Christmas 2007

I thought I would add some words to our wonderful Christmas. It was a very quiet Utah Christmas, but also very enjoyable. Sean didn't go to work for 2 weeks which was my most favorite Christmas gift. The girls enjoyed having Christmas at home but did miss Grandma's house and all their cousins. They were so excited Christmas Eve, it was very cute to see them make cards and write notes to Santa. This year they left him hot chocolate and celery - we were out of carrots. Christmas morning we woke up and opened gifts and had yummy christmas morning breakfast. After Christmas dinner, Sean took the girls sleding and I got to take a short nap - Another of my favorite gifts. That evening we all went to Enchanted. After Christmas was time to get our house clean and prepare for the girls baptism. We cleaned our carpets, cleaned the basement, got new furniture - Yippy!!! And of course Sean got his Sony Bravia - we moved our 21 inch tube downstairs. We have been enjoying the clean house and a bigger TV that has a clear picture. Very fun!!

This Christmas...

This

Christmas

Mend a quarrel.

Seek out a forgotten friend.

Write a letter. Give a soft answer.

Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.

Encourage Youth. Apologize. Try to understand.

Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise.

Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Welcome a stranger.

Think first of someone else. Laugh a little more. Be gentle.

Be kind. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.

Gladden the heart of a child. Examine your demands on others.

Express your gratitude. Speak your love and

Then, speak it again.

First Presidency Christmas Devotional - December 4, 1994

Happy 8th Birthday Megan & Emily!!!

All we want for Christmas...

...that money cannot buy

1. Our kids to be just as sweet during the teenage years as they are now (Sean & Laura Lee)
2. Qualify for the Boston Marathon (Sean)
3. No more school, church, mall shootings (All)
4. Our house to be magically cleaned every day (Laura Lee)
5. A baby brother (Megan)
6. Shake hands with the real Santa Claus (Emily & Megan)
7. No broken sprinkler pipes (Sean)
8. A Daddy that is only gone 3 hrs on Sunday (Laura Lee, Megan and Emily)
9. No more family pictures (Sean)
10. More family pictures (Laura Lee)
11. A south or west facing drive way (Sean)
12. An East facing backyard (All)
13. Triplets (Megan)
14. A California winter (Sean)
15. A Canadian summer (Laura Lee)
16. Sony Bravia 46" flat panel 1080p HDTV (Laura Lee)
17. 4 more hours in the day...after work (Sean)
18. 2 more days in the weekend (All)
19. A kitty (Megan)
20. A monkey (Emily)
21. Pets that feed themselves and clean up after themselves (Sean)
22. Kids that feed themselves and clean up after themselves (Laura Lee)
23. The Office and Lost back on iTunes (Sean & Laura Lee)
24. To have all our Grandmas and Grandpas back (Sean & Laura Lee)
25. To be closer to family (All)
26. Gas prices that make sense (All)
27. Ronald Reagan back in the White House (Sean)
28. Girls that practice violin and piano without asking (Laura Lee)
29. Peace on Earth, Goodwill To Men. (All)
30. Happiness for all our family and friends (All)

One Special Moment in Time

Last Sunday Megan and Emily had the opportunity to play their violin for the Primary Sacrament Program. They played "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" as a duet and then in harmony for the chorus. Everytime I think about how well they did I just smile with delight. They played the song perfectly with great sound and perfect bows together which was a huge accomplishment. Even Daddy was amazed with the girls and how well they did. Practice times are not always the smooth happy days - sometimes we just did a 5 min practice or just 2 measures to figure some notes out. But over the past 4 months we followed my Mom's (Elsie's) motto that I grew up with - PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING AS LONG AS YOUR WILLING TO WORK AT IT!!! It was very nice to have both my sisters and their families come to watch and support the girls - Thanks Tania & Keli Anne. Both Megan and Emily felt such a sense of accomplishment. Emily even said "I think I like the violin" and is now asking to practice. She passed off a song in 2 weeks which was usually taking 2 months. I am so proud of these 2 little almost 8 year olds - they make my heart sing!!!!

GO COUGARS !!!

Saturday's BYU game was a blowout from the first quarter, but we didn't mind. It was the perfect weather for a game - bright blue skies and 60 degrees. Emily and Megan love going to the games. I'm not even sure they watched any of it, but they had a great time shaking (or wearing) their pom poms, snacking, and singing the Cougar fight song. When we aren't physically at the game, they will try to extend their evening by coming out to see Daddy and saying, "Daddy is there a football game on?" I think they are 70% interested in staying up longer, 25% interested in being with their Dad, and 5% interested in the game. Daddy always gives in...

Halloween Fun!!

