SIMPLE MATH

I have to share...

On Facebook there is an equation that is floating around that is a bit tricky if you aren't paying attention to the parentheses.

Those of you who read my blog give it a try and then I will tell you what the correct answer is:

6 / 2 (1 + 2) = ?

Answer It

CHRISTMAS DAY 2012

Nothing spectacular happened this Christmas, yet, there were moments that were pure joy.  There are a few pictures that I wanted to share with my family and friends that represent some of those special moments:

The Christmas Garland is one of my favorite decorations.  I have four throughout the living room and the dining room.

 

Handmade by Allisa

Dining Room Tree

The littlest Tree

 We set this scene up every year.  This is the first year that we had light shining down on it.  It looked very nice.

 This is Katana.  Vincent and Stevie's daughter.  She is wearing the dress that Victor and I bought her for Christmas.  The rocking horse behind her is one of two that Victor and Evan made for the granddaughters.

I set this little scene up every year in a different spot.  This year the two female cats tried to sleep with the baby Jesus, knocking Joseph over...

Since I am allergic to pine trees, we get a pine tree that has been flocked every year.  The Angel tree topper was a gift from my husband a few years ago and is my favorite out of all the tree toppers I have.

The is Kadance, Devlyn and Dru's daughter.  She is riding her new rocking horse that Victor and Evan built.  She was very happy rocking back and forth.  She would say "Oh no!" and "Wow" while Evan pushed the horse.  She played with the rocking horse for about an hour.  I was told that she still can't get enough of her horse.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, as we did.

WINDING DOWN AND GEARING UP

One of the things I like most about this time of year besides the holidays is the time I get to spend reflecting on the past year.  All the successes and failings.  All the celebrations of joy and all the moments of sorrow.

This past year was filled with endings.  I left Harbor Freight Tools; ending to a less than ideal working relationship.  Toxic relationships were severed.  These endings were a blessing.  Burdens lifted with these endings.

Then there were endings that brought some sorrow.  The passing of my grandmother; my aunt and Victor's uncle.  We experiences sadness with their passing and at the same time we had peace and comfort knowing that the plan of salvation makes it possible for us to see one another again.

This year was also filled with new beginnings.  My employment with The Cheesecake Factory Inc. has brought many new beginnings.  Because of the values this company promotes I find that I am happy and excited to go to work each morning.  I have made new friends since my employment with the Cheesecake Factory.  I became a member of Toastmasters and participate regularly.

I started reading The Book of Mormon at the beginning of the year and completed and started it again.

I was called as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher at the beginning of the year and have enjoyed every moment.

The most memorable ending to this year is the baptism of my daughter, Aislyn's friend, Katie yesterday morning.

I also enjoy the time I get to spending anticipating the events of the coming year.  All it's possibilities.

This new year has many beginnings and ending to look forward to.  Both Evan and Allisa will be graduating from their schools this June.  An ending to a period in their lives.  They each will begin new adventures.  Evan will be preparing for a mission and could possibly leave in September when he turns 18.  Allisa will begin High School and Seminary in the fall of 2013.

Allisa and I will travel to Washington DC in March.  I have never been to Washington DC and this will be a first for me.  Allisa and I will tour many historic sites.  I am looking forward to this experience and spending time with my youngest.

We are looking forward to possibilities for future success.  Victor has yet to find regular employment.  Just today we were given information that may be fruitful for the coming year.

I hope 2012 has been good to you and that 2013 is promising.