Holiday Happenings

Wow!  I have just finished up with college and am now unsure of what to do with all this free time I have.  I don't know, maybe I could actually work at my job, be a mother, and a wife?! 

I began college in the fall of either '05 or '06, and finally graduated in December 2011 with a BS and majored in Family Life Studies.  Someone asked me today why I chose that degree.  One of these days I will share those reasons with you.

Alan, Trey and I had a really great holiday season.  It started with the long-awaited graduation the second week of December, just in time for Christmas.  That was lucky since it was time to give all my attention to the Tooele County Children's Justice Center's Christmas Assistance Program.  This year in Wendover we had more applicants than any other year.  More than 80 children applied, and with the assistance of local generous sponsors, the West Wendover Fire Department, Toys for Tots and the Peppermill Casino all were given assistance for Christmas.  The CJC was able to provide clothes, food, and toys to roughly 40 children which is the most we've assisted so far. 

So, the holidays begun with a quick visit to my parents, brother, nephews and cousins in Ogden.  I really value all the time I can get to be with them all.  It did throw a wrench in my plans for shopping for all these children, but Alan really stepped up and not only went with me for the visit but also put in a 18 hour day of shopping for children in need and a short visit with the family.  He was so helpful, patient and thoughtful throughout the shopping experience.  He also kept things organized which meant less work and worry for me once I was back to Wendover with all the goodies.  I don't think he'd have done such a great job this year if he'd known I'll be taking him along with me next year. 



Dad & I; this picture is one of the greatest Christmas gifts I have ever recieved.  Thanks for being a good sport Dad!  I love you!

After our long day of shopping and visiting, I went to town a few days later because the budget allowed me to assist a few more families.  The day before Christmas Eve was CRAZY!  With several piles of clothes, toys, food, quilts, coats, gloves, scarves, hats, and other donated goods it was time to start delivering.  Did someone say something about wrapping???  Oh yes, Santa's elf (Delsie) in the Wendover Court took her whole day to wrap all of the gifts and clothes.  She was assisted by Lance and Jolene Christensen and family who generously donated their time and money to provide the children of Wendover with a very special Christmas.  There is no way Delsie and I could have gotten everything prepared for delivery without the help of the Christensen's.  A very special thank you to them as well as Delsie!

Sgt. Shandy had spent the year in Wendover and sadly Christmas Day was her last in our office.  She also spent many hours helping with deliveries.  She was even kind enough to donate a 6 ft. Christmas tree to one of our families.  Shandy's a really special person with a big heart.  Delivering was fun, and the families seemed very grateful. 

My gift this year to Sgt. Shandy, the Christensen's, Delsie, and Alan  was the gift of giving.  I truly believe that as a society we really need to help each other as much as possible in order to have happier, safer communities.  I'm sure I'll write more on this later.

Christmas Day was relaxing.  Trey got everything he asked for and then some.  I prepared a turkey dinner and Alan got the whole weekend off.  The following Wednesday we attended the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert in Salt Lake.  They are amazing!  Alan and I have enjoyed their shows for the past seven years.  I look forward to seeing them again next year and hope The Kings of Christmas tour here then as well.  You can check out their web page at thekingsofchristmas.com. 

Time is up!  I've really enjoyed reflecting on the holidays and the importance of giving to others.  I think the topic was a great one to start off my new blog.  I hope that you all have found something to be grateful for in 2011 and are looking forward to a really exciting 2012.