It's the New Year

So, it's New Year's Eve, and yes, I've thought of resolutions. Of course I would like to lose a few pounds. I mean, really lose them, not like lost and found, just lost. But, I didn't make that a resolution. I decided that there are other things that may help me lose a little of the unwanted chub, but also benefit in other ways too. For example, my first resolution is to get more rest. I want to try to get myself and my kids to bed at a decent time, not 10:30, maybe an hour earlier. It's harder for me to eat healthier when I'm tired, no mind control over body. I'm tired, just give me the darned chocolate. But, I think I'll really just accomplish more if I go to bed earlier and wake up earlier.
I'd also like to read my scriptures more, grow spiritually.
I don't know, I don't have lots of resolutions, so hopefully I'll be able to do them!!
Happy New Year everyone!!!

The Birth of Christ

Today for my lesson in YW's, I read a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland. It's one of my fav talks for Christmas time. He talks about the story of the Grinch, and how the Grinch realizes that "maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." Which is always a good reminder during the hustle and bustle of the season. But, the talk is so great at making you think about the nativity, in a way that I hadn't before.
He talks about Joseph, and how he must have felt, with Mary being ready to have a baby, but there was no where for them to stay. Then, how he must have felt having to have the baby in a stable, how he must have tried to find the most clean straw, and perhaps held the animals back. Knowing that he was going to be the "foster" father of the Son of God. He would be responsible for teaching Jesus.
He talks about Mary, and her strength and courage. (I can't imagine riding a donkey 100 miles when I'm 9 months pregnant!) In Luke 2:7, it says, "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger..." Elder Holland talks about how she did it all, there weren't nurses, or midwives, or even her mother there. SHE had the baby, then SHE wrapped him up and laid him down. It wasn't until later that the shepherd's came, and even later with the wise men. I've been thinking about it today and thought how when Jesus was born, it was Mary, Joseph and the animals. I wonder if it was such a sacred event, that it wasn't meant for anyone else to be there, just them, and the silent animals. I don't know, it's just speculation. Anyway, I love pondering the birth and all the blessings it has brought into my life.
In church today, our bishop talked about how when we think about Christ more, then we start to act like him more. I think that's what helps make this season merry and bright. Sure, there are freaks who push people around in stores, trying to get the perfect gift, but overall, I think people are more giving, loving and caring for others during Christmas time. It's fitting that Thanksgiving is a month before Christmas. At Thanksgiving, I feel so much gratitude for the things I have and just overly blessed. Then it's Christmas time and I want to try to bless the lives of those in need. (Well, I try anyway!)
I feel like I'm just rambling now. I just hope that we all can keep Christ in our minds, because He wears off on us, and that's great! Merry Christmas!!

It's all in the name

So, I've thought about starting a blog, but honestly was a little intimidated. But, I've been getting a little more computer savvy. For example, I figured out how to add new fonts to my computer. So, that made me feel a little more confident. Then, my sister in law, Amy, started a blog. I figured, if she could do it, then maybe I could too. Ta-Da!! Here I am, bloggin like a natural.

Anyway, another thing that kept me from blogging was trying to think of a name for my blog. I went through several, but thought they were lame. I wanted to do one with our last name, the Baldwin's. But, nothing worked how I wanted it to. Then, I thought, "hey, I'm the one doing all the work, so I should just name the blog after myself." But, I didn't want to do that either, because my family is such a HUGE part of me. So, here I was, stuck in a blog rut. I started thinking of nicknames I had growing up. My dad used to call me a "lovely, beautiful, wonderful princess." (No, I'm not kidding.) For obvious reasons (it's too long ;) hee, hee) I didn't use that for my blog name. My other nickname was "Sister". So, I decided to go with that, and add Brian, my husband, or in this case "Mister". Then it's not just me, but us, and together we made our family, whom this blog will mostly be about; and that sounds good to me.