CHRISTMAS 2013

It has sure been fun watching this holiday season come into fruition. After Thanksgiving came and went the magic of the Christmas season really started to fill our house. It was fun putting up decorations, listening to the familiar holiday music and baking all sorts of yummy treats! My favorite part of this year is extending help to those around us that find themselves in difficult circumstances and the best is being able to be sneaky about it! I was also excited because I knew Claire would be able to participate in the season alot more than last year! We had a great time dragging her around from Santa clause to Santa clause and by the end her ultimate terror turned into her actually giving one of them a high five! Christmas eve day we spent down at Debi's and Christmas eve we were up in DV. We played some volleyball at the church and watched my favorite movie, "The Santa Clause". We also read through a few chapters in Luke about the Saviors birth. The feeling of peace and joy that comes in knowing and reading the account of our Saviors birth is so amazing. It reminds me of the lyrics to the song, "How many Kings"

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe, after all we've projected,

A child in a manger?

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -

Just a child -

Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior

All that we have, whether costly or meek

Because we believe.

Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure

And myrrh for the cross he will suffer

Do you believe?

Is this who we've waited for?

All for me...

All for you...

Christmas day was really so special, Claire loved trying to tear open her presents and oh boy did she get SO spoiled! I will list a few things but there are just too many to write them all! Animal waffle maker, mini rider horse, radio flyer wagon, trampoline, doggy purse, magnetic drawing board, house with keys, bath toys, clothes, adorable moccasins, little tyke basketball hoop, painting book, stamp set, I am sure I missed a ton but that was the gist! I got Matthew a winter jacket and he got me a beautiful hand made necklace that i'll post a picture of. We went down to debi's after lunch and opened presents there and then had the best gift of all which was getting to talk to Sister Jessica Jamison!! She looked so good and you could just tell she was happy to be doing the Lord's work. We love and miss her SO much! All in all it was a fabulous Christmas and we are so grateful for all of the gifts/money/memories we received! And most of all we are grateful for the gift of our Savior, sent by a loving Heavenly Father. 

CHRISTMAS MORNING

ROUND TWO