The Good Kind of Trouble

This was what Jeff got me, among other things, for Christmas. He also got the original artist to sign it and put our names and wedding date on it! It's gorgeous. He actually saved it for when we went up to his parent's house for Christmas morning. Jeff has a thing about being the last one of us to give a gift to the other. He planned it special. He's in trouble though, for being so sneaky. But as my sister Ginny said, "It's the good kind of trouble."

First and forever there was just a little family....

"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby--that's how Christmas began. It is for this baby that we shout in chorus: 'Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! . . . Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth' ." --Jeffrey R. Holland

I love the Christmas Season. I'm a sucker for it. I can feel the happiness all around me. I truly feel the light of Christ shining brighter around us. I love the music, the lights, being with family and friends. Sharing in one the most miraculous events in history: The birth of the Savior of all of us. A small child, a perfect gift. A peaceful picture of a mother tenderly holding her baby. The watchful eye and fatherly embrace of Joseph. Those who witnessed it, and those on the other side of the veil who rejoiced it with bursts of song. Such joy and beauty that still transcends today, that fills us with love and forgiveness. I am grateful at this time for the gifts that I have been given. For my husband and best friend. For family, those who are by birth, marriage and friendship. For the knowledge that we are not alone, and not just that, but we are known by our Father in heaven. And for the gift He gave us all in His Son, who gave His life and endured all, that we might always find comfort and love and life through Him.

"Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die!"

May the Spirit of Christmas fill your lives! Merry Christmas to all! Love Biz

My Top Ten Christmas Movies.... Maybe Even Ever!

Here is my list of favorite Christmas movies. You may see some that you love not included. Let me know if I have missed some contenders. Also, I have not seen White Christmas yet, so know in advance, it's not on here.... yet?

10. It's tie. It's either Scrooged with Bill Murray or While You Were Sleeping (which is a Christmas movie, though not wholly about Christmas, which is the only reason it is not at the top of the list). I could not mention While You Were Sleeping.

9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: I love those old school "claymation" movies. It's hard to choose, but this might be my favorite.


8. How The Grinch Stole Christmas: Not the Jim Carey version. This is a classic. I love it. I think that I love Max the most.


7. Home Alone: I'm not saying all of them were great, but I really love the story. It's a family feel good.


6. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Uh, Linus quoting the Bible, you bet this is on my list!


5. A Christmas Story: Maybe a real depiction of all the things that happen over the Christmas Holiday. Funny, sad, clever, awkward. It has a little bit for everyone to relate to!




4. Elf: It's hilarious. Nuff said. (Also, only funny movie that stars Will Ferrell. Just saying.)


3. Love Actually: Hear me out on this. I am not recommending anyone going out to rent this movie. It is a R rated, and I personally don't want R rated movies. However, I got this movie when Clean Flicks went out of business. It has completely eliminated four characters from the show, so what is left is a really beautiful movie about people at Christmas time. I even love Hugh Grant's character, and I can't always say that. He starts the movie with the quote, " If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around." If you wanna borrow my edited copy let me know. You'll like it.

2. The Muppet's Christmas Carol: It was so hard to choose my number one, but know that A Muppet's Christmas Carol has a dear place in my heart. I love it! It is the best version, end of story.
1. It's A Wonderful Life: The movie is timeless and awesome. Even though my love for the Muppets is strong, I just don't think anything is more Christmas that It's A Wonderful Life.