The Best Christmas Present Ever!

The very best Christmas present I ever received came 5 days after Christmas in the form of a squishy, gooey, hairless baby boy!  He was born a little after 12:00 noon on Friday, December 30, 1994, 7 pounds 7 ounces and 21 inches long. He has brought joy (emotion of good fortune and a source of delight) and happiness (pleasurable and satisfying experience) to our family now for 18 years -- it's his birthday today!



Fast forward to 2012 -- that little boy has become a pretty amazing young man.  He sings in the shower, reads his scriptures every night, says "please, thank you, may I be excused, and I love my Mom," all the time.

He giggles at crazy television shows that sometimes move him off the couch and on the floor with out-of-control laughter. He dresses up in weird costumes; wears manatee and Sasquatch socks in basketball games, and more. 

There is not a day that goes by without a goodnight hug.  Happy Birthday, Willie!

Back to Back Games not a Great Idea

Wolverine basketball is up and going and the team is looking pretty good.  However, a good win on Thursday led to an unfortunate loss on Friday.  Some of our players just ran out of gas; others didn't have any in the beginning.  So, the season is 2-2 which is still pretty good.

I love basketball -- it is one of many favorite family activities (watching, that is for me playing for others).  At last night's game we had a little t-shirt stand set up by the basketball team booster club (so far we have only a few members and three of them are under age 5).  My amazing assistants/saleskids were at my side when I took my turn.  It's just how our family operates.  Whatever the event, the job, the activity, we are all in it together and it's fun.  The grandchillins are falling into the routine of being involved and doing things and having fun.  It's great.  Willie's fan club includes all of the Petersen clan and Cindy and Parker and Emily.  Sixteen games to go!

Count your blessings!

White Christmas is one of my all-time favorite movies!  The story line, the music, the vintage time-period, the actors, and everything about it I like.  It is truly a classic in my opinion.

I love a Rosemary Clooney -- her deep raspy alto voice, the deliberate and intentional way she delivers a song . . .

There is a theme song throughout the movie -- Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep!
It's time to listen to it again (and all of the other songs in the movie).  It's listening to good old stuff!

I love December!

I love December for so many reasons.  Basketball gets into full swing and the Hunter Wolverines and the Runnin' Utes are looking good.  I love snowstorms and winter and and hot chocolate and gathering in my home with family.  I love the colors of Christmas -- reds and greens are complimentary and rightly so.  I love the feel of excitement for Santa and all that it involves.  I love the special, subtle, tender spirit that abounds everywhere as people prepare in their personal and unique ways to celebrate what they choose during the month. I love the music; the melodies are familiar and the words inspiring. I love that December brings another year to a close and presents a perfect opportunity to reflect on expereinces, accomplishments, successes, and disappointments in preparation for new opportunities that come with a new year.