One thing I was really hoping for this Christmas season was to have more quiet time to enjoy the music, decorations, lights, and Christmas events in the city and at Church.  What I learned is that it won't happen unless I walk away from my computer and the many other distractions I let fill my days and turn towards those things that feed my spirit.  

I recently read an article called "The Power of Quiet Moments" and wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you - 

God has designed the amazing human body, and just breathing deeply can have an immediate positive effect.  As we breathe in and out, the movement of our lungs and diaphragm helps our body stop secreting stress hormones. When we regularly invite quiet moments over time, our brains may actually change.  In one study, participants practiced a mindfulness exercise regularly for eight weeks.  Doctors found that the areas of the brain associated with fear and stress seemed to shrink in those particpants-perhaps meaning that they were less used.  Another study found that after regular mindfulness, the part of the brain associated with decision making seemed to grow thicker. 

It seems that quiet moments may help ususe our agency more wisely by creating a space between what is happening, how we feel, and how we choose to react.  The greater our awareness, the greater our ability to make choices instead of just doing what the natural man is programmed to do.

This past week was not quite so busy for us.  Monday we put our Christmas decorations up for our Family Home Evening group get-together and Wednesday we went to our Addiction Recovery meeting.  I had school assignments to work on and things to do around the house, but I made sure to take some quiet moments and enjoy the spirit of the season - for me that was listening to Christmas music, wrapping gifts, spending time with grandchildren (gelato with Paul, a Facetime call with Max, a chance to visit with Lily), and attending the Annual Creche event with Adam, Cory, Samantha, Jake, Paul and his good friend Maren, and yesterday at the Temple.  

I hope you all can enjoy some quiet moments this week to ponder on your blessings and feel of our Savior's love for you 💖

SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY LOVES SNOWMEN (and it's not a kid ) 

but it might be Angella 

And this isn't even all of them 😀

CHRIS made it home safe and sound from his work trip this week in Madrid.  How fun to go places you have never been before.  I'm thinking the East Coast sounds like fun - Williamsburg, Gettysburg, and other historical spots, or Yellowstone (I know that's not East Coast, but I have never been there 😁

LOVE our Fridays and Gelato with Paul!  Thanks for putting up with us 😁💖





IT IS FINALLY HERE!

It's finally here!  Cafe Rio has their grand opening this week and the best part is it is just down the street so it will be an easy stop on the way home from the Temple - I LOVE their salad. 

 

First child or grandchild to come visit - it's my treat! 😋

SUNDAY SELFIES ~

 Kim and Blythe with their special little friend Hank.  (I remember when Hank was a baby)

Kate sent this photo of Sayer - please notice the pens attached to his pocket - He said he needed them because they were going to be coloring in Primary today 😂

 

 

Thank you Kate and Jonathan for always sending such cute family photos. 

I know this week will be a busy one for so many of us - not only busy but a little stressful as well.  You are all always in our prayers.  Trust in Heavenly Father and remember to take those quiet moments and feel the peace that comes from our Savior.

Love You ~