12 Days of Service

We are counting down the last 12 days until Christmas with small acts of service. We started on Sunday with making Christmas cards(see picture). We've made someone else's bed, let someone else go first, and my favorite so far, everyone had to say something nice about everyone else in the family. We limited it to things about a person's character or things they do, you couldn't include physical attributes. This was hard for the kids. Anna Elise caught on but Calvin didn't. His first response was that he liked Daddy's eyeballs, Anna Elise's belly button, Madeline's voice, Lilah's ears, and Mommy's big feet because they looked funny. We made him try again.

Anyway, I have been really missing my family lately and I thought that I would say something nice about every one in my family.

So we'll start at the top with my Dad, Dad works hard! I love the work ethic he taught us. Dad also plays hard and I have lots of great memories of our vacations - waterskiing, camping, crabbing, driving to CA, etc.

Mom is always serving others. I remember her making meals, helping others, serving in her callings, and yet never making her kids feel neglected. Everyone always asked me if I felt left out because of all the kids in our family and I never did - I always felt cared for. Mom is good at taking care of her family and others and never complains!

Trina is so much fun. She is always laughing. I remember all the practical jokes she played on us while growing up, like locking us out of the house and throwing cold water on us in the shower. Trina still likes to laugh and have fun and I enjoy playing card games with her. She has lots of fun with her family and I think it's cool some of the things she is able do with her kids.

Ross is so good. We used to call him our future General Authority. He was our 'perfect example' in those family reporting sessions. We were always teasing him about it, but I am serious. Ross is just a good person and I love him for that.

Stephanie never does anything halfway, if she decides to do something then watch out because she is going to do it right! It's been fun hearing about all the preparations she is making for this new little baby, like the crocheting (did you ever think Steph would crochet a blanket?). Stephanie you have a lot of drive and that is so admirable.

Betsy is the quintessential homemaker. She is the mom I always thought I would be but now realize I won't ever be. She cans and freezes garden fruits and vegetables, makes all her own crafts, furniture, curtains, etc. She cooks dinner for her family and takes good care of her kids and I envy her proximity to mom. You're amazing Betsy and I envy you sometimes.

Janet is so open in her blogs. I love reading them Janet. She may not share everything she does or that goes on, but she is very open with her feelings and I think that is great. I also admire that she is still in school and thinking about more school. I know she has never liked school but she does it anyway and that says a lot about her. (You're also VERY entertaining without even trying to be ;) )

Nancy is just Nancy. From the time you were born you were social. Nancy talks to people she doesn't know, she has tons of friends, she dates lots of boys at one time (boys that she talks to in her classes, which one of us girls EVER talked to boys in our class?) and makes people feel loved. You are a people person and I am in awe of your social abilities!

I love my family and I miss you. I wish we were closer and could see each other more often. I don't think I ever tell my family how amazing they are. I always think they are really cool but never tell them and that is so sad! I see qualities in each of you that I wish I had. I sometimes feel intimidated by all of you! I really struggle to be a better person and I have lots of examples to help me! I love you!