My Other Tree Is Up!!

I don't always post twice in the same day, but today I did. So if you haven't read my blog lately, make sure you read the entry previous to this one. We finally got our first letter from CC since he went into the MTC!!

Anyway, I just finished decorating my living room and thought I'd post a picture. It's so cozy. This is where I sit at night and unwind. It's the one room in the house that is ALWAYS clean and I can go to to escape! I just love it!! Yes, I am pretty mental, having 2 Christmas trees upstairs, I know, but I can't imagine not putting both of them up. They are two completely different trees. I'll post another picture of this one when I take a picture of it during the day. It's more formal than my other one.

The kids love helping me set up the nativity and it always makes for a good photo op. I always find that they love to ask questions and talk about the birth of Christ as we do this - a great opportunity to teach them that Christmas isn't just about Santa and presents. I think the younger ones need to be reminded of this often. Their innocence is so sweet and touches my heart on a daily basis - especially when I see Landon sitting next to the table, talking to baby Jesus about how special he is. I must be getting through :)

IT CAME!!! IT CAME!!!

YAY!!! We FINALLY got our first letter from CC since he went into the MTC. We have been on pins and needles waiting to hear from him. It's been a hard wait because we can't call him. Anyway, I just thought I'd share his letter with everyone. NOTHING brings more joy to a parent than to watch your children learn, grow and mature in the gospel and to read letters like this one:

my time is limited so i may not be using the best grammar and punctuation. how is everyone doing? i sent a letter out either yesterday, or the day before, im not entirely sure. the days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days. ill be sitting in class and ill say 'hey remember yesterday when...' and a missionary will say 'that was this morning!' its been a blast so far. at the moment, im sitting at the computer, waiting for laundry to get done, and eating a salad with no utensils because a fellow missionary broke my fork. on purpose.

the mtc is what you make of it. ive had days that were very spiritual, and days that were not so spiritual. the rules make sense!

this morning, i went to the temple and i've felt better and more spiritual than i have since i went the first time.tay have had something to do with the fact that we walked very fast to the temple because it was cold, and i wasn't fighting fatigue during the ceremony (the entire time anyways). Going to the temple awake and alert is the way to go!

my testimony has been greatly strengethened these past few weeks, and i cannot wait to get out into the field. i've realized now more than ever that we should constantly be trying to change and improve - treating every sacrament meeting like it's our baptism. we should be doing all of the things (and more) we ask of our investigators. i know this is God's work and he does help, bless, and provide comfort and prosperity to His children, especially those who seek Him earnestly. prayers may not always be answered in the way we want, which has been the cause of much of my frustration, but they will be answered and we will be delivered. i know that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives, and He is at the head of this church. He and His Father in Heaven love us all and know us by name. All of the Holy Scriptures - the Book of Mormon especially - will improve our behavior and our lives and bring us closer to God. I says these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love you guys! Write back!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!!

Yes, yes, yes, we have decorated for Christmas. This is the norm for me. I have so many decorations and they take so long to put up that I decided a few years ago to decorate early. We enjoyed it so much that we've just made it tradition to do it the week or so before Thanksgiving. My house is so cozy and the spirit of the season is in the air. I LOVE IT!! So, call me what you will, but for us in the Morgan house, Thanksgiving and Christmas are all rolled up in one special holiday of family togetherness!