Halloween 2007

Halloween is such a fun time of year, the girls are already talking about what they want to be for next year. During the whole month of October I felt like we were celebrating halloween. This year the ward put on a great trunk or treat - our whole family dressed up for the first time. While ordering Megan and Emily's costumes off the internet they talked me into getting Sean and I a costume also. We had a fun time and the girls loved that we dressed up. I think Bishop Poynter scared a few kids at the church - he was looking a little wild. A little out of character.

Carving pumpkins is always Daddy's department. I like to cut of the top and help clean it out. The carving and creativity is left up to Sean.

Megan's most favorite thing to do at Halloween time is hand out candy. The girls did some trick or treating but she was more interested in handing out the candy. She was concerned that we had good candy to hand out and also had enough. We must of had over 100 kids come for candy on Halloween night. We had a great night - starting with dinner at the Watsons - yummy stuff, trick or treating and then up to my sisters to hang out and visit. The girls were so tired - Megan fell asleep right after her head hit the pillow. Halloween lets everyone just have a fun time and even the adults can relive their childhood.

Girls Night Out

HANNAH MONTANA - BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

THE GIRLS ARE COUNTING DOWN FOR THE HANNAH MONTANA CONCERT - 1 DAY LEFT!!!!

Black Tie - Xango 2007

Well I always write about the girls and all their adventures. I thought I would include some of the fun activities Sean and I do. Last night we attended the annual black tie dinner to kick off Xango Convention and to honor some of the top distributors. It is always an adventure to find a dress and jewellery but of course I really don't mind shopping. I don't know what we did before we had the online ordering system. And of course that's where I found my dress - Online. Sean was able to just go into a tux shop a few days before and pick out a tux. Really not fair!! No stress for him. All in all it is fun to get all dressed up and go out with my sweetheart. We had a fun and were able to spend time together. Because Sean is so busy with church, work and other things I really cherish the time we get together.

Nurtured by Love - Suzuki Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence

Over 3000 young musicians had the opportunity to perform in the Conference Center on Saturday night. Megan and Emily were part of this group and they put on a delightful concert. The night was very inspiring - too see a little 4 year old child perform a little number on the organ was just amazing. We also gained more of insight of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki he has said many profound words the quote that really moves me is -

"If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. My aim in teaching is to give children a sense of joy. I don't want to turn all of my students into professional musicians. I want to make good citizens, noble human beings. Music can open a child's heart, and give him a finer appreciation for life.".

Those are such powerful words and I believe in what he says. It makes all the hours of lessons and practice as a parent worth it. Sometimes sitting down to practice with the girls everyday for piano and violin can be more work for me than them. I was reminded this weekend how important this time is. It is so fun to see the twinkle in Emily's eyes when she can perform a song for Grandma she learned and worked on for months. Megan is now on the last song of book 1 - Gavotte - a very challenging piece, but she works so hard at it and feels such a sense of accomplishment. So I guess on the days that I'm frustrated or feeling that I really don't have time to sit and practice with the girls I will be reminded of this fine concert and evening we had in the Conference Center

Disneyworld 2006

In May 2006, we took a trip to Disneyworld. We had so much fun, we decided to go every other year...so that means another trip in 2008. Since we weren't blogging back then, and since Laura Lee is out running errands, Megan, Emily and I decided to throw some of our favorite photos on our blog to remind us how much fun we had and to start thinking of our next trip.

The Yearly Family Pictures

Well we did it again, the yearly stressful event of family pictures. I'm telling myself that we will look back in thirty years and say these pictures are priceless - but right now I'm just glad the family pictures are done. It is more than wonderful to now have a photographer that is part of the family - that does remove a lot of the stress. The girls had a fun time working with Uncle Rich. Now we just have to go through and pick out the one we want to use for our Christmas Card - Anyone have any votes???

1st General Conference

What a wonderful opportunity to attend General Conferance as a family. Megan and Emily's first time in the Conference Center. They woke up 7am on Saturday morning and got ready without any drama, which does at times occur on a regular Sunday morning. As most people feel while listening to conference, they feel like the talk is speaking to you personally. I felt this throughout the whole meeting - the talks and music were spoken for my benefit and exactly what I needed to hear at this time. After hearing President Henry B. Eyring talk to today, I feel it very important to express my thoughts and how I was touched by the spirit of the Holy Ghost. I was deeply impressed to know and understand that God will remember me. He knows and remembers each of us and all we desire. I especially enjoyed the retold stort of Rachel. God remembered Rachel - heavens promises don't remain a far way off. Is there anything too hard for Lord. I was reminded to put more trust in the Lord and have more faith - Laura Lee don't look to the world to achieve your greatest desires. I believe in miracles and know that they take place daily. Through the past month, I have done much thinking about life and the 2nd talk was just exactly what we needed to hear. Bear one another burdens; mourn with those who mourn. We are fulfilling our baptisimal covenant when we do these things. What happens to one happens to all - Endure together. We are all here to become more like Him and to support one another. It's important for us women to not judge someone else's actions or way of doing things. Each of us women are striving to raise good families and become more like Him. It is so important to be a support to each other in this crazy world.

