Why I love Christmas!

I love telling my kids all about Jesus. And reading them Christmas stories that make me cry. And thinking about life and hope and serving and all of the wonderful things that Christmas is all about.

I love all the yummy food. Pumpkin pie, chocolate, wassail, cookies that are decorated and are so pretty you don't want to eat them. I love having family dinners and family time together.

I love thinking about what I could be doing to serve others more.

I love the music. Sacred, spiritual music about Jesus. Warm, filling music about love. Fun, dancing music about Christmas.

I love seeing twinkling lights whenever I drive around at night. I love seeing trees in people's windows and the light and warmth coming out. I love thinking about all of my family and friends that I love but don't get to talk to very often.

I love ending the year on a happy note.

Random things

We got another pet tortoise. This one is named Edward and is over 70 pounds. He is too big to live in the same part of the yard as our baby tortoises, so Karl built him a temporary pen and burrow until he has time to do something fancier.

I learned how to make a string of chili peppers. It was fun and I have more to use up. I grew Anaheim chilis. They are pretty tied up like this (it's called a ristra)-- I learned how on the internet. I like the thought of decorating with things from my garden.

We found a 2 inch long scorpion in our hallway a couple of days ago. Karl's sister taught us a nifty way to get rid of them. Hang a piece of duct tape down until it sticks to the scorpion, then wad the scorpion up and throw it away. No squishing required, since they are hard to squish anyway--and like to play dead and then run away.

We're making it through the heat. The kids like to go outside in the morning when it's not as hot. I'm excited to go to Moab and Fairview soon! It will be cooler and there will be lots of pretty scenery!

Jeff driving Moss Wash