Our Christmas Tree

Last Saturday we went to the mountains and cut down a Christmas tree.  Tony did a great job of finding a pretty full and uniform tree.  It looked small as he was carrying it down the road, but in our house it looks almost perfect (except it can't support a star-I'll post photos later). 

It was a fun adventure, but no money was really saved.  We ended up spending almost more on lights (we got the LEDs to conserve energy) and a tree stand, than we would have on a artificial tree.  Oh well, now we can say we did have a real tree.  The weird thing is it doesn't really smell.  Guess I need to get some pine tree air freshener!  

Sawyer and I waiting for Tony to come back with a tree.

The Reason for This Season

Despite our best efforts, our pocketbook seems to be constricted and I keep feeling bad that I can’t buy the gifts I would like to give to family and friends.
I found this quote and I thought it was a wonderful gift I could share without having to purchase it or wrap it.
I hope we can all remember the reason we celebrate this joyous time of year. Take time to be thankful for our Savior and to act upon these 22 suggestions!

This Christmas,
1. Mend a quarrel.
2. Seek out a forgotten friend.
3. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.
4. Write a letter.
5. Give a soft answer.
6. Encourage youth.
7. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
8. Keep a promise.
9. Forgo a grudge.
10. Forgive an enemy.
11. Apologize.
12. Try to understand.
13. Examine your demands on others.
14. Think first of someone else.
15. Be kind.
16. Be gentle.
17. Laugh a little more.
18. Express your gratitude.
19. Welcome a stranger.
20. Gladden the heart of a child.
21. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
22. Speak your love and then speak it again.
-Howard W. Hunter

Merry Christmas!

Love, Lindsey