K.I.S.S. Principle

Today my hubby and I continued to work on the Christmas projects together. We both had such a good time together. I love how meticulous he is when he makes things. In fact, my daughter Shaniah, who is 15, wants her room painted and redecorated for Christmas this year. She told me the other day that she wants her dad to paint her room because he is a perfectionist and will do it perfect! I laughed because she is absolutely right! His motto is, "If you are going to take the time to do something, than do it right the first time".

We both enjoyed making these things for our family together. I will post pictures after Christmas because I do not want to give away any secrets to my family who I know might be reading these posts.

I love the Christmas season and love to find ways to make it special for my family. Over the past few years for Christmas I try to make at least one thing homemade for each of them. My mom would always make something special for us kids growing up and so I guess that is why I feel I need to do that for them. My Grandma Rhea would always bake us a loaf of our favorite homemade banana bread or pumpkin chocolate chip bread as presents.  I know how special I felt when I knew they took time to make something special just for me.  I guess I just want to carry on this family tradition.  Over the years, I have made family DVD's from our pictures and videos, bedspreads, scrapbooks, and even picture collages.

 This year I had to choose something way simple and easy due to finding my new normal with this disease. I also had to find something that my hubby could help me with. I think he is taking a great deal of pride in being able to do most of it and me being his assistant. I have loved watching him be so dedicated and excited about his work. Having this disease has brought me and my hubby closer together and I think it will be so rewarding for him to be able to see the faces on our loved ones as they open this gift that we made for them. I am so thankful for the special time we have had to work together and build these for our family.

Over the years during the Christmas season I have tried to apply the K.I.S.S. principle (Keep It Small & Simple) I think with the hustle and bustle If I keep it simple my focus can be on the Savior's birth. If I busy myself with too many things of no real worth than I find myself empty and stressed out during the Holiday season. I know I need to be reminded of this each year. My goal this year is to try and find ways to serve others in small and simple ways to honor and celebrate the Saviors birth. I know having this illness has really taught me to simplify my life in so many different ways. It is a work in progress for me each day!