"Gift giving requires a sensitive giver and receiver." - Elder Henry B. Eyring

I was driving to work the other day and this talk came over my iPod. It touched me so deeply, I thought I'd share it with you, too. 
It was given by Elder Henry B. Eyring back in December of 1983 at a BYU devotional. I wasn't even born yet, but these words have somehow found me anyway.
Funny how things work out - I was just pondering why I suck at giving gifts, why I never seem to be satisfied in giving presents, in which results in me giving no presents at all.

This talk addresses that very topic and more, as you might suspect.

May we all learn a little something about what real gift giving means this season :)

My mom decorates the best Christmas trees.

Merry Christmas!

Elder Eyring - Gifts of Love

"Let's here it for New York" - Jay Z

I am in love with Jay Z's new song. I listen to it about 5 times a day right now. Alicia Keys' voice = eargasm. Basically I have a renewed passion to go to New York. My first time there was probably...shoot...3 years ago?

5th Avenue is pretty much amazing. Every store you can think of, including an NBA store where I bought Peter some cards. He was thrilled. We thought he'd give up card collecting, that it was just a phase...apparently not.

"If Jesus payin' LeBron, I'm payin' Dwayne Wade" - Jay Z

Then there's the naked cowboy. My only regret is not getting a picture with this man.

Central Park! Oh how beautiful I remember this place. It was covered in snow then.

And then there's the Rockefeller Center - I got to see the Christmas tree of 07 with my own eyes!

"Concrete jungle where dreams are made of"

"There's nothing you can't do, now that you're in New York"

"These streets will make you feel brand new"

"Big lights will inspire you" - Alicia Keys

"I support your decision, Martha. Come live in New York. Love always, Miss Liberty"

"I wish it was Christmas today" - Julian Casablancas

Because I'm not going home for Christmas, my family had Christmas last week. I woke up "Christmas morning" singing this song.

Paul, Jayda and Me

 She's just so darn cute, even when she threw up in my hair.

Paul Wall even got some quality time with Jayda. He didn't shave the whole week because of a bet, bless his heart. He still lost. 

My crazy Aunt Linda and my mom before The Feast, complete with all my favorite Mom-cooked foods.

 We all had a lot to eat. Even Freddy, who then took a nap on Pops.

We played lots and lots of cards, namely Euchre, the family game. Lora had to learn upon marrying Peter, and 2 years later, she's good now. 

I got Popsy his favorite cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory - Banana Cream - and a funny card. He loves funny cards.

Christmas and Thanksgiving in one week was really fun. I recommend it. :)