We have a special "Morgan Mix" CD that we listen to EVERY holiday season. It's a compilation of Christmas songs that Chris' dad put together on tape when Chris was just a small boy. He loved this compilation of songs so much that when he got older, he made a list of each and every song on the tape, which included the name of the song, the name album, the record label and the catalog number of the album. He saved that list for years, making sure it was safe and sound with him during each move he made after he left home in 1988. In November of 2004, we pulled out the old tape of The Morgan Mix to listen to. It was old and sounded like CRAP! Chris pulled out his list, that surprisingly, was still complete and decided he was going to remake the album on CD. It became a quest to find the EXACT album and song. After a lot of Media Play runs, internet searches and CD purchases, we were only without 2 songs. We never did find those two cd's, but Chris' dad recorded them from his vinyl LP's and Chris digitally enhanced them to remove the crackles and pops. He re-compiled The Morgan Mix and man did it sound SWEET!! You have NO IDEA how much that compilation means to us. It just isn't Christmas without it. Our kids absolutely LOVE it and I love that it is something we can pass down from generation to generation. I'm hoping to put a few of the songs on my blog, but I don't know if I can. I'll have Chris try to figure something out. Anyway....we put that CD on decorated the tree, as we do EVERY year. The kids were so giddy and excited. It made me smile as I watched them help decorate. My heart overflowed with pure JOY!

My sisters and I have started making fondant for our chocolates this year. We're going to finish up the last of it this Saturday and then start dipping after Thanksgiving. I'm so excited. This tradition brings back so many memories of being a small child, like my own kids are now, and watching my parents and grandparents dip chocolates. We'd go into my mom and dad's room, where the window was open so the chocolates would set up, and try to sneak one. We could NEVER get passed my grandpa. That man, I swear, had eyes in the back of his head and ears that were tuned into the slightest sound of that bedroom door opening! IF we did manage to slip in the room and actually swipe a chocolate, there was ALWAYS evidence of it missing because it leaves a print on the waxed paper. NOBODY ever got away with stealing a chocolate, but it was sure fun trying!! I'll be posting pictures of the dipping later on, so stay tuned!

I REALLY love my tree, but pictures just don't do it justice. You have to see it in person. My entry way really adds to the ambiance, too. It's so cozy at night. The stockings you see are another family tradition. My grandma made mine when I was 6! She made one for EVERY member of our family that was born by December of 1978. I was really upset that she spelled my name wrong, but what do you do! I couldn't ask her to fix it, although I really wanted to back then, but it doesn't matter now. It is so special to me and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I made one for Chris when we were married and then one for each of my children as they were born. And, YES, they are stuffed FULL ( but not just with candy)!!! I LOVE to just sit in the quiet and stare at all the lights! It's a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

On A Mission

Wow, where do I begin? Somewhere amidst the events leading up to taking CC to the MTC yesterday, Chris and I had a conversation about how easy it was going to be to give our hugs and say good-bye. After all, we're seasoned, if you will, at saying good-bye to him and Chelsea, right? Well.....we were WRONG. DEAD WRONG! It is a fact that we're used to saying good-bye to them and putting them on an airplane to Florida, but this time was so different.

Let me rewind a little....

CC got special permission to come to Utah a couple days before he went to the MTC so he could spend a little time with us. He was set apart as a missionary on Sunday, Nov.9 and flew out here on the 10th. There was a special kind of buzz in the air with him here. The kids were pretty curious about how he was preparing to go on his mission and were asking a lot of questions about different things pertaining to CC and his mission. It just so happened that on the 9th, we had our primary program in sacrament meeting. Landon's part was, "I will prepare to be a missionary by being a good example." Landon was sitting on my bed with me on the night of the 10th, as I folded some laundry, and he said, "Mom, CC is preparing to be a missionary by being a good example, huh!?" Tears filled my eyes as I realized that even Landon, at the tender age of 5, realized what CC was doing. I really don't know whether CC realizes this or not, but he really has been a great example to ALL of his siblings here in Utah, and Florida, too. He has been a beacon shining bright for all to see. It touches my heart in such a tender way to know that my boys have been watching him and realize what he is doing and have felt the spirit so near.

