Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!! Even though Jonas was super excited last night, I woke up a couple hours before he did! (I just didn't want him to stumble into the living room without me being there.) Eventually, he woke up and quickly woke up the rest of his siblings. It was extremely hard for him to wait to see if Santa brought him his red bike! Finally, Jonas snuck up the stairs before his siblings to see what was under the tree. Luckily, I was already ready with my phone to take pictures and video. Over the years, the excitement of receiving gifts has worn off or rather changed into an excitement of watching others receive the gifts I thoughtfully tried to give them. It's an added bonus when that individual is a child who still believes in the Christmas magic.

The other kids weren't too far behind Jonas. Once everyone was upstairs, the kids unloaded their stockings before unwrapping their gifts. Everyone seemed to enjoy the gifts we received...and luckily, there weren't any Christmas fails (e.g., gifts that don't work right, buying the wrong size of something, etc.)! As much as I wasn't worried about what was under the tree, I received some really thoughtful gifts. In addition to the mundane things I asked for (e.g., new sheets, a hand mixer, new silverware, etc.), I also received a weekend getaway from (and with) Jeff to go snowmobiling in Yellowstone, some fun Christmas socks that say, "If you can read this, I'm watching Hallmark movies!", a checkers game that the girls wrote things about me that they're grateful for, and so much more. I was truly spoiled...but the best part was I think everyone felt that way.

I strategically saved the best gifts for last. Jeff and I got the family a set of laser tag guns. We had a blast the rest of the day playing laser tag, but more than that, I think the favorite gift was another family gift...a One Wheel! The boys have been begging for one for forever! I don't think they ever imagined we would actually get one for them. When we weren't playing laser tag or any of the other games we received, everyone was trying out the one wheel...even Jonas. The rest of the day was just spent together as family. We had our traditional waffle breakfast (because the first Christmas we were married, Jeff bought me a waffle maker) and Jeff's parents and grandma also came to visit to give the kids their gifts. Several of the kids mentioned that this was the "best" Christmas ever. I'm honestly not sure how we could top it. I'm just glad that everyone enjoyed the day...and being together. To me, that is more important than any gift any of us received. Family is everything! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Christmas is finally upon us! What happened to December? It always gets to this point and I have a mixture of excitement for the day and sadness because it's almost over for another year. Today was a really nice day. The weather was "warm" for December (no snow though which was a bit of a Christmas bummer) and we were just able to spend the day as a family. We started our day by going out to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. The rest of the day was spent at home. Jonas and I made cookies for Santa then we worked on a Christmas puzzle and made a fort (that he was going to sleep in but never actually did). The older kids decided to make a wooden puzzle game for Grumpy so Jeff, Jonas and I moved our puzzle and movie to the shop so we could all be together. I love that the kids are excited about making things and using the tools we have. (Grumpy loved his gift!) 

Once evening hit, we quickly set out our luminaries before going to Gma Penny's house for our Bethlehem dinner and Christmas Eve devotional. These are my favorite Christmas traditions. Every Christmas Eve night, I go outside after dark to take pictures of the luminaries. It is my quiet (but cold) time alone to reflect on what this holiday is all about. I love how our luminaries illuminate our little part of the neighborhood, but I love the symbolism even more. I want to direct Christ to my home. I want to welcome Him always. I know I don't always act in a manner that would please Him, but I'm trying. I try to create a home He would feel comfortable in. I try to be patient. I try to demonstrate love. I know I don't always succeed. I can only hope that He (and others) can see my efforts.

For our Bethlehem dinner, we researched foods found in the Bible and then created a smorgasbord of delicacies. I actually really enjoy this dinner. I like that it's not one big main course but rather a tasting of a bunch of different foods. 

Following dinner, we had a little Christmas Eve devotional. We read the account of Christ's birth from the Bible and share a story of the impact of His atonement. Danny played a Christmas song on the cello and we all sang a few Christmas hymns. After that, Gma Penny played a fun "right/left" game by retelling the Nativity story. Finally, we made our way home to set out milk and cookies for Santa. Jonas could hardly contain his excitement!

12 Days of Kindness: Day 12

Today is Sunday. We started our day by attending a special Christmas service at church. Honestly, after the last "amen", I felt like Christmas was done. We had truly experienced what Christmas is all about. It's not about the tree or tinsel. It's not about the gifts or goodies. It's not about the presents or the illusion of perfection. It is about love. It is about family. It is about Christ. Today the peace of Christ permeated our small chapel and penetrated every heart as we listened to the retelling of the Nativity story through scripture and song. Amber sang a solo (O Holy Night). Dallin performed in a trio (Mary Did You Know?) and Daniel sang in the choir. Even Jeff and I participated in a sort of "pop up" or "instant" choir for a couple of numbers. Tears filled my eyes as witnesses of Christ's life and love were so poignantly portrayed. This is Christmas. He is Christmas.

Today's final kindness activity was to provide service in the home. Often times, I feel we focus outwardly on our service and kindness even though those who could use it most are those within our own homes. Today I challenged all of us to be a little kinder and to find ways to serve. This required us to be aware of each other's needs throughout the day instead of simply focusing on ourselves. For some, this was an easy, natural activity. For others, I think it required a little more effort. To be honest, I don't think some took it very seriously at all...which was a little frustrating for me. I wish I could say there was a palpable increase in the peace in the home, but I didn't notice it. In fact, by the end of the night, I was pretty frustrated with some of the kids' attitudes...but I love them anyways. I think the greatest service I offered that day was an added measure of patience. There are so many times I don't exhibit patience when I should. I have to remember that they are still learning and growing...and so am I. Often times, I pray that they will have patience with me as I bumble my way through parenthood...so shouldn't I have patience with them? I have enjoyed these last 12+ days of kindness. Yes, it is sometimes frustrating to organize and execute with everyone's changing schedules or desires to be elsewhere, but I learn and grow from it...even if no one else does. I learn that my kids really are good kids. They have kind hearts and, while they're still learning, they are very capable of thinking of others. I learn that plans don't always have to go as I envision for them to be effective. I am reminded that kindness doesn't take a lot of money or time. I am reminded that I too can be better at recognizing the needs around me instead of focusing on myself. Most of all, I feel closer to my Savior as I consider and contemplate how He would serve if He were here. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year...not because of the presents we receive or the lights we see or the yummy goodies we devour, but because of the life that began over two millenia ago that inspired and reminded everyone that we must love God and love our neighbors. There is no greater commandment than that. Merry Christmas!