Christmas Time

I love this time of year, the chill in the air, the smell of pine trees & pumpkin pie, the overall feeling that people really do care about eachother. I noticed it comes out more this time of year. To know that God gave his only begotten son to be brought up by Mary & Joseph, to teach & preach the gospel to all those who would listen & finally to have him die upon the cross at Calvary. I feel so blessed to know about the gospel & to know about the plan of salvation & the fact that we are here for a purpose & not just to live our lives, to brighten up other lives as well. What a sacrifice that was for God. I can't even imagine knowing as I was raising my son, that he would eventually suffer an extremely humiliating & painful death. My heart would break every day that I would look into his eyes. I am so greatful to have the family proclamation framed & in my living room where I can look upon it daily & just feel reassured with life.

Now, onto Cayden & his Christmas. Given the economy, Corey & I didn't go all out like last year, but it didn't phase him. He still made out like a bandit. I got him a few books from the Beehive bookstore & some clothes. Santa brought him this really big monster truck with legos, a bosch drill, a leave blower & some PJ's. (the P.J's were a tradition in my family, we always got the feety pj's from santa). And of course our families spoiled Cayden. Next year, I think I would like to start of with a tradition that we will get him only 3 gifts & he can get some from Santa too. I just want him to remember what Christmas is all about, not just the presents, but the fact that we are celebrating Christs birthday. Christ received 3 gifts from the wisemen & Cayden (and our other children when time comes) will too. I want him to have an appreciation for the non-material things in life.

It's official, I have my recommend & should be going to the Temple for the fist time in January. I need to make my appointment. I am just so excited. I want to be that example that Cayden needs & I want to fulfill what I am to do here in this lifetime.

Is this really happening? Pinch me please!

To complete my last post - we had a blast. That place is so relaxing & calming. I loved the classes. This is definitely somewhere I would go back & take Corey.

I have finished my Temple prep classes & Corey had his interview with the bishop tonight. Because he is not a member, the bishop needed to explain the temple to him & how it works. He needs to be ok with me going & support me in order for me to get my recommend.

Corey is fine with it (thank goodness) & he respects me enough to know that this would make me happy, so it makes him happy. I am so close to getting my recommend it is driving me crazy (in a good way)!

To think 5 years ago, this would not be happening. I was engaged & going to church, but not doing everything I knew I should be or shouldn't be doing. I am so happy I am not addicted to anything anymore & I do not have anything holding me back. I have my son who looks up to me & I want to be the best example I could possibly be. He is my world!

The first time I go to the temple I will have a few special people with me. I would love to have Corey there sharing those special moments with me, but I know in time I will be there for him when he goes. I want to do so many things. I want to enter the names of all Corey's ancestors that have passed so they get an opportunity to be baptized & sealed to their family. I just want to help so many people that have passed on & I also want to help me become closer with my Heavenly Father.

On another note, one of my sisters is prego & I can't wait to be prego with her. Hopefully I follow her footsteps & our kids can be born the same year. I am so happy for her!

Cayden saw Santa at our church Christmas party - he was too cute. He had a pin that said "Future Missionary" I bought him from the church bookstore! He would make a mighty fine missionary!