Christmas

This year I was determined to enjoy Christmas.  With our Matt's knee surgery and our sudden move last year, Christmas felt a bit chaotic to say the least.  It is my favorite time of year and I love the spirit that comes with it.  We put our decorations early, made lots of treats for neighbors, listened to lots of Christmas music, and enjoyed every minute of the season.

As usual, our kids ended up very spoiled.  I LOVE IT!!  I love seeing the joy in their faces and the anticipation for Santa.  I don't let my kids have whatever they want whenever they want it, they work hard to earn new toys or things they want.  So it is fun to be able to see them get everything they want... just once a year!  This year they all got new bikes.  Brooke got a new baby and lots of stuff to go with it and a sewing machine.  Cole got a farm set with a cool barn and lots of fireman accessories.  Bailee also got a baby and stuff to go with it and a keyboard.  Not to mention all that they got from Grandma and Grandpas!

We had our usual Christmas Eve party and sang, read, played bingo and had birthday cake.  I love these traditions and the things they teach my kids about the true meaning of Christmas.  I know it takes Karen and Mike a lot of time to put it all together and I hope they know how much we recognize and appreciate their effort!!

This year we also had the opportunity to do a sub for Santa for a family close by.  Our kids got to help pick out presents and then we were able to watch from our cars as the dads left the presents on the porch and ran.  Of course I bawled seeing this mom, who we knew was struggling, come to the door and then bring each of her kids to get their present.  I hope that our kids understand the lesson grandma gave about how blessed we are in our family and how lucky we are that we are able to help others.

Christmas morning was spent at home (again feeling very blessed not to have to travel!)  and then the afternoon at Grandma Beck's and Grandpa Brad's with all the family.

I had the opportunity to give a Christmas lesson in Sunday School the week before Christmas and really enjoyed the time I had to prepare it.  I played a song called "Do You Have Room" by Shawna Edwards and talked about making room for Christ in our lives all the time and not getting caught up in the hustle and bustle-- but stopping to remember what is really important and enjoyed all the little moments.

I am so grateful for my Savior and His gospel in my life.  I'm grateful for His constant support and the knowledge that I can always try again.  I love celebrating His birth and the spirit that comes this time of year.  I hope that I can remember all through the coming year to make room for Him first.