Christmas Musings

I was listening to "Forgotten Carols" today as I was shopping, and almost broke down in tears during one song. The [true] Christmas Spirit hit me really hard as I internalized the words, rather than just sing on auto pilot. Some of you may know the album, some may not. The song is sung by the innkeeper, regretting that he turned away Mary and Joseph. Once he realizes his mistake, he pleads with the listener to

"let him in, let him in
let the joy and hope begin
...
find a way, make him room
let him in, let him in
let the peace on earth begin...

How can I not be moved by that simple plea. The REAL meaning of Christmas!

If we would all remember to make room in our hearts for the Savior...and not just at Christmas, but ALWAYS, wouldn't there be more hope, more joy, and more peace on earth?

Now that I've shared that thought, let me share some others...

At school, the Peer Mentor group led a drive to collect toys for the Marine Corps "Toys 4 Tots" program. Apparently it went well... and I think I helped that a little by my ingenious plan (modest, I know). It came to me one morning...and I am so proud of it!

Pictured below is my GIVING TREE, on which a student got an ornament for every toy (or money amount) they donated. They could draw the ornament, or I drew it for them. Regardless, it was fun to see it get decorated during the two weeks the drive ran. I only have two class, but look at how many ornaments we were able to put on the tree!!!

(My camera was extremely low on battery, so I only had time for one really fast picture)

This is just something I noticed this morning, but was not planned!! (I am honestly not that concerned with the decor in my home...anyone who's been here could testify)

And last, but not least, here's some more fun pictures of our Falkor. Jeremy and Erin were able to come by a couple weeks ago and were able to share in the joy that is him. Erin, as you can see, was very much not loving the experience to hold him. The best part, which was not documented, was when Jeremy was trying to get Falkor off her shoulder. Jeremy was being timid and didn't have a good grasp, and Falkor didn't want to be picked up, so, he just climbed closer and closer to Erin's head--as she was trying harder and harder to get away from Falkor. It was hilarious to watch...


Falkor just loves shoulders...

We aren't going anywhere for Christmas this year. Mike has to work so we don't have the time for travel. It's our first at home alone so it will be interesting. But (mom and dad) don't worry! We have plenty of fun stuff planned for us. I am especially excited to try making cinnamon rolls for the very first time!

Oh, and I can enjoy eating whatever I want because I start a Biggest Loser competition (sponsored by my school) on Jan 3rd. So, the more I gain now, the more I'll be able to lose (and win) come the competition!!! Right?