Atkinson Family Christmas

My family (the Atkinson's) usually gets together on Christmas Day, has a little lunch, and exchanges presents....but some of us, who shall not be named, made other plans this year. So....we started a new tradition, a family party/service project. Each year one of us siblings will be in charge and pick a project. The rest of us will bring donations or volunteer our time, whatever is needed, instead of giving each other gifts. My sister Mykel started us off with a huge basket (turned in to several baskets) of goods for a family in her neighborhood who is struggling. We loaded it all up and had the kids doorbell ditch them. It was really fun for the whole family and just getting together is better than presents anyway. :)

The Family

Nephew Shannon, wife Tara, and J.J.

Rachel and Colby

Kelly and Penny (bro. and sis-in-law)

Mykel and Richard (sis. and bro-in-law)

Jenni (niece) and bf Brett

Corey, Robin, and Lindsey

Chris (nephew)

Silly Britt as always (don't think I have a picture of her being serious)

Christmas ...

Christmas always seems to bring back fond memories....
I remember how much I looked forward to the Christmas programs on T.V. My favorite one was Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer. That abominable snowman scared me every time! This of course was way back before you could just own it on DVD so you only got to see it once a year. I remember my dad putting the lights up on the house and how pretty they were. I loved to decorate the tree and my favorite part was hanging the icicle lights. I swear that even though I did NOT have to walk 10 miles to school in the snow, uphill both ways, the snow was a lot deeper when I was a kid than it is today. I loved to build igloos and make snow forts and snow angels. I remember the smell of new pajamas on Christmas Eve and worrying that elves were peeking in my windows to see if I was really asleep. One night I swear I heard sleigh bells :) I remember the reverence I felt listening to the story in the scriptures about the birth of the Savior and tried to imagine what it would have been like to be there.
I wonder what kind of memories my children will have of Christmas. We have been trying to focus more on the Savior this Christmas and in doing things for others. Friday night we went downtown to see the lights at Temple Square and do some shopping. Saturday we volunteered at a PetsMart to help the "No More Homeless Pets' shelter with a pet adoption. Today, Sunday, we spent the afternoon making white chocolate covered popcorn for our friends and neighbors, then went to my sisters house to do a big service project for a family in her neighborhood who has fallen on hard times. The kids had a blast at the pet store walking the dogs and holding the cats and love to doorbell ditch the neighbors while delivering the popcorn. We are helping with a sub for santa family in our ward and have several other projects lined up before Christmas. I hope that this Christmas the kids will remember how good it feels to bring a little joy in to the lives of others through small and simple things. Isn't that what life is all about, not just at Christmas, but every single day?

On the Trax......hungry......

Peter and Terry at Dinner (CPK, yum!)

Lindsey kitty-sitting

Robin and "Buddy"... he didn't want to go back in his cage. He was later adopted. Yay!

Darn...blurry....kitty moved. Corey loves kitties, and they love Corey.

My entire kitchen table covered in popcorn. Addicting stuff!

Life in the 21st Century

Having the good fortune to be able to go on a cruise has made me reflect on the many reasons I am grateful to live at this time in the history of the world, the 21st century. I have enjoyed so many wonderful things that most people who have walked the earth have not had. Medical technology is perhaps the most important. I am sure that Rachel or I, or maybe both, would have died during her childbirth. I think of the many childhood diseases and infections I was spared due to antibiotics and vaccinations, and the medications that give me relief for my aches and pains. Then there are the modern conveniences I take for granted every day such as paper, plastic, electricity, indoor plumbing, disposable diapers, feminine products, telephones, computers, cameras, automobiles, airplanes, indoor plumbing, television, radio, and so much more. Finally, I think of all the wonderful and fun experiences I have been able to indulge in during my life: Chocolate! Skiing! Cruising! Traveling! Roller Blades! Gymnastics! Water skiing at Lake Powell! Chocolate Chip Cookies! Parasailing! Zip Lines! Hawaii! Disney World! Snorkeling! Chocolate Dipped Strawberries! The Zoo! Roller Coasters! Chocolate Covered Almonds! Movies! Ice Cream! I feel truly blessed to live at this time and enjoy the wonders of this time in history.