Another Christmas in the Books

We had a great December! We did many of the traditional things we usually do, and we also missed a couple because of illness.  But, all in all, it was happy.  I love this time of year and generosity that permeates the air.  Many who are forgotten throughout the year are remembered, and in general, more kindness abounds as our thoughts are more often pondered on the Savior.

Here are some pics of some of our activities.

Decorating the tree

Decorating Gingerbread Houses

Decorating grandma and grandpa's tree and candy trees

Hailey's Choir Concert

Ready for Christmas

Checking out stockings

Crepes before gifts 

And....the moment they've all been waiting for

These two are becoming great friends.  It's so fun to watch

Conrad shooting his new bow.

Christmas day, we also went to my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Robert's home for dinner.  It was enjoyable to spend time with them and my parents who came over too.  We ate way too much food, there were lots of leftovers and lots of laughs.  Thanks so much, Joyce and Robert, for having our wild bunch over!!!

My favorite part of the whole month was a sacrament meeting on Sunday.  It turned out so amazing, and many were touched. I've never sung in the ward choir before.  But, to get Hailey to join, I've been going.  The ward choir director put together a beautiful program with talking parts, solos, string quartets, choir numbers, and the closing song with organ, piano, violin, choir, and congregation.  The spirit was so strong, and everyone I talked to was blown away.  Hailey was lucky enough to get to sing a solo, and I got to play the organ that day.  I was really nervous, and I'm so glad it's done, but it was a great experience to be a part of.

I've studied a great deal about the Savior this past year and have a much deeper understanding of Him and all he sacrificed for us.  I know I have a long way to go to know more, and I have so many shortcomings that I won't mention.  But, the thing I've really grown to understand is that it's ok I'm not perfect now.  His grace is sufficient for me now.  I'll keep plugging along and trying my best.  Some days are better than others.  Some months are better than others.  But, I know he's always there even when I feel alone, and it's me that pulls away.   Sometimes he stretching me more than I like, and others blessing me in ways that I need, and when I look for them, I can see.  I'm sure he blesses me, and in my selfishness, I don't see many other tender mercies.  I do know that through Him, I have joy and peace in my heart.  I know as long as he's in the front of my mind, and I'm trying to follow him, I will always have that to fall on, even when life is a struggle.  I feel so blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  And we are so fortunate that on that first Christmas morning, a child was born, our Savior, Christ the Lord.