Miah's first time Ice Skating

Today, Miah went ice skating with the youth. It was her first time and JD said she did a great job. She seemed to like it and was proud that she did not fall down, but Dad did once. I stayed home with Isaac, who took a nap.

Tonight JD and I went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was good. Yesterday, we went to lunch and the grocery store by ourselves and tonight a movie! Boy, it is great to have some time with JD!

We are talking about going to Times Square for the new year, but haven't decided for sure. It might be snowing. I'm not sure that I'm up for standing around for 6-8 hours in the cold and snow. We'll see. . . JD has really wanted to do this and this year we have babysitters.

Bolt (in 3D)

Miah and Isaac in 3D

We went and saw Bolt (in 3D) on Saturday ( we borrowed the Donegan's car). It was cute. The kids would not keep their 3D glasses on though.

The search continues

So, we still haven't found the car keys. The last time anyone used them was Dennis on Christmas Day to move our car. Both him and JD swear that they had seen the them on the table inside the door where the keys are usually kept, but they are not there. We have searched the whole house several times to no avail. The worst part is that JD's work keys are on there, along with the key to get into our POD.
Our car also came with a car alarm. If the alarm is set you can not start the car until it is turned off. JD figured out that if we unhook the car battery, we could then turn off the alarm on the switch. At least we can now drive it again.
He was planning on going to the POD today to search for a spare key we made along time ago, but he suddenly remembered he had gathered some keys together and placed them in his drawer. Luckily our spare key was one.
It will be kind of crappy to have not have the keyless entry, but at least we can drive the car again! Hopefully, the keys will now turn up!

Christmas Day

Isaac would hardly put this "Mcqueen" car down.

Miah was so excited she got makeup, which was all she asked from Santa.

Christmas morning - Miah, Lily, and Isaac (already into his candy).

We had a nice Christmas. We missed family and friends in Utah, but enjoyed our adopted family and friends here. We got up and enjoyed opening presents. Our friends Kadia, Kadiatou, Obie and their mother came about 11. Around noon the 4 missionaries for our branch came over and spent a few hours. At 6 we had a nice dinner. The kids watched a few movies, but I took a nap in the afternoon before having to get up and grate potatoes for funeral potatoes.
Yesterday, we lounged around all day. It was nice and relaxing. We are excited to get to spend some good time with JD. He isn't going back to work until Jan 5! Now, we are searching for our only set of car keys. I really hope we can find them!

Merry Christmas!!

Miah - the Shephard

Isaac - the Wise Man

We wish you a
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas cards and blog

Here are the Christmas cards I made this year. Between making mine, Michelle's, my Mom's and the Donegan's, I made over 270! Plus, I made some for gifts. I think I have made over 350 in the last two months! Now, if I can just keep the momentum going and create scrapbooks and more cards I will be doing great! Last year, I set a goal to make a scrapbook page a week. I think it lasted maybe until the end of January! I'll have to think of what to try this year. I really want to put more time into it and my CTMH!

Speaking of that Tiscia and I are going to start a blog on our creations and our friends' creations. When we have it put together a little more I will post the link to it, but if you would like to be involved, let me know.

Busy, Busy, Busy

So things have been BUSY! Especially today. I had to teach sharing time, teach my primary lesson, speak in sacrament, and hold the pictures for the primary kids as they sang Christmas songs in sacrament. I am glad today is mostly over! I'm exhausted since I was up until 2:30 AM making sure that I had everything together. I'm just glad someone else was worrying about wrapping the coloring books and crayons we got the primary kids. I wrapped some big Symphony candy bars in scrapbook paper for JD to give to the Young Men.

JD and I both spoke in Sacrament. I'll attach my talk at the end of the post. I think it went well, except I was a bawling mess. I've been struggling a little bit since this will be my first Christmas without my family. Reading the Prophets and and General Authorities talks helped me with most of my talk. I just cut and pasted a lot of it and added parts when I had something to add.

I was really crying telling one of the stories and had to pause for a moment. Isaac came to the pulpit for me to hold him. He patted my check and gave me a kiss. It was such a sweet moment to know that my 2 year old loved me and wanted to comfort his crying mother. The whole congregation were all saying "Ahhh".

Anyway, I'm grateful for this season and the reflection on what I want my life to be like. I hope that you too can have the "Spirit of Christ" with you this season.
______________________________________________________
Here is my talk:

Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fullness of joy.

Today in Christ’s restored church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, He is revealing Himself and His will—from the first prophet of the Restoration, even Joseph Smith, to the present.

“And now,” said the Prophet Joseph, “after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father.” (D&C 76:22–23.)

And now what must we do this Christmas season—and always? Why, we must do the same as the Wise Men of old. They sought out the Christ and found Him. And so must we. Those who are wise still seek Him today.

Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, “Come, follow me.”

As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others. This noble transition is exemplified by an entry dated 24 December 1847, in the pioneer diary of Mrs. Rebecca Riter. She describes that first Christmas in the valley of the Great Salt Lake: “The winter was cold. Christmas came and the children were hungry. I had brought a peck of wheat across the plains and hid it under a pile of wood. I thought I would cook a handful for the baby. Then I thought how we would need wheat for seed in the spring, so I left it alone.”

We are prone to say, “Oh, those were difficult times, times of stress and trial,” and they were. But I would also reply, “These times in which we live are also difficult times in their own way.” There is no shortage of opportunities to forget self and think of others. Such opportunities, however limitless they may be, are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.


President Monson tells of an experience of a Sunday School class some years ago when a wise teacher placed aside the manual one Sunday morning as Christmas approached. With her class members listening in, she telephoned President Monson. He said, ”I was serving then as the bishop of a large ward situated in the central part of Salt Lake City. The teacher inquired, “Are there any poor in your ward—people who need a sub for Santa?” She then described her own neighborhood as one of affluence and mentioned that she wanted her class to remember this particular Christmas. I responded that our members had the necessities of life but mentioned a family that would welcome a special experience—one that would also greatly benefit her young class members.

The family I had in mind had recently emigrated from war-torn Germany and had rented a humble, older home in our area. The children were new to America, and, while they were learning to speak our language, they were shy and reluctant to mingle with others. Their personal possessions were few; they had lost so much during the war.

In a private telephone conversation with the teacher, I suggested an appropriate evening when her class could accompany her to our ward meetinghouse and together we would journey to the home where the Mueller family lived. Again the teacher stated that she wanted her choice class to remember the true meaning of Christmas. I responded, “Could I suggest, then, that each child bring with him or her a gift that has a special meaning to the individual; a gift the person treasures and would rather keep for himself.”

Just four days before Christmas, the class journeyed to our ward. Several adults brought them in large, expensive automobiles. Such an array of wealth had never before graced the parking area. We then walked to the Mueller home, singing carols along the way. The laughter of the children and the hurried pace of their steps reflected the anticipation of Christmas.

It was at the Mueller home, however, that the frills of Christmas became the spirit of Christmas. I watched as one girl looked into the eyes of one of the Mueller children, a girl about her age, then tenderly handed her a beautiful doll she had received on her own birthday, a gift she herself loved. She anxiously told her newly found friend how to dress the doll and hold it ever so tenderly in cradled arms. I observed a normally rowdy boy take from his left hand his genuine leather baseball glove, which bore the replica signature of Joe DiMaggio, and place the glove on the left hand of a German-speaking boy who had never seen, far less worn, a baseball glove. He then explained how to catch the baseball in the special pocket of the glove, which he had hand prepared hour after hour with a particular oil. Such was the experience of each child with each gift.

As we left the Mueller home and walked back to the meetinghouse, not a word was spoken. One could hear the crunch of the newly fallen snow as young feet, guided by happy hearts, made the two-block journey. We entered the building, there to have donuts and apple cider. In the blessing that was asked upon the food, a beautiful girl, her voice choked with emotion, described the feelings of all as she prayed, “Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the best Christmas we have ever had.”

At the heart of the message of the Savior of the world is a single, glorious, wonderful, still largely untried concept. In its simplest terms the message is that we should seek to overcome the selfishness we all seem to be born with, that we should overcome human nature and think of others before self. We should think of God and serve Him, and think of others and serve them.

It is not difficult to apply these principles in a family setting, especially to our children. Parenting is good training to become good Christians; occasionally children think of their parents in that context. Years ago, Jack Smith told of a poignant story of two young boys at Christmastime.

“I didn’t question Timmy, age nine, or his seven-year-old brother, Billy, about the brown wrapping paper they passed back and forth between them as we visited each store.

“Every year at Christmastime, our Service Club takes the children from poor families in our town on a personally conducted shopping tour. I was assigned Timmy and Billy, whose father was out of work. After giving them the allotted $4.00 each, we began our trip. At different stores I made suggestions, but always their answer was a solemn shake of the head, no. Finally, I asked, ‘Where would you suggest we look?’

“ ‘Could we go to a shoe store, Sir?’ answered Timmy. ‘We’d like a pair of shoes for our Daddy so he can go to work.’

“In the shoe store the clerk asked what the boys wanted. Out came the brown paper. ‘We want a pair of work shoes to fit this foot,’ they said. Billy explained that it was a pattern of their Daddy’s foot. They had drawn it while he was asleep in a chair.

