Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas, even though we couldn't be close to any "real" family. We spent a lot of time with people in our ward. In fact, I haven't had to make a meal for about a week now. Kind of nice.

Here are some pictures of Jeff and Scott playing with Jeff's new scooter/bike that he got from Grandma and Grandpa Goddard. He loves it. As you can see they both had fun trying to figure everything out.

Jeff and Scott are wearing their Christmas PJ's. We got them on Christmas Eve and put them on. It was the gift we got to open before Christmas morning.

This is what I got for Christmas from Scott. We had a rule this year that we had to make our gifts. If you don't know what it is... you are really missing out in life. Actually, I thought it was a calender at first. It really is a Wacky Six game. He spent hours and hours cutting, painting, and repainting when Jeff attacked cards. On Christmas Eve he stayed up until 5 a.m. trying to get it finished.

A Scott and Sadie Goddard Christmas

I think we are a little unconventional. Our Stockings are hung next to our air conditioner.




Our tree is set up in front of our door.


And, unfortunately... I wrapped our gifts today. I have never considered myself a "crafty" person. But holy cow, I can't even wrap a gift without showing off a little of the box underneath. Sorry mom, I tried.

Prayer

I grew up being taught to pray to my Heavenly Father. I did most of the time. As I got older, I did better about saying my prayers every morning and every evening. I thought perhaps, I had become good at prayers, simply because I was saying them at the appropriate times.

I have said prayers in which the words were hardly there, let alone my heart. Sure, I was saying them. Each night and each morning I would kneel, or maybe slump, or if I was really tired lay through each prayer. Saying in words what I thought I should be saying, but having my mind on things far from my love for my Father in Heaven who loved me. Or far from the thoughts of His Son, who came to Earth and gave himself as a sacrifice for my sins.

I admit that I have had times when my prayers were less prayers, but more mere mumblings. But I have had prayers where I was heard. I was heard not because at other times I was being ignored, but because this time I was reallying praying. Sincerely, humbly, pleading for God to direct and comfort me. I have felt the love of God and his concern for me as one of His children at these times.

I was heard because I was giving Him the opportunity to hear me. He was always wanting to listen, but I was never really talking to Him. I still have prayers that aren't really prayers. I hope that as I grow and become more of the person I want to be that I can actually commune with God. This is a lofty goal for me, but I am seeking after it.

Thanks for Hubbies

Yesterday Scott got to stay home and study for one of the classes he is taking. It was great to have him home because when Jeff was asleep I took off to do some shopping. By the time I got home I felt so sick I cried. Thankfully Scott was home to take care of things. I took some Tylenol (one of the few things I can take) and laid down for a bit. I woke up a little while later feeling much better only to realize I had slept for two hours. I was so thankful Scott was home to hold down the fort.

I got sick at Walgreen's, but I wanted to wait to get my pictures. I think the photo guy thought I was really mad because I kept blowing air out (in an attempt to keep from passing out) and laying my head down on my cart. The thing is that Scott and I have had these beautiful frames that we got for our wedding that still had the cheesy pictures they came with. And they were up on the wall for everyone to see... and we have been married for two plus years.

So, these pictures are what I sacrificed for, and I think it was totally worth it. Uh, well I guess if you want to see them you will have to come visit because they won't upload for some reason. All I get is a nice black box. Huh... well you can imagine how cute they were. :)

Ode to the tree

We went and got the first "real" Christmas tree in our marriage. I was so excited to drive home with it as a trophy on our car. It looks kind of small on top of the car, but let me assure you it is no puny Charlie Brown tree. In fact, as we were setting it up I kept saying how much I loved it and that it was so beautiful. Scott said, "If this tree's love language is words of affirmation, it should be one happy tree". But really, I love it. And it smells sooooo good.

Jeff and Scott doing the manly stuff, like setting up the tree

I think Scott likes the tree almost as much as I do. I think he is giving the tree a little hug in this photo.... which leads me to a funny story. Today Scott was talking about getting a potted tree because it was better for the environment. Then he got on the Internet and did some research. He told me that after he had researched things he felt okay about getting a real tree because from what a read it is healthier for then environment to have a real three than a fake plastic tree that will not biodegrade. I promptly started giving him a hard time about him being a tree hugger. He denies it, but says he doesn't like to kill things. Sheesh, some things you just don't learn about someone else until you have been married for a few years. Who knew? A tree hugger. :) All things said, I love the earth... but I also love my tree.

Self Improvement

So, I have decided to spend some time each day on self improvements. For example, when I lay down on the couch, I get my "Carpentry" book off the shelf and read it till I fall asleep. I have read a chapter about wood, and a chapter on lumber. The difference? I think it has something to do with how it is cut. I always drift off and whatever I do learn, I seem to lose during REM sleep or something.

Yesterday I decided to work on my guitar skills which included about five songs I could play parts of. Today, I can place five songs... and I have a new cord to add to my list of 5 cords. If that's not self-improvement, I don't know what is.

The bad side to all this self-improving I have been doing. My fingers are so puffy and red from the guitar strings,that I think I'll have to forgo any improvements today. I'm getting kind of tired, so maybe I will go find my "Carpentry" book.