in college.  So three of us were working on it.  I just remember being so excited to see what Mike would do, and then strategizing with Rachael on how best to get through it.

Possibly my favorite/most memorable is the year that we built forts to have a snowball fight.  I think it was Dad, Rachael...and someone else (sorry I don't remember) against me, April, Mike, and Andrew.  Our fort dominated.  Mike pulled out a cooler and we used it to make blocks so our fort was way legit.  It was SO fun.

Mike thought we were so weird! Why does your family sit on the kitchen floor to talk?

Just thought I'd post the few pictures we had of one of Charity's favorite Christmases:)

I guess this means that was 8 years ago!

It was a sweet fort!

Look at cute little, Susan!

And of course, every year playing laser tag in the store was fun.  Definitely miss that.  Christmas is great!  Love you all!