Maybe it was the "little" in the sentence of "have yourself a merry little Christmas" that held true for us this year, as this year, was filled with such a peaceful joy that even as I write this post two months later I'm wishing for a bit of Christmas joy. Or maybe it was knowing that next year will probably be different in having two missionaries in the field. Whatever the cause we felt the Spirit abundantly this year. I hope they all noticed it, Delaney sure did. She came to me and said "Mom, it's a good thing that we don't have much money this year for Christmas, because now we are focusing on what's most important.....Jesus." I love my dear family. They all bring such joy. I love that they are so giving, down to their last dollar for a gift for someone else. I love how they are truly thankful for that bottle of shampoo or stuffed animal--she named it and talks to it often :). I loved hearing who their favorite First Nativity person was.....and then bear testimony of the Love of God in our lives because of that persons story.
Ryan, Connor and Cailin each got a "really good" pillow along with one other smaller gift. Ryan got a dragon t-shirt, Connor ankle weights and Cailin a curling iron.
Brianne got a car rolling tower.....which has been changed to a ball rolling tower. She loves to watch things roll.
Liam got a Red Rider BB Gun!!! oh so happy and a Star Wars t-shirt. Delaney got an American Girl type doll and a 'add your own recipes' type recipe book.
Last year a new tradition began.....movies in the afternoon!! All but Brianne and I, took off to see the latest Star Wars movie. They loved it!! Afterwards we had a dinner of ham, potatoes and Christmas strawberry jello.
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| Playing a rousing game of Trouble!! |