On Tuesday, I made a homemade Thanksgiving dinner for CC before he left for the MTC. It was the perfect excuse to have Thanksgiving twice at our house! Tuesday could not have been more perfect for me as I prepared everything. CC had gone with Oma (Chris' mom) for the day and spent some great time with her, so I put on some Christmas music and cooked and baked away in the kitchen all day long. I was so surprised at how perfectly everything was timed. It all seemed to come together so well. Everything was done at the same time and I wasn't going crazy, stressing out over this or that. It really was the perfect day and the spirit was so palpable that day. I got teary off and on as I thought about what a wonderful young man CC is and how much he is going to accomplish in the mission field. Dinner was very enjoyable. It seriously was a very memorable time around the table for me as I sat there and marveled at my little family and felt how much I have been blessed. My heart overflowed with so much joy and happiness that I could hardly contain it. The ONLY thing that would have made that moment better for me would have been to have Chelsea there with us. But she was definitely there in thought.

There was no doubt in my mind that all of the kids needed to be at the MTC with us when we took CC, so Wednesday morning, we all got dressed up to go. As the kids were getting ready, CC came into my room and told Todd to "take a knee". So Todd kneeled down on one knee and CC put a tie around Todd's neck and told him it was his. I don't know why, but that moment was so touching to me. I don't think CC realizes how much Todd looks up to him and it meant so much to me, and I'm sure to Todd, that CC gave him that tie. I knew it would help Todd to always remember CC, but it will also remind him of this time that he's watched CC prepare for his mission. CC then proceeded to teach Todd how to tie his new tie. Again, a very tender moment for a mother! And don't you know, I was right there with my camera! Would you expect anything less? I didn't think so!

All of the boys were so eager to help CC out the door with his luggage. It was cute to watch them as they took turns pulling CC's suitcases.

All too soon, we were at the MTC. It was a wet, drizzly day, but not cold enough to snow. We snapped a few pictures outside before CC went through the "New Missionary" door and we went through the "Friends and Family" door. He got his Elder Morgan name tag and a few instructions and then met back up with us. The mother's were told that they got to put the new name tags on their missionaries. I felt so privileged to be able to do that! My heart swelled with joy as I realized that I got to do it, yet at the same time, I was really wishing his mom and the rest of his family could've been there with us. We took lots of pictures that I will share with them, but it's just not the same as being there in person, feeling the spirit and watching your child/brother beaming from ear to ear as he's embarking on a new chapter in life. I tried really hard not to be too overbearing with my camera, but it's hard not to want to snap pictures left and right, but I'm glad I did as many as I did! I know we're going to look back on these pictures in 2 years and marvel, first of all, that it's over, and secondly, at how little the kids were!! They are definitely priceless pictures.

I DID NOT want to go to the chapel. I knew that meant no more pictures, but I also knew we'd be saying good-bye all too soon. We spent so much time in the foyer taking pictures that we didn't have too much time in the chapel before the meeting began. The spirit was strong and there was excitement in the air, but it was over WAY TOO FAST. I stood back and watched Chris proudly embrace his oldest son in his arms, pride bursting from his chest, and I LOST IT!! The dam finally broke. CC hugged each of the kids, but held Todd especially long. I watched as Todd's tears finally overflowed as well and I knew at that moment that Todd truly has a great deal of love and respect for his big brother. He's at that awkward age where he doesn't really express those kinds of feelings to too many people, but he didn't have to at that point in time, it was obvious. I also know that Todd felt the spirit and I feel that he was deeply impacted by the day as a whole. Then it was my turn. I had a few things I wanted to say to CC, but when it came right down to it, I just couldn't talk. I held him close and didn't want to let go. He told me he loved me and I really felt the sincerity of his words. He's told me that several times, but as a step-parent, those words mean so much, especially in a moment like that.

The rest of the day was so emotional. I cried off and on all day long. I noticed Todd crying off and on. And when Chris got home from work, his eyes were all red and swollen and he told me how emotional he'd been too. CC is going to be one great missionary!! He already has been in so many different ways, to a lot of different people. This boy of ours is destined for greatness! We feel it so strongly. It's something that has been known from the time of his birth. He has been blessed with a strong spirit and everyone that has ever know him knows that. I feel so blessed to be his stepmother and to love him like he's my own. I look so forward to his letters each week and hope to keep you all informed through this blog.

