Each Day Is a Gift

Got a call an hour before Church from Bro. Miner to ask me to bear my testimony this morning in Sacrament as one of the speakers, Bro. Earle (who's our hometeacher) got the flu.  Sister Bumgardner, the choir director also got the flu and she called just before this call to ask if I could lead the choir.  Anyhow, ended up leading the choir practice an hour before church started and she was able to lead the choir during the meeting.

Hubby was the final speaker after six musical numbers all Christmas hymns (3 by the choir, one by the Primary, one by the Youth, and Steven played a violin number with Diane Leslie on the piano).  We definitely felt the Spirtit and was wonderful to worship the Prince of Peace and celebrate His birth at Sacrament today! :)

No running today.  Had to be up early to help Sireesha and Sudhakar move to Logan.  When they arrived in Utah from India a week ago, all they had were packed in four suitcases.  They are so very faithful and courageous.  Sireesha has been crying everyday, and not able to eat much.  It's not easy to adjust to new environment leaving your families and friends half a world away. 

We were glad the snow storm was not too bad driving through Sardine Canyon into Logan.  After getting them moved in their tiny house/apartment.  We took them and a friend to Chuck-a-Rama for lunch.  Sireesha was able to pick out a few things she'd like to eat. 

From Logan we drove straight to the SL Airport to pick up Bryan flying in from Indiana.  It's so good to have him home for the holidays!

Only had time for a short run with my friends before we all had to skitdattle for last min. Christmas prep. 

Hubby, Bryan and I went Christmas shopping, the weather was unusally warm.  It was mad-house everywhere. 

Solo Christmas Eve run!  Beautiful sunny blue sky, 21F and calm!  Ran east on MCT access at 800E to top of Dry Creek turned west to Freeway home via Center St. access for 9 miles.  TT: 1:23:45 (with a quick water stop at the 1500W bathroom).  AP: 9:20 (10:43 slow WU, 10:05, 9:10, 9:00, 8:30, 9:33, 9:27, 8:50, 8:40)

During the whole run, I expressed my gratitude and love for the Savior.  I reflected on His sacrifice, His teachings and His love for me.  My heart is overfilled with joy and peace.  I hope and pray that I can remain a faithful disciple.  Merry Christmas!

We went to grandma's house and had a wonderful Chinese dinner with Lily, Gary and kids.  We were able to talk to Sis. Lew (Sammie) who is serving in the Australia Sydney North Mission.  She is doing SO SO fantastically well.  Sure love that girl! :)

Merry Christmas!!!  Up early to put the turkey in the oven.  We had turkey, stuffing, ham, salmon, mashed potato, dinner rolls...Lily made trifle...yum!  So wonderful to have family home for Christmas.  AND it finally SNOWED!!!  Hooray for WHITE CHRISTMAS...Unlike last year in Sydney where it was hot...people there go to the beach and have shrimp on the barbie! :)

Our kids including missionaries (Elder Haeata) skyped us!  It was a perfect Christmas!

I really really wanted to go run in the snow!  But hubby worried that I would slip and fall plus it was rather windy.  So, I cracked open the French door in our bedroom to let in some cool air, turned on the ceiling fan, got a good movie on TV and jumped on the TM.  Ran 12 mindless miles at lesisure pace of 9:30-9:45.  Good thing hubby went for lab test at the AF hospital, or he'd go crazy with the loud TV and TM pounding! :)

Then the boys helped us get the ski stuff ready...we're going skiing in the morning! YAY!
 

Skied at Solitude today!  What a miracle that hubby is able to ski, granted we were skiing very slowly and caustiously on green runs and we took lots of rest breaks!  We didn't think he'd be able to do it... given how he cannot regulate body temp properly...he's always cold and how very little muscle he has...not to mention how anemic and weak he is due to end stage renal failure.  The cycler (the CCPD machine) could not have come in a more perfect time.  We were gone all day everyday since Dec. 16.  Before that we were doing PD manually 5 times a day so our days were pretty tied up at home.  With the cycler, PD is done while he sleeps and he only does one PD manually during the day! 

Anyhow, the snow condition was perfect.  Our sons had a lot of fun skiing together.  What a blessing and wonderful day to ski with family again like we used to! :)