Christmas Already?

Elder Meehan and his current missionary companion--at their ward Christmas Party.

I know, I know: I keep saying I will post and write ... and then I don't.

It seems like a good New Year's Resolution for me would be to stop promising and apologizing and just be good with the "is-ness of now." ("It is what it is.")

But that is SO ME: putting too many things on my metaphorical plate, and then being hard on myself when I can't do it all. (Like make hot chocolate on the stovetop while talking on the phone, while ironing clothes for church--all at the same time. It's a fail-fail situation, and yet, I keep trying it. LOL.)

Anyway, my point!

It's Christmas week and I am so so so happy to have this time to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times. And I'm sure for most people--no matter what your faith practice--this time of year is a special one. For the most part, people are just SO kind and happy during the month of December. I love it. (Although news stories do remind us that December doesn't make us immune from sickness, war, death ... and conflict. The joy and the difficult co-exist. Even in December.)

Okay, so how has your 2014 been? Are you making last minute preparations for Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanza ... the New Year?

Me? Yes, we are celebrating. It has been a good year, even when there were times it wasn't good. If that makes sense?

As far as goals for 2015 I'm thinking of setting small goals--achievable goals--with the hope that these will snowball into larger goals. But we will see how that goes. (Things like walking with our dog daily, finding more quiet, being a better listener, and keeping in better contact with friends/family.)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for sharing 2014 with me.

Love,

Dawn
(aka: the inconsistent blogger)

PS: I love this Christmas video and have to share. It was created by our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and I think it is pretty incredible:

#HeIsTheGift


*****

And some quick photos of our family this month ... for journal-keeping sake:

Zu and Papaya Christmas-caroling with the YM and YW in our church for a youth night activity.
(Zu just turned 12--which is the age when you start attending youth activities. Woo hoo!)

Zu got her first-ever major haircut. It is amazing for her to be able to do her own hair each morning--because with that CURLY THICK hair, it was really hard to do on her own.
(And super hot. Our friend who cuts her hair said she has enough hair for 3 people!)

We met one of Elder Meehan's previous missionary companions (who has completed his service).
And I spoke at a local seminary about my experiences on Survivor (and how they strengthened me spiritually).

We celebrated Zu's birthday at her favorite Italian restaurant (she could eat pasta morning, noon, and night).

Dave celebrated his 50th birthday! (And his mom celebrated her 70th!). This is a photo of them back in 1967. He is far L. Hilarious. Same baby-face!

Bam and I keep walking around the lake as often as we are able (when it isn't 20 degrees).

We were able to attend the Temple with two of our favorite families (and this is the ordinance worker at the Temple. Sweetest man ever). PS: I know Janae doesn't love me posting photos without permission. And there is a chance I will have to take this down to respect her wishes, but for NOW ...  I have to post: it's a testament to just how REMARKABLY STRONG and COMMITTED Janae and Jeff are to their family, faith, each other, and the Lord. Because Janae is coping with ALS/Lou Gehrigs Disease, her mobility is super-limited. Most of us would probably determine that we have a "free-pass" to skip difficult practices. But NOT JANAE. Six+ years after her diagnosis (*yes, 6+ years!), she is still committed to doing the things that define her. And her faith is a major defining part of Janae.
So ... to the Temple we went! On a cold rainy, but BEAUTIFUL day.

Family selfie.

Elder Meehan and Elder V--who both entered the MTC on the same day 18+ months ago!