Korea

I've been tagged by Shonell! 4th picture in the 4th folder.....hmmmmm....let's go see what this will be......Ahhhh, yes. This is when we lived in Korea. We went to an old Korean Village with some friends. We could not go anywhere without Todd being oohed and ahhed over. There were times when we were so surrounded by people I couldn't move! With my long blonde hair and a baby with huge blue eyes, we felt like celebrities sometimes. People wanting to see and touch Todd and wanting pictures with us. Then they'd pluck a peice of my hair and take it with them. I don't know what that was all about, but it happened so often that it didn't freak me out. Luckily I was warned BEFORE we got to Korea that they would do that. Apparently they are very fond of blonde hair and blue eyes. Good times! I LOVE looking back on these pictures. Although hard at the time, it was an experience I'd NEVER trade!! Todd is hoping to go on his mission to the land where he was born. How cool would that be!! Just for fun...here are a few more pics from Korea. This next picture is from the same moment as the first one, just from a different perspective. The third one was from a different trip, bit I thought I'd include it, too.

Perched...

I mentioned in my blog, about Landon on his birthday, perching on the edge of the sink to rinse his dishes and I just had to post this picture!! I don't know how he squats like that without falling over. What I do know is that he looks just like his daddy when he does sit like that. I don't know why I think it's so funny. I guess it's because of he's on the edge of the sink, squatting and going about his business like a big boy!!

Rewind....

I wanted to post a few pictures of my kids from Halloween and since I didn't have time before now, I figure it's better late than never. But just in case you haven't checked in for a while, I also posted Landon's birthday today, so make sure you check that out, too!

Happy Birthday Landon!

It is so hard to believe that FIVE years ago today we welcomed our little Landon into the world. What a whirlwind that five years has been and now I'm left wondering what I'm going to do with myself when he starts kindergarten next fall.


Landon, you have been such a joy to our family. What would we do without all the funny, silly things you say and do? You bring so much happiness to us. I feel so blessed to be your mommy and to be able to spend each and every day with you.












You can tell in so many ways that Landon is the baby, but in different ways. He DEFINITELY gets away with a little more than the other three did - but just a little - and seriously, it's Chris' fault!! Most of the time when that happens it's because Chris is in stitches, laughing at whatever Landon did or said! Landon is a very independent little boy. He has learned to do things on his own by watching all of the other kids around him. At 22 months, just out of the blue, he took his diaper off, went to the bathroom on the toilet and told me he was a big boy and didn't want to wear diapers anymore. That was the end of that!! I could not believe he potty trained himself. If they could all be that easy this world would be full of a lot less stressed parents!! Also from a very young age, he watched the older kids rinse their dinner dishes in the sink after dinner. One night, I turned around to find him perched on the edge of the sink rinsing his. He STILL does that. I have a picture somewhere, but it's not organized into his book yet so I couldn't include it in the pics I posted on here. He's been working the DVD player and TV for a long time....(he's his father's child when it comes to electronics!) I will never forget when I saw him teach himself to ride a scooter when he was just barely two. I didn't know kids that young could balance so well. Then, a year later, with determination and the will to succeed, he taught himself how to ride a two wheeler - AGAIN, ALL BY HIMSELF!! He's never liked me to do things for him. He's always wanted to do them himself. I wasn't used to independence at such an early age. None of the other kids were like that. And when it came to going to school, he just ran off, like it was no big deal, leaving me there in tears. So here I sit today, reminiscing about the past five years, tearing up as I look at the pictures of years that have past to never return. I'm so grateful that I'm such a shutterbug! I've got pictures bulging from all of the storage bins I keep them in that need to be put into books and eventually scrapbooked, but until I get that done, I can only show you pics of his first year, plus the one I took of him today on this stormy, snowy election day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDON!! We love you so much!!