Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! The birth of Jesus Christ is truly a miraculous event, an event which the entire world benefits. We are so blessed to worship according to our free will and faith. This blog entry, is also a miraculous event. That's because it's me, C! However, my little electronic scribble is nothing like the birth of the Savior...it's very unlikely to change the world.

But wait, on the other hand, whom the entry is about just may... A and I are very lucky to celebrate Christmas at a special little retreat up in mountains. We're practically snowed in today with the forecasted snow storm arriving last night, a few hours behind schedule, but with none the less intensity to say the least. There's not really a whole bunch for us to do all day but eat treats, talk, play games, snuggle, oh...and did I mention eat?

We saved some of the edible gifts that were given to us this past week and took them with us on our Christmas retreat. The hardest thing that needs to be done today is run the warm water for a bath. Oh, how will we ever manage? We started off this morning by reading the scriptures, and then watching the video produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, titled, "Luke 2." We then shared some gifts while we watch "A Christmas Story" on T.V..

A is taking a nap and I'm tucked away in a quiet corner to write this note. Now back to what I was getting at a few minutes ago...The other day I noticed on MSN an article titled, "2008 Most Influential Women," and said to myself, "OK, I give" and I opened the article. I would never say that the women mentioned in the read were not influential in 2008, or in any way say anything that would take away from their influence and accomplishments.

But I just couldn't agree with the article. Maybe somehow these women have influenced my life in some way, possibly indirectly by making the world a little different or better. But I just couldn't connect the dots leading to how they have influenced myself. But then, the article wasn't titled, "the 2008 most influential women in life of C." After reading the article, I couldn't help but think of my beautiful, intelligent, and faithful wife of 10 years. She has done so much for me in my life. She may not realize this, but I learn so much from her.

Her spiritual strength is amazing, her willingness to serve others unselfishly is astounding, and her constant pursuit of learning is inspiring. And to top it all off, she's just a down right fun buddy! If you know her, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't know her, I highly recommend getting to know her. She's a great friend. Just don't take too much of her time away from me please.

What I have been able to do in my life over the past 10 years has only been possible because of her....actually, it would be much better framed by saying, all that we have accomplished. I doubt many men in the world can say this, but I have never once questioned my wife's love, commitment or intentions. Even when she "encourages" me to drive a little slower, or "suggests" a different outfit, or "offers" me a different word to use in my vocabulary...she's only doing it out of love.

Can you say that about your spouse? I have never sensed an ill feeling from her toward me....ever! I'm just so lucky to have her as a companion. As I said before, this blog entry may not change the world as the Savior has, but my wonderful wife just may...she's already changed mine! She's truly the best Christmas gift I received today!