Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Oh the weather outside is frightful... In fact, IT SUCKS! ...la la laaaaa....

I know that here in the United States, most of us are used to Christmas being paired with snow, icy roads, cold weather, and short days. But, is it so wrong to wish I could have the pretty snow up in the mountains to look at, but beaches like this to go relax on on Christmas Day? I remember our 2 Christmases in Puerto Rico and how we went to the beach and thought it was the coolest thing ever. I love Utah and don't see myself living anywhere else in the near future, but my heart longs for the sand between my toes and the smell of salt in the air. I am counting down the days when I can return to this beach in Natal that we spent a fun day with Paulo's mom and niece in June.
Wishing you all a WONDERFUL Christmas and whether you're near or far away, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Happy Birthday, despite the snow

I woke up yesterday morning and almost swore. SNOW EVERYWHERE, and forecasted to be coming down all day. My birthday celebration was threatened by stupid ugly snow, the same snow that thousands of skiers and snowboarders were probably elated to see because it meant they could end their weekend off with a trip to the slopes. But this stupid snow might make the roads too dangerous for me to make the 35 mile trek down to my mom and dad's house. Well, I decided that I had driven over many snowy roads over the years of driving to and from Rexburg, Idaho and Logan, Utah so I got ready and headed down to South Jordan. I'm so glad, because I would have missed spending the afternoon with some of my favorite kids in the world. This one cooperated with me and let me try my hand at a neat shot near the door. I'm learning more about my camera and having fun doing different things with it.
Funny story about this picture: She was watching my dog outside because we had let him out to go potty. He needed to go #2. Right after this shot, he started to go. She goes "oh- he's going #2! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. " Her little brother echoed the sentiment.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Truly the most wonderful time of the year

Do you want to know what is one of my favorite Christmas Decorations that I own? I'll give you a hint: It's not the ornament I brought home from China, or the nativity scene I picked up in Costa Rica (although that one always makes me smile- it's got pigs in it!) It's not the tree that I got on clearance a few years ago (and for those of you who know me, you know what an emotional attachment I form with great deals!) Nope- it's not any of these. Of all of the beautiful things I pull out at Christmas to decorate our home and fill it with Holiday Cheer, one of my most prized possessions is an ornament made by my nephew CJ. Here's a picture of it where it is hung on our tree this year:

I love this ornament for so many reasons. I love it because it's homemade, and since one of my main love languages is quality time. When someone makes me something home made, it means they spent time on it, and I love that. I love it because it was probably a project in school, primary, or cub scouts (although I think that CJ was probably too young for cub scouts even at that point), and he decided to send that project that he had worked so hard on to ME. His aunt. Not his grandma or mom, or dad. His Aunt. I love it because it reminds me of how important it is for me to have sweet and close relationships with all of my nieces and nephews, and how I need to work harder at always making those relationships closer and stronger. I love this ornament because the picture is up-side-down. I love that no one told that little 4 1/2 year old boy that he had made a mistake. I love that there are still teachers who are loving and patient and help encourage creativity, individuality, and a spirit of giving by having activities like making a Christmas Tree ornament out of a picture of you.
I love all of the decorations I get to put up at Christmas time. I always think that I would love to keep them up all year 'round, but if I did that I would rob myself of the experience of meeting up with old friends every year. As I bring out the ornaments, the nativity scenes, the garland, the ribbons and bows, I am reminded of trips I have taken with cherished and loved friends and family. I laugh remembering when I first learned how to make a big bow, and how I still don't get it, but am grateful that somehow the bow on our wreath on the front door looks decent enough to display. I love that for 30 to 45 days of the year, everyone is focused on a spirit of giving. And (I know this is totally and completely cliche) I love how even though the weather is cold outside, inside you will find many families gathered together to express love, friendship, and gratitude for a Savior who came to give us the gift that could not be given by anyone else.
I hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season just as much as I am! We have so much to be grateful for!!
Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Christmas at the Cox's
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Monday, December 7, 2009

For the skeptics


I was telling some of my family about how Rex loves to watch TV, and a lot of them seemed skeptical. Here's proof of my puppy's TV addiction! He especially loves it when a dog comes onto the TV. It's so funny!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Wedding Bells were ringing



Paulo and I were in a wedding this morning. One of the girls he knew on his mission met a guy from Utah and they got married today. It was neat to see how happy they were. I always appreciate a chance to remember the fun and great feelings of my own wedding day!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A New Tradition


We started a new tradition with my family this year and donated a tree to be sold. We were excited that our creation sold for $600 tonight at auction! We're excited for next year, and already thinking up new ideas in our heads. Here's the history behind the Festival of Trees. If you live in Utah, and have never been, you should! It's such a great cause!
Here's the history from the event's website:
Almost as magical as Santa himself, a cold barren exhibit hall transforms into a warm, festive holiday haven. Each year, the magic of Festival of Trees unfolds, and with it the hope and future of children in need at Primary Children's Medical Center.
The Festival of Trees was inspired 39 years ago by a group of 15 women from along the Wasatch Front. These women were challenged by Lewis M. Jones, Chairman of the hospital's Men's Endowment Board, to identify a way to raise funds for the hospital.
Organized as the Women's Endowment Committee and led by Betty Wells, the group sold tickets to the Ice Capades and dabbled in other projects in an attempt to raise funds. They soon determined they had spent too much time and energy for too little return. They searched for one project they could devote all their efforts on.
That project was inspired when Co-chair Ruth Flint vacationed in Hawaii and attended a Christmas boutique featuring small, decorated Christmas trees, centerpieces, and Christmas decorations. The Women's Endowment Committee expanded the concept to include full-sized decorated Christmas trees, a gift boutique, and a sweet shop. Each of the 15 members of the Endowment Committee was challenged to identify those who would donate and decorate trees. At that time, Primary Children's Hospital was owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and much of the support would come from church members.
That first year, there were approximately 60 trees for display and sale in the gymnasium of the old Armory off Sunnyside Avenue. To everyone's surprise and delight, $47,000 was raised! The Festival of Trees quickly outgrew the Armory and two years later it was moved to the Salt Palace. Now, it is held at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.
Over the years, this beautiful event has blossomed into a forest of more than 800 trees, a gift boutique featuring handmade articles, a sweet shop filled with freshly made candies and baked goods, a display of wreaths and door decorations, centerpieces, gingerbread houses, and backyard playhouses. There is also Santa, activities for children, hot scones and sweet rolls, and continuous live entertainment. In all, the Festival spans over 220,000 square feet of display space.
Perhaps the greatest phenomenon of all is that everything is donated. The trees are decorated and purchased by individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and church groups. In addition, others generously donate items to fill the shops. Businesses provide the paper and printing of posters and tickets. Corporations offer their covered trucks and drivers to help deliver the trees, and so much more! Thousands of people join efforts by contributing countless hours and means to give “A Gift of Love" to children in need. In 2008, the Festival raised $1,495,840.74for children in need at Primary Children's Medical Center.
The name of the Women's Endowment Committee was changed to Women's Endowment Board and finally to the Festival of Trees Executive Board. Currently, 85 women serve on the Board and each of them organizes committees of 10 or more volunteers throughout the state. While the hospital no longer has a Men's Endowment Board, those men were considered “inspired” when they called women to seize the challenge.
Over the years, Festival of Trees has been copied many times throughout the United States and Canada. However, the Salt Lake City Festival of Trees remains the "granddaddy" of them all.