As I See It...

Warning: this is a VERY long post. You may want to pack a lunch to eat while you read this, because you're going to be her for a while.

The events of 2009 have given me much to think about and much to be grateful for. I also realized that November was the 10 year anniversary of the beginning of my mission, which has given me even more to think about, despite making me feel rather old. Perhaps you are now thinking that I'm not that old, but I reject your reality and substitute my own. Anyway, it's customary at this time of year to do a 'year in review', so along that vein, here are some things I've been thinking about, important and not. I'll start with the 'not so important' category and go from there.

Christmas Songs:

Perhaps this first thing should be in the 'serious' category-the most depressing Christmas song I've ever seen. It's called "The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot". I found it so hard to believe that this is a Christmas 'classic' that it's slightly funny to me. Here are the lyrics:

He's the little boy
that Santa Clause forgot,
And goodness knows,
he didn't want a lot.

He sent a note to Santa
For some soldiers and a drum,
It broke his little heart
When he found Santa hadn't come.

In the street he envies
all those lucky boys,
Then wanders home
to last year's broken toys.
I'm so sorry for that laddie,
He hasn't got a daddy,
The little boy
that Santa Clause forgot.

Spoken:
(You know,
Christmas comes but once a year
for every girl and boy,
The laughter and the joy
they find in each brand new toy.
I'll tell you of a little boy
that lives across the way...
This little fella's
Christmas is just another day.
He's the little boy
that Santa Claus forgot,
And goodness knows,
he didn't want a lot.)

In the street
he envies all those lucky boys,
Then wanders home
to last year's broken toys.
I'm so sorry for that laddie,
He hasn't got a daddy,
The little boy
that Santa Clause forgot.

Oh my. Can you imagine the widespread appeal? I think not. This next bit is a clip from youtube.com. It's men's a capella group called Straight No Chaser singing their version if "The 12 Days of Christmas". It's worth a listen, especially if you are familiar with the band "Toto".



Not too shabby. It cracks me up, too. One last bit about Christmas music-I love Mannheim Steamroller's "A Fresh Aire Christmas" album because of the memories it always brings to mind. I can't listen to it without thinking of going to get the Christmas tree as a family, or decorating the house, or putting puzzles together at Christmas-time. Some of the music is a bit cheezy, but I listen to it for the wonderful memories that are attached. In fact, I'm listening to it right now.

With regard to music in general, I still really like "Soul Meets Body" and a new one I've found by Owl City called "Fireflies". It makes me think of the band Postal Service. There may be a musical theme developing here.

OK. Now on to other things which are more important, and back to my original point.

My "I'm Grateful" List:
(These are some of the things that make me feel thankful)

The Gospel and all that it entails
A good up-bringing in a loving and happy home
Family
A house to live in
Food to eat
Family
A life of relative ease and comfort
Safety and security
The opportunity to gain an education
Love
Friends
Music
Family
Favorable circumstances

This list is a reflection of the experiences I've had this year as well as the events that I've seen transpire in the lives of those around me and those I've heard about on the news. 2009 has been tumultuous in so many ways, and I am grateful to have all of the above, because those things have made all the difference.

Regarding the last 10 years, much has happened to add enrichment to our lives.

We've had a few additions to the family, which make it even better:
Jon
Steve
Lorie
Doug
Isaac
Claire
Kate
Eli

The great thing about our additions is that they're not temporary additions. What a blessing. I suppose we should also add birds and cats to the list, just to be thorough.

Also in the last 10 years, all the kids got married, 3 of the 4 went on missions and the 4th got to study in Nauvoo. Each of the kids moved at 4 times and each couple had one spouse or the other in school and sometimes both at once. 4 nieces and nephews were born and may there be more to come. Luckily, Mom and Dad haven't moved and home is still home. We'll see where the next 10 years take us and I have a feeling they'll be great years too.

Well, this post didn't turn out to be as long as I thought. Maybe you only got to eat half of your lunch. I am inexpert at expressing my thoughts in text form when those thoughts are sentimental. I had much more on my mind than what is here, but this is a good summation. Just a few last thoughts to wrap up:

Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!

And a wish for upcoming year:

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

-Irish Benediction