"I never realized how much I appreciate Jessi . . .

...until now."

--Colby, while dying my hair

Until last November, I was one of those who could tell everyone I had never dyed my hair, well except for sun-in, but that turned out horribly and I was 12, so it didn't count. I decided last November that I wanted to dye my hair a little darker for the winter. Jessi, my best friend and roommate prior to the married life, was all about this life change of mine and hurried over to our apartment to dye my hair. Colby watched tv, having nothing to do with this girl stuff.

Well, I liked the results from last year and wanted to give it another go, but Jessi is way too far away now. That is where Colby came in. He was a trooper and I actually think he slightly enjoyed the task. When I wanted to take the dye away from him for touch-ups, he hesitated to hand over the bottle. I miss my BYU girls dearly, and am hopeful to make it back to see them for lovely Juli's upcoming wedding, but so grateful to be married to a man who is willing to do the girly stuff every once in a while because he loves me.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

I love Christmas and the true reason for the season. Unfortunately, the reason, the birth of our Savior, often gets overshadowed by all the glitz and glamour that comes with the season. I so enjoyed last night where we could take an hour or two to reflect on the birth of our Savior at our ward's Christmas party, "Back to Bethlehem" style. It was glorious.


We all came in Bethlehem styled clothing, listened to a spiritual message and welcoming from the Bishop, then as in old times, went to pay our "taxes" (canned food to be donated to a shelter) and signed in for the "census." We were given our coins to purchase dinner then entered Bethlehem's market. There were turned over our gold coins for plates of bread, meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables. As we ate, we watched a beautiful nativity presentation (please excuse the blurry pictures. Mary and Joseph sat with baby Joseph while angels, shepherds and wise men came and sang. These numbers were wedged between a well written nativity script and congregational singing.




I love being reminded once again why I love this season so much and how grateful I am for the sacrifice of our Savior.