Visitors... eight to be precise

This past Sunday our neighborhood got EIGHT furry visitors. I was driving home from Church meetings when I found the deer. I never thought that we would see deer in our neck of the woods because we literally live in the middle of the valley. However, I saw eight deer hanging around Tai Pan and then four or five of the eight ran right across the street while these deer hung around Tai Pan. I nearly missed the dang deer that darted across the road. They must have been coming down far into the valley to get some of the good stuff... GRASS.

Tis the season to be grateful

I love the holiday's because I feel like I am constantly surrounded by reminders of the things that matter most. Such as ... family, friends, good neighbors, Ward friends, co-workers and the Savior. When I get in the elevator at work and head up to the 22nd floor I love seeing the thoughts that are posted on the walls. Right now they are ALL centered around CHRISTMAS.

One says: "The Christmas season, with its special meaning, inevitably prompts a tear and inspires a renewed commitment to God."
President Thomas S. Monson

While another says: "Three days of light without darkness was the sign God gave to the descendants of Lehi, heralding the birth of His Son."
President Henry B. Eyring

How grateful I am for this time of year!
I am especially grateful because come January I will be going to full time employment at the LDS Church which is where I currently work. I love my job in the Audiovisual Department and will remain there when the new position begins in January. I will maintain my current duties and will be adding some new ones as well. After searching for full time employment for over a year now (b/c I was laid off last November) I can say I am so happy to be where I am now! Many times I felt discouraged about the job situation and MANY many MANY times I referred myself back to President Uchdtorf's talk "Continue in Patience." In fact that is what life is all about waiting and while doing so using patience.

Making the list

Abe and I have been discussing Christmas gifts.

(P.s. we had a great Thanksgiving real busy and real great. I'll blog about it later.)

Now for Christmas.

The tree is FINALLY up and it appears that no lights will be adorning our Home this year. It's too cold now and last year I hung the lights. That's right me ... a girl! And I don't feel up to it this year and Abe doesn't seem to want to go out in the cold and do it either.

So, onto the gifts. Last night we were talking about things we really need. This is what I want ... I would even call it a need ... I sure need to make room on my kitchen shelves if I actually get the gifts I want.

A new Crockpot ... with a timer on it. I love the one that my fabulous family gave us as a wedding gift but I need one with a timer so my food won't cook longer than it needs to while i'm away at work.

Next up a pressure cooker.

But what size to get? Six quart, eight quart, 12 quart... I need to do some more research. But I can't wait to start pressure cooking. In the meantime, I am borrowing my mother-in-law's.

I hope Santa sees my list!!