I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and made some special memories with your families. I will start by telling you about a couple of new traditions I have started.
As some of you are aware, we have had a long standing tradition of going to Mountain River Ranch every Christmas. I was so happy last year when Kristi and her two sons Jeff and Carter were able to go. We had such a great time and we were all looking forward to going again this year. When I tried to make reservations, I found out they were going to be closed this year. I also learned they were going to change management and Mike and Julie will not be running it anymore. We were saddened we wouldn’t be able to continue our tradition and we will really miss Mike and Julie. I was trying to think of something else we could do and then it hit me. “How about the World’s Best Limo Driver taking everyone to see the Christmas lights and then out to dinner?” I thought. “What’s that you say?” You’re right. I am a genius! Everyone had a great time and it was so cute to watch Jayci with Justin when we went through Freeman Park. We will definitely keep this as a new tradition.
My next tradition actually started last year, and it involves a new type of Christmas present. It all started when I was attending the dealer conventions in November. Now, I’m pretty sure it’s a rule or law that whenever you stay at a hotel, you take the extra shampoo and conditioner. It was the third night when I was putting the shampoo and conditioner in my bag that I realized my current hair style no longer requires shampoo and conditioner. Then I remembered a comedy story by Jeff Foxworthy called “The Clampett’s go to Maui.” He talks about his Brother-In-Law raiding the maid’s cart, and when he asked him what he was going to do with all the stuff, he replied, “Christmas presents!” So last year, everyone got a hotel shampoo and conditioner in a fifty cent dollar store box that simply read “Redneck Present.” This year, it was hotel soap in a fifty cent dollar store box with the top held on with duct tape. To clarify so you don’t think I’m really cheap “Redneck Present” is like “Log.” They both contain cash.
Now, I really enjoyed all of these fun things we did. I would like to let you know what I am most grateful for at this time of year. I am so grateful for the birth of our Savior and his glorious plan of Salvation. This year, I lost my good friend Tom, my Aunt Mary, my big brother Curt, and my Mom. I will always miss them, and I heartened and comforted with the knowledge we can be together again. I know our Heavenly Father needed them to continue their service to him. I am grateful for their examples of faith and dedication. The best tribute I can pay them is to work on being the kind of man they can be proud of.
I hope everyone has a safe and very Happy New Year! Thanks for reading.
Next week: Watch out 2020, here we come!
P.S. I promised to tell you about Log. I wrapped it with a small blanket and pillow, and it was “Sleeping like a Log” Like I said, I’m a genius.