The Biggie T 53rd-The Fun has just Begun!

Year of the Ox

Happy Chinese New Year! At Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children "lucky money" in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck. The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom. Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames would frighten evil spirits.

I figured we could all use a little good luck--so throw on something red and splurge on some yummy chinese food and celebrate! Some things you can do today to bring luck: open the windows and doors, eat sweets and change the sheets on the bed!

America's Song

This is such a beautiful new song performed by some really awesome artist.
I wanted to share this since we are all thinking toward the hope and change in our beautiful America.
For 24 hours you can download it for free.


http://www.oprah.com/article/world/20090119_tows_americassong

HOPE

The 44th President and the First Family.

A great quote from his speech:

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

If you didn't get to hear his address, there was a lot to find hope in.
Click here to read it:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/20/national/inauguration09/main4737816.shtml

You know you've had enough winter when...

My friend Connie M. sent me this today
and with the actual temps going to be
around 24 below zero tonight with
wind chill closer to 50 below
(Our highs are still in the negatives
at mid day),
I couldn't resist posting this.
Like I like to say,
Gotta Love Minnesota!

2009

Here is a poem that Mom found in the newspaper today, and I thought I would pass it on for all of you to enjoy!

Share your gifts and talents
Listen with your heart,
Do the things you dream about
but don't have time to start.
Pick a bouquet of flowers
Show someone that you care,
Be gracious and forgiving
Life is never fair.
Hold on to your courage
You may need it down the road,
We all have a cross to bear,
It could be a heavy load.
If you practice all these things
No matter where you roam,
You may find both sun and rain
But you'll never feel alone.

-Author Unknown

May 2009 bring all of us many wonderful things!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Peace on Earth

Merry 3rd Day of a Green Christmas!

I had to post this Santa Lennon photo,
If that face doesn't bring a smile
I don't know what will!
Have a great smiley third day.

Merry 12 Days of Christmas!

From the 1st Day to the 12th
No matter where you are.
We have you in our hearts
whether you're near or far.

So may each day bring you a smile
and help you live your life more green.
We're so excited for the 12th day
For then your faces we'll have seen:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I believe!

This article was on one of my friend's blogs and I thought I would share it, because I do believe in Santa Claus and I hope that you all still believe as well!
The Truth About Santa Claus
"The most stupid falsehood that ever wounded the trusting heart of childhood is the smug "admission" that there is no Santa Clause. When we tell a child that Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve, we tell a truth so beautiful that it is difficult to believe anyone could do such a wicked thing as to tarnish that truth. Anyone who tells a child that DADDY is Santa Claus is helping to spoil Christmas for the whole world. Daddy indeed! He flatters himself. He may be the finest Daddy in the land - but he isn't Santa Claus. Can Daddy touch the heart of all the world, and for a day make loving kindness bloom where only selfishness and greed appeared before? No; only Santa Claus can do that. And there's a special reason for using jolly old St. Nicholas as the surest symbol of a blessed and very real thing. All our lives, truths are placed before us in symbolic form - not to deceive us, but to impress the truth upon us more convincingly. And, of course, when we are very young we comprehend only what we can see, feel, hear, smell, or taste. Who ever thought a child was being deceived when Mother said - "Bundle up warmly before you go out, or Jack Frost will nip your ears"? The day your child "learns the truth about Santa Claus" should be your opportunity for one of the happiest heart-to-heart talks of a lifetime - your opportunity to teach the deeper, holier truth about Christmas; the truth of the deathless power of love, returning year after year. Hang up a stocking on Christmas Eve? Certainly! Do you dare to say that on that holy night no returning spirit of the Babe of Bethlehem enters your home, blots out unkind thoughts, bids us give gifts as the Wise Men did, and spreads peace on the earth to men of good will? Call the Spirit what you will. Every word we tell the babies is the living blessed truth. It is a Spirit that brings the gifts. . . and for my part I love the dear old name we have always used. I still believe in Santa Claus." -Lionel B. Moses

Happy Birthday Bubba!

I wish I had more pictures with everyone in them! You are all included in spirit :) I can't believe he is already 20!! Time has flown by!

Shout out to Elder Bubba!

I know we are all thinking of Bubba on his birthday...it's hard to believe he's already been gone 9 months! We sure miss him and wish we were there to give him a birthday hug!

I am Thankful for You! Happy Thanksgiving

Courage take, for goodness sake...

All alone we just can't make it.

By ourselves we fall behind.

If we lift and pull together,

we can help each other climb!

We've got father and mother, sister and brother...
Pulling together we can work it out!

I have had this song stuck in my head all day! I can't remember all of the lyrics and couldn't find them on the internet, but I just hope all y'all know how much I love you! Nothing is too hard to handle with the love and strength we give each other! Have an amazing day! Love you!

Thought for the day...

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

I really enjoyed this thought and thought I would share it with all of you! I love you all!

This Just In...

We received this picture in the mail yesterday - perfect timing, don't you think? It's great to see that even though he's halfway around the world, he still managed to be part of all the excitement. How did you all celebrate the election?

VOTE and make your voice heard!

Happy 2nd Birthday Madelaine<3

Halloween Fun!

We had a great time trick or treating and spending time with friends last night for Halloween. We missed all of you terribly and wish we could have all been together! Here is just a glimpse of last night's fun. For many more pictures you can hop on over to our blog! The girls had so much fun and it was awesome to see how much they have grown up since last year! Trick or treating with the kids sure brought back some great memories to me of Halloweens of the past! I hope you all had as much fun as we did!

(She actually talked to people while trick or treating! She really is growing up!)

(In her pictures she is pretty much either laughing hysterically or sleeping! No inbetween!)

(He is getting so big!)