And they sang Away in a Manger

Giving her brother a hug before we leave for the Christmas Program.  We were all a little shocked!

She even accessorized her dress with a bracelet.  She's all about the bling.

As you can see, she had her eyes on us for most of the program.

This camel was too cute for words.  The humps were peoples heads.  Awesome!

I could eat her up, she is so cute.

This was Rosey's 2nd Christmas program at her church school.  Last year was a disaster as she couldn't see us and had a meltdown.  So this year, we parked ourselves in the 2nd row for a perfect view.  When she walked in and was situated on the stage, she immediately started looking for us.  The joy illuminated her face when she found us.

She actually sang and did the motions and sounds that went with the program, all the while waving and smiling at us.  It warmed our hearts and brought tears to my eyes.  There is no greater joy than watching your children do well at something or even just DO!  She was incredible!  We love her so much.

As for the DUDE, well you can imagine how it is when all the attention is on his sister.  He was a tad bit loud stating he wanted to go home.  This is after running back and forth from the christmas tree, skipping all the way.

Just think!  Next year he will be the one doing the program and Rosey will be watching from the audience.  

How quickly things change?

Every time we passed a Nativity while we were out viewing the Christmas lights afterwards, she would say that was what her program was about.  Smart kid.

When I put her to bed she told me that Away in a Manger was her favorite song from the program.  She also wanted to know if I thought she was the best singer.  Of course my child, the angels don't compare.

Homebodies!

I liked how confident Becky was feeling after some practice.  Mr. Finn is a good brother.

Becky on the right.  I was on the left, but Ralph shot the ones that are closer to the bullseye.  I am not the best shot, but I could definitely cause some damage to a kneecap.

It was a windy day and I thought the flags were cool

Check her out!  Looks like she means business.

It is official!  We have two very adorable children, but they definitely belong to the "homebody" club. 

We went to Mr. Finns sister's house for the weekend to just sit and visit.  Our children were good for a short while and then the "I want to go home" started.  First from the Dude and then from Miss Boo.  They love visiting their cousin Mimi, but they love their own beds just as much.  At least that is true for the Dude.  Miss Boo likes her computer games and especially her stuff.

Mr. Finn and I both agreed that we had a relaxing time and was probably one of our best visits to the relatives.   They live in a beautiful home that overlooks a wildlife refuge.  Miss Boo and I would sit in the chaise and watch the birds in the morning.  She declared it was the best spot ever and even got to see a woodpecker.

We went to the shooting range on Saturday to get in some target practice and just get comfortable with a gun.  Yes!  I do own a gun and am proud of it.  I just need to feel secure when my hubby is out of town.  I am fiercely protective of my children and would hate knowing I could have prevented something from happening to them.  

Therefore...I am prepared.  I just needed to get more comfortable with it.  It's kind of like a new bra, you have to try it on to see if it fits right and there won't be any malfunction or operator error.

I had one of those moments with my SIL (sister in law) Becky that reconfirmed why I love being with her.  For those that don't know, I graduated from High School with her, so I have known her for a very long time.   Sidebar over...we were in Target and found this great dress by Isaac Mizrahi that we both liked.  So we decided to try it on, but in our respective sizes of course.  As we walked out of the dressing rooms we both burst into laughter.  You have to get the full picture, she is about 5'4" petite and I am 5'7" not so much, in other words we are built completely different.  Even then, the dress looked awful on both of us for very different reasons.  I am glad she likes to do that kind of thing, after all, it was a $60 dress on sale for $14.95.  Who wouldn't try it on and give it a go?

It was a great trip, wish we had more time.  Thanks for having us.  Come visit soon!

Another Day

I made my special Christmas cookies for the Cantata.  

They're only special because I think so.

Then ironed that pile of clothes that has been piling up for months on the dryer.  (I really thought the Ironing Fairy was going to take care of it!)

And...this is what's left of the Backyardigans book that Miss Boo got from the Library. Someone was gracious enough to put it in more manageable pieces.  Arrgghhhh! Haven't I paid for enough damaged material?  Maybe we should ask the Dude!

So, I spent the entire day in my PJ's because I was just too busy.

Major Flaw

OK, so the truth is I'm grumpy when I am tired.  I want to turn the light out at 10 p.m.  I don't really want to talk or anything else, it is a flaw in my character.  You could say I am selfish when it comes to my TIREDNESS and completely irrational.  And YES, I have been known to pick a fight just so I can be left alone to SLEEP.  Mr. Finn takes the brunt of my FLAW because our darling offspring are nestled all snug in their beds at this time, which means that I won't scar them for life over it.

My apologies to Mr. Finn as he is a patient man who loves me in spite of my flaw.

Right?  It's not like I have any other flaws.  Really!  Have I convinced anyone yet? Myself?  Hmmmm, maybe I need to work on that.  Ready, Set, Go!

BHAG

Our Bishop declared he had a BHAG to share with us.  

Huh?  

BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL

Huh?

Anyways, he wants us to become a ZION people.  A Zion Ward.    

That was a month ago and although I kind of forgot about it, I realize that we have been working on it even at a subconscious level.  Things are less CRAZY around here as crazy as that may seem to say.

Last Sunday he posed his BHAG to us again and asked if we remembered it and if we were working on it.  A Sister in the ward said "No offense Bishop, but I have enough on my plate right now and don't want to willingly invite new trials and challenges into my life.  

Amen!, was my reply under my breath.  Who would want that when life is already so complicated?

The Bishop's reply was, "Are we looking at the end goal, what comes at the end of the trials...the blessings?"  

Hmmmm, didn't think of that.

He had a good point when he said that we tend to fixate on the NOW and not the LATER that is always going to come.  Wouldn't it be great if when we got to the LATER  it was better because we worked in the NOW?  He used the statement: "If it is to be, it is up to me".  So simple.

I have been pondering this (yes, I occasionally do that) and know that if we want a ZION state in our homes, in ourselves and in our Wards, we have to pray for it and work at it.  Sometimes it seems like a lofty goal, but imagine if we were truly able to accomplish it?  That would truly be AWESOME indeed and I want to be part of that!