Christmas at the Temple 2012

 

The girls are always "moved" to dance around ("like fairies," according to Georgia), the temple grounds whenever they visit.  The temple is a majestic and peaceful place.  The kids love it here.
   

We did not bring our baby boy.  And I'm glad because it was 39 degrees here at the Oakland Temple!!!  It was soooo cold!
 

We always include a trip to Fentons Ice creamery when we come to the temple at Christmas time.
           

The temple at Christmas time is our favorite family tradition.  It's a place to go for peace and reflection on our Savior.  I love being at the temple with our whole family.  I have hope that one day Kirk and I will be able to go to the temple with all of our children, grown, with their own families.  The kids love it at the temple.  There is a very special spirit at the temple and all who visit here feel it, it's wonderful.

While getting ready for bed this evening my oldest son said that he has a dream every year where Christmas doesn't come.  I smiled and said, "well you never have to worry because Christmas will always come, with or without gifts."  However,  there is always a gift.  The best gift of all.  The Savior.  His redeeming love and atoning sacrifice for all of us.

I have been so touched by all of the blog posts that have reflected on the recent tragic event in this country.    God help our fellow Americans who need him so, during this blessed Christmas season.

Merry Christmas.

Christmas in Jackson...

Behind these two doors was a darling little Christmas party.  A fun gathering for friends and family to enjoy each other's company.  We set off to leave Saturday morning and away we went with cheer and glee....
 

Upon coming through those two lovely doors, is just what we thought would be in store...the piano a' playing with everyone saying, Merry Christmas to you!, we're so glad you could come!
 

We did everything there is to do at these things, we ate and we drank and drank and we ate, fizzy juice that is, until it got late... 
 

But before it got late, too late to go home...we went to the car and pulled out the big crate.  "The crate," you say, it's usually for play, but on this special day the crate meant much more. 

We searched our play clothing and we searched some more for a special array of costumes that day...

for we wanted to act in the most important event to ever happen on this wonderful earth...
 

we found a narrator and a splendid pianist, we were ready to act in this blessed rendition...
 

where Mary and Joseph and a couple of shepherds...
 

some wise men, an angel...
 

and a beloved manger which came to be known as the humble but beautiful holy place....
 

where the Christ child was born with his sweet little face...
 

as he seemed to say this is my time, I will serve, I will love, this is my place.... 
 

Mary and Joseph, the humble parents they were,  had not an idea of how they were going to endure...the life which lay ahead for them and the Christ child.  Born in Bethlehem, so meek and so mild. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11)


 

This was the first impromptu "live" nativity we had done with the kids and family.  I loved it.  I thought it was a great way for the kids to be reminded about the Savior's birth, no better way than to act it out.  This party was in Jackson, just below Lake Tahoe.  It took us about two hours to travel, not bad.  The party was put on by my mother in law's sister, our Aunt Lois.

After the live nativity the children got to meet Santa.  We had a lovely day visiting with family that we rarely see, and enjoying the Christmas spirit that is truly the best part of the year.

I love the Savior.  I love his message.  It is through his Atoning sacrifice that we may not only render our mistakes but it is how we will progress and become better people in this journey called life. I love this life, with all of it's trials, tribulations, tragedy, heart brake and sometimes misery...it is through the Saviour that we may find peace and joy if only to endure this life well.  Merry Christmas spirit. 
 

Night lights...

Every year we take the kids around the town to see the various Christmas lights.  We stop at Starbucks first for some dollor hot chocolate and off we went.
 

We saw some lights locally and then took them to Vasona Park where they have a light expose. 

This year they gave the kids these glasses.  When you looked through them the lights turned into snowmen and Santa Claus'.
 

 

 

 

When we rolled down the window for the dinasours there were sound effects, making it sound like you were in a swampy place filled with animal sounds.  It was great, but Shane freaked out, so up the window went.
 

 

 

The festivities are so fun during this time.  I love doing these things together every year.  It brings so much joy.
 

Tis the Season!!

It's a sixties Christmas!  Can you tell by looking at my pictures?  There is this cool setting in Picasa called "1960's."  It's so fun. 

We are hustling and bustling, busy as ever in this holiday season.  We are about through with shopping, we have service projects lined up, and we are having fun with our Christmas family traditions. 

 

Every year the children wrap all of our Christmas books, and then each take a turn every night opening one.  When we are five days from Christmas we start reading the Christmas story from the Bible. 

We gave our children a challenge to pray for service opportunities this year.  My daughter Gwyneth decided to send a church (ward) wide email and advertise free babysitting to the first five families that emailed back.  She thought it would be nice for the moms to be able to shop without babies and toddlers or maybe couples could go on a "Christmas" date.  We are booked all of next week to babysit!!!!! 

The boys decided to serve the "workers" in our community.  They are making goody bags for our post man, the garbage men and the Liberians who see us aaaaall the time and know us very well.
 

Presents!!!!  Here is my gift from my best friend Marie from "Feeding Five."  I think she waits until Christmas Day to open my present to her, but I don't wait.  I can't, it's too hard..... :)  My favorite is the necklace and earrings.  I looooove the earrings.  And she told me I always make the "nice" list.  I love, love, love her always.
 

 We are busy and grateful for this time of year.  For the added measure of happiness and service we feel.  It is the most wonderful time of year!!!  Merry Christmas Time!!!!