Christmas with family is Joyful!

It was so fun to watch Cayden and Brooklyn open their gifts. They were both thrilled with their gifts (Yesterday Cayden took his first step into peeking at the gifts and was caught!). Guess he is just like the other boys in my family....total sneaks but they didn't get caught. The expressions on their faces and their exclamations as they looked at each new thing, and then later as they played was so delightful! They have gone to their dads tonight, so things are quiet on the homefront. I appreciate Andrea and Justin allowing us to share in the joy of children and Christmas. I also want to express the joy I feel as I contemplate the birth of the Savior so very long ago, and the steps he took to ensure the chance that I can return to my Father in Heaven. I thank Him every day and that knowledge brings me JOY.

It was Cayden's class Christmas program last night. They memorized How the Grinch Stole Christmas and they did an amazing job! They also sang the songs and other Christmas songs. We sat behind Adam and his sisters Marianne and Emily, so we were privileged to watch Brooklyn's reactions to it all. She flitted between the rows, hugging and telling me she loved me! Love that little girl! Cayden worked so hard at speaking slow and clear. He did such a good job. Watching the changes as these sweet children grow brings unlimited amounts of Joy. :)

In tune while out of tune...JOYFUL???

Had a great time yesterday performing with the Chime Choir and Cherie at the Creche. It was a very interesting experience! I had a severe ear infection that created a distortion in the sound. Like having two speakers, with the left one blaring each note 1/4 note flat! It was the hardest performance ever! The piano sounded like Brook was sitting by her side playing the next note to every note she played which created a jumble of horrible sounding music. Cherie, with her loud, beautiful voice was the only thing that cracked the speaker and she was in tune. I couldn't even tell if I was playing the right chime because it sounded like we were ALL playing the wrong ones! Made me much more grateful for working ears and the beauty that we can listen to. So glad I don't have to always hear those terrible combinations of sound! The real stuff is pure JOY!

I may not look this old but my bod feels this old. Its my mind that doesn't believe it!! Somehow I have to convince my body that my mind is right! The dancing youngster on the wall shows complete JOY!

Today I spent 4 or so hours helping to set up for the annual Granite Bay Creche. It is so cool to see 20-30 people make a church building, from top to bottom, become a beautiful Christmas venue. The actual creche's are brought tomorrow and I can't wait for the final show. We will be singing in my choir and playing chimes at musical performances for the creche this weekend. Music in my life is a total cup filler for me! Complete JOY! I came home, and after a short rest (that older body just can't do what my youthful mind wants it to!) I brought all the outdoor decorations and lights out and set them up. Christmas is very apparent at the Barnett household. As I look at the ambiance created, it reminds me of the feeling I get as I think of Christ. Peace & JOY.