The True meaning of Christmas

As Jenny explained in her last post; we had the opportunity to help two less fortunate children this year. While Jenny was working last week, I went to the mall to find someone to help for Christmas. As I was looking through the ornaments that contained the information of the persons in need. I came a cross a little girl who was six years old and instantly felt a connection with her. All she wanted was a Bratz doll and clothes for Christmas. I knew right away she was a good candidate.

I decided to keep looking to see if I came across someone else I might feel more inspired to help. I soon found an ornament for a 17 year old girl who spends her time after school volunteering for a latch key program in her neighborhood. All she wanted was a gift certificate. What could I do? I was torn! Who should we help out. I felt attached to both of the girls right away. I felt like both girls could use the help. The decision was made to help them both.

Jenny and I went out and shopped for the little girl. We bought her clothes and the Bratz doll. The gift card for the older girl was easy. We wrapped all the gifts and placed the gift card in a stocking with some candy. Again, Jenny was at work so it was up to me to deliver the gifts. So I was off to the mall to drop them off. I made it to the mall with no trouble. The delivery was completed and as I was walking out of the mall, I became teary eyed. I was over whelmed with the spirit. My heart was warmed by the opportunity to help others. That is when this idea struck me. What we give is not important, for gifts will fade. But, what we learn by giving is the true gift of Christmas. Those girls may not remember the gifts, but I will for the rest of my life remember how it felt to give a little and receive so much in return. In Moroni seven it speaks of giving a gift and that one must give for the right reasons. I now see why giving has to come from the heart. I know that I have been given back tenfold compared to what was given. I will be warmed by the memory of this Christmas for years to come.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

What about you..have you been NAUGHTY or NICE?

Believe it or not, this isn't the real Santa Claus. It really is TODD at our ward Christmas party. Our friend asked if he would do it and with a little persuasion he finally agreed. After it was all said and done he admitted that he had a fun time playing "Jolly Ol' Saint Nick" and he didn't even get peed on once. He did have a couple of criers and some that were just too shocked to know what to do. One kid admitted to being nughty when he asked if they have been good. The whole experience was quite hillarious if you ask me.

Other than his beard, I think he pulled it off without too many raised eyebrows. Except, his nieces knew right away that it was him. Celeste, the 4 year old, had a hard time believing her sister when she told her he wasn't the "real Santa" and then later she asked Todd to confirm it for her. He said, "what do you think" when she asked if he was really Santa and she said "no it couldn't have been Uncle Todd." Poor girl has been hit with the disturbing possibility that there really is no such thing as Santa Claus at such a young age. She stewed over that for all of three seconds, I imagine.

I still have the unpleasent experience of learning that there was no such person as Santa permenantly ingrained in my memory. I can't remember how old I was, but we were in the car and I remember asking my Mom and she said something to the effect of, "who do you think goes to the mall and does all the shopping for their kids?" I was astonished to say the least! I remeber being mad that she didn't lie to me or at least let me go on being misled a little while longer. I guess because we all have to focuss on what the true meaning of Christmas is all about sooner in life rather than later.

Speaking of the true meaning of Christmas, this year we decided to try and follow Christ's example and show more Charity for others. So we had the idea of doing a "Sub for Santa" for children, which we got their names from the Christmas Tree at the Mall. I will let Todd finish telling the story since he was the one who took their wrapped gifts to the Mall so they could get them before Christmas......

Grades

Ok, so I have received my grades from last semester. I must say I pulled one over on most of my teachers. I have three A's and a c. I earned a c in my "Texas Gov." class. So lame! I hated that class, it was ridiculous. Texas is so pretentious that they force you to take a state government class. I don't know about the rest of you but, I believe I took my state government class in elementary school. At the beginning of the class my professor was telling us how great Texas is and everyone in the nation thinks Texas is wonderful. The whole time I am sitting at my desk thinking have you ever been out of the state of Texas? Everyone outside of Texas thinks it is lame! So I acted out in open rebellion and never went to class. How can I take this class seriously? I can't, it was ridiculous! But I can't complain about the rest of my grades because I don't go to those classes ether. SHHH don't tell Jenny!

Let it Rain

It was a beautiful day! It rained all day long and I loved it. This is the second time this year it almost felt like winter. Not only that but school is over. I can't tell you how glad I am that it is all over. This weekend Jenny and I went to Mexico with my sister for her brother-in-law wedding, (he's the youngest of the seven Hatch bros.) we helped with the food and had a good time. Now for some sad news, we will not be coming home for Christmas. We are stuck here in El Paso for the holidays. The good news is that Jenny's mother, Jone will be in town to visit. We are excited to show her old El Paso. I need to brush up on the history of this great state. It will be a good time.