Merry Christmas to YOU!!

I have a funny story to share:

I'm driving north on Gilbert Road, headed to Fry's, close to Baseline. I'm in the outer lane and at the last moment (or maybe I already had thought about it...I don't know) I decided to get a Sonic drink before I started my errands.

So, I quickly look to my right, and switch over 2 lanes of traffic and quickly drive into this most wonderful place when a little stressed. (don't even ask what I ordered!!). As I'm placing my order, a car screeches behind me, a lady rolls down her window and she yells:
"Nice driving there lady!! Maybe you should watch what you are doing!"
I almost cracked up. She was really mad and I knew that I hadn't cut anyone off during my lane changes. So I said:
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention and quickly made a decision to get a drink". I'm so sorry if I cut you off. I hope you have a great day, tho".

You should have SEEN HER FACE!!!!!

It was priceless. I don't think she was expecting that. She couldn't argue with a cheerful, repentant soul. I chuckled to myself as she sat there exasperated, but not knowing what to do. I paid for my drink and as I drove off, I thought....I should have paid for her order! That would have really put her in a better mood! HAHAHAHAHA

I've got to try this kindness more often. It brings the most hilarious and rewarding responses!

Take a Moment

I started off my day watching this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxKas2Mcjg4

I'm going to have a wonderful day!
Hope you do too!

LOVE to all......

The Christmas Season

This season, I've been trying so hard to be a little bit more calm, a little less hurried...taking the time to read a few books about the Savior, my scriptures...

HOWEVER

It seems no matter how hard I try, I get pulled into the bustle of the "other" Christmas season. With Finals for the girls and the pressures of grades, packages, trying to get everything done, goodies made, crafts created, it's so easy to lose my focus on the true meaning and celebration of this special season.

Why is that?

It's the middle of the month and my Christmas decorations aren't even all up! The Scrooge in me says to forget the rest, but decorating helps me to remember why we take such great efforts to celebrate. I put my Christmas music on this morning and came across this song by Amy Grant: I Need a Silent Night.....this is how I'm feeling about now!

I've made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying
while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a silent night,
a holy night
To hear an angel voice
through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear,
a little peace right here
To end this crazy day
with a silent night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?
Where people stayed home
wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night,
a holy night
To hear an angel voice
through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear,
a little peace right here
To end this crazy day
with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?
Every shepherd's out in the field
Keeping watch over their clock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid
And the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night

It's a crazy world we live in....

Democracy...government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.....

but not in Gilbert.

Tonight, Brad and I attended a Gilbert Public Board meeting. The discussion was about increasing the Gilbert school mandated credits to graduate from 22 to 24. (Az State only required 22). For 3 hours, we heard people give 3-minute speeches on how this would affect their choices, their family time, their motivation and the kids' desire to succeed. Wonderful speeches (Brad spoke too). Not one person was IN FAVOR of this change. Not one!! After all these speeches, the board had a "discussion". It was futile. They had already made up their minds and after pontificating their thought process, the vote was 3-2. We booed them! It was amazing to see the voice of the people say one thing, and then see "OUR" elected officials vote another way. As the President was making her remarks, she said:

"I can agree to give ONE FREEDOM BACK"

I'm hoping this becomes a big snow-ball. It really doesn't even affect Aly. It affects all those coming into the Gilbert School system. Students do not have the choice. They are now required to take electives. This does NOT include seminary. So, for the LDS, the seminary classes have now become impossible unless there is summer school. I hope all those who read this understand how important it is to be heard. Tonight, there was standing room only. Many people are mad, upset and ready to take action. We were absolutely shocked with the outcome. It shows me that the last days are coming and even our government can become corrupted in minor or major ways. Our voice was NOT heard tonight. It was amazing!

Winter Formal 2008

Winter Formal was over 2 days. Why, you ask? Usually there is a day date, which turns into a night dinner and then to the Semi-Formal Dance. But because of a few conflicts, Aly's group decided to have their "day" date at night along with the dinner the night BEFORE the formal. The dinner was at our house, where the menu included pizza strips for appetizers, salad, breadsticks and spaghetti and meatballs. Each couple dressed up as their night date was a picture scavenger hunt. So, the dinner was served "fancy", but the attire was casual.

Here is Aly and Treston before the dinner.

(notice the wonderful picture taken by our resident photographer)
((you will see where dear mom takes over the picture taking!!))

This is me watching the professional chef (yes, he looks alot like my dad!) at his best. The bread sticks were amazing and the pizza dough was done to perfection!

A dinner table for 9 couples. This was suppose to be for 5 couples, and then at the last moment, 4 more couples joined the group. I have learned that many of the youth are still very rude. I know they have been taught by goodly parents ( I know most of them), but some are still rude, and very un-appreciative. I really thought that the original group was courteous and nice. That is why I continue to let Aly's friends come over and use our home. They are nice, they say "thank-you" and "we sure appreciate all you do". Simple things, that make it all worthwhile.
(picture by mom....see the difference!!! aahhh!!)

This is Aly, Treston, Ashley and Jordan the 2nd night....the night of the Formal. Beee-u-ti-ful!! We had a tiny "tender mercy" as Aly's zipper to her dress about broke. One of the teeth was crooked in the zipper and it wouldn't go up. After about 15 minutes of really working with it, I quickly said a prayer. Wa-la, the zipper went up. Come to find out, both Aly and Ashley were also praying for a tiny miracle. Simple answers! They all came over afterwards for chocolate fountain and goodies. About 20 came. It was a good evening! Aly looked beautiful...even with her flu-like symptoms and being sick more than 1/2 of the previous week. Hopefully, this week is better for all!!