Memorial Service - Richard Arlen Bliss

Baby Richie would be about 4 weeks old tomorrow - I can't stop thinking about him and what he would have been like. I know that he was perfect when he was born and he most likely did not need to go through the trials here on earth. It has been such a life changing event in all of our lives - it is hard to express. I know this is a journal for me, so I felt that it was important to express how I was feeling today. I'm not getting much done but I am remembering this trial and how I can improve my life and be a better person. During this time it brought our whole family together which was just more than wonderful. I also have been thinking about when I was growing up - our family had many health trials we had to endure. But I really feel that our family is closer because these challenges. I'm just thankful each one of my brothers and sisters and would do anything for them. They are raising such beautiful children - all the little cousins in their pink dresses and suits were just beautiful. I know that all the little cousins could feel of the loss but also learned a lot about plan of salvation. Megan said the other day "We will see baby Richie again." What a wonderful understanding we are blessed with.

Say Cheese!!

Today is school pictures and I'm in a little bit of a panic because the girls are growing up too fast. I told them that this is the first school picture without a bow in their hair - A sure sign that they are not little girls anymore. I keep telling them to quit growing but they keep getting smarter and a little taller. But they sure looked cute for their school pictures. I'm very grateful to be a mom to such special little girls. Beautiful inside and out!!!!!

What are you going to be for Halloween?

Megan and Emily have been trying to plan out what they are going to be for Halloween. Halloween can be fun, but also a little frustrating for mom. I think the girls change their minds about 10 times before making a final decision. Dressing up is fun for the kids as I remember it was fun when I was a kid also.

Dad's Birthday

Happy Birthday Dad!! Today in primary we talked about the circle of life and who is included in this circle of life. Well it made me reflect of my life and since we just celebrated my Dad's birthday I've been thinking about him and what an influence he has had in my life. I think that it is important to write down some memories and interesting thoughts so that my kids can read them later in life. Just this summer when we were home we went to the lake and did some windsurfing. Dallin (15) and Jared (14) wanted to try Grandpa's windsurfer, after a few trys grandpa had to show his grandkids that this almost 70 grandpa could still do it. Dad has spent many of the past years inventing tents and stoves. He sews the tents and builds the stoves out of a tin can - pretty ingenious. When I was younger Dad took us camping, skiing, fishing, and berry picking. The berry picking sounds a little odd but there was not much going on. I keep telling Emily I was a Tomboy when I was little - she keeps asking me to explain. My Dad would call me his little Boy Scout. Also Dad helped us write all our papers for school - he is very well read and could write good introductions and concluding paragraphs. He would always ask us - What grade did I get on your paper? I look back on those years with very fond memories and always know that my family is the most important part of my circle of life.

Photo Shoot

With the Children's Club Show coming up next month in New York we needed to take photos of some our new products. Well we have had the camisoles for awhile but never added them to the brochure. Mom is also adding colored slips to the Sterling Kids line, which will be kind of fun. This new pettiskirt thing is pretty hip and perhaps just a fad but it is also kind of a fun look. I asked the girls if they would were it to school and they were not too sure about that idea. Kristine felt pretty special in her little outfit. Actually all the girls were feeling pretty good in their seven jeans and big white belt we ordered while in New York last time. The girls had a great time being little models. Uncle Rich took some great pictures - mom did not realize he was going to take so many pictures. So we will have to see how they sell in New York. Kind of fun.
http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb25/lauraleepoynter/?action=view&current=96a97b74.pbr

In Memory of Richard Arlen Bliss - 8 lbs 7ounces

Richard Arlen Bliss was stillborn on Sept. 7, 2007 at 1:46am, with no apparent health problems or birth complications. He was perfect. I find it hard to express my thoughts of these beautiful pictures of Baby Richard Arlen, even though we did not get to meet him, I feel like I know his strong little spirit. My heart aches for Tania and Rich, but I also find peace and comfort in our Heavenly Fathers plan. I know there is a special plan for Richard Arlen. I felt the special spirit in the room when he was born. The Memorial service held for Richard Arlen could not have been more beautiful, both Tania and Rich shared their thoughts with much emotion and also strength. I left feeling at peace and uplifted, wanting to be a better person. The outpouring of support and love showed towards Tania and Rich has been overwhelming. I know they appreciate it so much. We all must not forget how precious life is and reverence ourselves to the will of the Lord. There is a plan for each of us.


I have had many phone calls for Tania's address -

Rich & Tania Bliss
1402 S 1050 W
Orem, UT 84058
USA
Phone: 226-2593