“The clerk held the paper against a measuring stick, then walked away. Soon, he came with an open box. ‘Will these do?’ he asked. Timmy and Billy handled the shoes with great eagerness. ‘How much do they cost?’ asked Billy. Then Timmy saw the price on the box. ‘They’re $16.95,’ he said in dismay. ‘We only have $8.00.’

“I looked at the clerk and he cleared his throat. ‘That’s the regular price,’ he said, ‘but they’re on sale; $3.98, today only.’ Then, with shoes happily in hand the boys bought gifts for their mother and two little sisters. Not once did they think of themselves.

“The day after Christmas the boys’ father stopped me on the street. The new shoes were on his feet, gratitude was in his eyes. ‘I just thank Jesus for people who care,’ he said. ‘And I thank Jesus for your two sons,’ I replied. ‘They really taught me more about Christmas in one evening than I had learned in a lifetime.’ ” 1

President David O. McKay (1873–1970) declared: “True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.

“It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men.”3

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the “spirit of Christmas,” we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the “Spirit of Christ.”

Times change; years speed by; but Christmas continues sacred. In this marvelous dispensation of the fullness of times, our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.

Erie Community College

We finally received a letter about the interview that we went upstate for in the beginning of Nov. They entered JD's name into the job pool, so if something comes up he may get the call! We are excited to have some good news FINALLY!!

CTMH Special

Key to my Heart

starts today!
go to www.lesliesyme.myctmh.com for more information!
or email me (leslie_syme@yahoo.com).

January is National Paper Crafting Month and to celebrate, Close To My Heart is offering an amazing kit called Key to my Heart from December 16 - January 31. The kit includes an exclusive paper packet with our new colors and a new E size stamp set. You can earn it at a discount or even for free...

Spend $130 - Get the kit for FREE!
Host a $400 show - Get the kit for FREE!
Become a consultant - Get the kit for FREE!
Spend $45 - Get the kit for just $20.
Or buy the kit outright for $47.90.

NYC Christmas

JD and Leslie in front of the Rockefeller Center Tree

JD, Miah and Isaac looking at Lord & Taylor's Christmas Store Windows

Miah and Isaac with Santa @ the 34 St Macy's

Yesterday we took the kids to the 34 St Macy's to see Santa Claus. We then walked to 5th Ave to look at store windows on our way to the Rockefeller Center Tree. We had fun except they were doing construction on the subway, so we didn't get home until after midnight.

If you would like to see more pictures of our day in the city in a Snapfish album, email me or leave a comment and I will send it to you.

AM I That BAD?

Today, I was listening online to Lite FM 100 from Utah because they play only Christmas music during December. I was enjoying the music and the Utah ads.
Miah looks up from playing and says, "Mom can we pretend that you can't sing?"
Ouch. I knew I was bad, but for my 4 year old to find a nice way to say that I can't sing stung a little. It was pretty funny!

Joy School Christmas Party

Miah with her service award.

Miah being shy as the Angel in the Nativity.

All the kids singing in their costumes.

Last night's Joy School Christmas Party went well. We had homemade soup in homemade soup bowls. It was yummy! I made dessert, which was pumpkin cake roll, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cookies.

The kids came up the stairs ringing bells and singing "Jingle Bells". Then they sat on the bench in front of the fireplace and sang "In a Manger" and "The Very Best Part of Christmas", which are both Christmas Joy School songs. Next, they did the Nativity. Miah played the Angel, but she was shy so she would not say anything. I was surprised that she did sing pretty well during the songs.

Decorating the Tree

Isaac and Miah with the decorated tree

Isaac decorating the tree (he wasn't very interested).

Miah, Isaac and JD decorating the tree

Miah was very into decorating the tree this year. She even had to get a step-stool to help her.

I've been meaning to post these pictures for over a week now. We just seem to be super busy with the holidays. Tomorrow is the Joy School Christmas Party. I'll post some pictures of that ... maybe in another week with how things are going! : )

Christmas prep.

It has been a busy week. Trying to finish up the little things for Christmas and finishing Christmas cards. We put the tree up for FHE and every day Miah asks if it is Christmas yet. It is going to be a long wait for her I'm afraid. Today we made a paper chain to last until Christmas, maybe that will help. I also bought each of the kids a little advent calendar with a piece of chocolate for everyday. They want to do that a few times a day instead of once!

Miah's prayer

Miah has been working on adding things to her nightly prayers. Tonight was my favorite. She said, "I'm thankful for my bed (which she still says every night), I'm thankful for Jesus and that he got big (we talked about Christmas is when he was born and he got big before being crucified in church) and for fixing our bed a little bit (JD added some extra slats a week after it was set up). It was really sweet. It is also good to know she is listening during Primary. I worry that because I'm her teacher she doesn't pay as much attention.