Someone should study the lights on the tree phenomenon. This is generally Doug's job. He sets up the tree with lights and I decorate it. I think male/female relationships could be studied here. For example, does the fact that it has been at this state for 4 days says anything about the male psyche? And this year lights on the outside of the house forgitaboutit. Michaela and I strolled through our neighborhood to see which houses have put up lights. It occurred to me that this year more than ever it is important to put up lights. We wouldn't want our new neighbors here in the mission field to think Mormons aren't Christians and don't celebrate Christmas.

Spence is home from school today with "a sore cough." As you can see from the Gameboy, his hands seem to be working just fine. Well, I guess I should be getting on with the work day. Today's Storypeople Quote:

Remember to use positive affirmations. I am not a dork is not one of
them.

Enough for now...Love to all.

For some reason, I feel like I am walking in a fog. I am unable to get much completed and I feel somewhat unmotivated. I always feel this way as the days shorten. The good news is I know I will feel re-energized when Spring comes.

There are your fog people & your sun people, he said. I said I wasn't
sure which kind I was. He nodded. Fog'll do that to you, he said.

So how important is a clean house? We returned from Utah a couple of days ago and I know if I finish unpacking, it would just emphasize the need to do laundry. If I set up my visiting teaching appt., it will inspire me to make something to take. If I contact a client, they might want to do business with me. I am grateful for guilt that has always been a part of my personality. It moves me to action. I love this print from James Christensen called "Balancing Act." It just reminds me of the interesting complexity of our lives. As President Hinckley states, "Do the best you can."

Enough for now...Love to all.

We just got back last night from Salt Lake. We drove the 1400 miles this time. That is a very long time in the car but we enjoyed watching all the "Liken the Scriptures" DVDs and viewed High School Musical at least 5 times.

Each Thanksgiving I try to get the whole family together for photos. I got some beautiful shots, some of my favorites are posted. At Walmart, the photo tech asked me who the photographer was, the photos looked professionally shot to her. Okay, it was Walmart but I was a little proud of my photo efforts. I also went kinda crazy getting presents bought and wrapped for the family that will not be able to come to CA for Christmas. It was either get it done then or do it here and have to finish in time to mail.

It is becoming so confusing. We have been here in CA long enough to start really enjoying the weather and our ward. When we were in Utah, we were asked over and over, "when are you coming back to Utah? Frankly we just don't know and we are torn when we think of leaving or staying.

I am still trying to master the photoshop/photobucket/blog banner issue. I will get there eventually.

The quote today reminds me of Spence and Michaela in the car on this long drive.

I'm going to get as far away from you as possible, she said, & there's
nothing you can do to stop me. So, I shrugged & turned & started to walk
away. That's not fair, she said, you're not even trying.

Enough for now...Love to all.