Wow! I just feel a need to jot a little down about this evenings First Presidency Christmas Devotional. This is the first time I have been in the same room as President Monson, since he was sustained prophet. There is such a big difference for me to be there compared to watching it at home. I am convinced even more so now, that he really is our Prophet, called to lead us during these days.
The messages shared tonight were clear and simple. Christmas is about our Savior. As mentioned in the Devotional, it is probably a Divine intervention, that the economy is struggling. Most of us are able to set aside the worldly ideals and focus on the simplicity of Christmas. Dave and I have been trying to keep it very simple for our 3 small children, but I feel more inclined to do so now. I really believe that it is far more important to teach them about the Christmas story and how it applies to us now.
I am thankful for children who delight in the small things in life. Making gingerbread pancakes and frosting them with cool whip to make them white like snowmen, decorating the tree and then sleeping under it, thinking Christmas lists come from what you see at Kid to Kid (where everything is 1/2 the price of reg. stores!), rushing in the door after church to color the picture of Christ that they got at church, reading stories of Santa Mouse and falling asleep to other Christmas stories. Jacob informed me, (our little hunter like his dad), that all he wants is a new gun. Madison, with 10 dolls of her own, wants to sell some in order to get one that blinks its eyes! And that is all that is on their lists--thanks to Madi who wrote them out for all of them! She did add that Brooklyn wants a baby and some crackers! I am thankful that they are teachable and are learning so much about the gospel in their young lives. Madison watches the preview for the DVD on Pres. Hinckley and wants to go buy it-She has literally loved him since she was 18 mths old! Christmas this year is going to be great!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Reflections on Christmas...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both, whichever fits the person I'm giving to!
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love real, but this year we invested in artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? sometime in December--before Christmas
4. When do you take the tree down? After New Year's
5. Do you like eggnog? Love it! Got the kids hooked on it too--esp. Jacob!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? the chocolate bars from my Uncle in England--Nestle and Hershey's will never quite compare:)
7. Hardest person to buy for? No one, now that I just ask them...it makes it easier!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Dave and my kids! It is soooo much fun!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? 2 of them--my favorite is the Willow tree from Dave(Thanks hun!)
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definately mail--if I can remember to get to the post office:(
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of anything......
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I'm not much of a movie fan--Snowden and Grinch are what we watch a ton with the kids
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? about 3 months before
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, at our annual Christmas Party
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham---and the peppermint ice cream dessert Dave makes! (Dave sure makes Christmas Merry and Bright!)
16. Lights on the tree? Nice and clear, but I'm thinking of mixing it up next year to colored! It will go more with the mismatched ornaments put on by the kids! I think I'll save nice and elegant for when we are empty nesters!
17. Favorite Christmas song? With Wondering Awe, Silent Night, and almost anything that is Christmas related:)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? I love the years we stay home--it's my favorite place to be! We do slumber parties under the tree, read stories, and go to a ton of community activities--we love to celebrate!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course! I grew up with my Dad having us memorize "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and performing it at American Legion Dinners for all the old men! Now Dasher, Now Dancer, Now Prancer and Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid on Donder and Blitzen!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Christmas bear--wierd, but cute--I'm looking
(and wish)for a gold, wired angel though!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People that disregard all respect of others to get the "one" present they need! All we need to do-- take some time to reflect on the sacred birth and life of our Savior.
23. What theme or color are you using? red, gold and green or whatever is in the house!
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? any, as long as we're surrounded by family and friends
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Dave?!?!?!?! Do I need say more?
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? I hope everyone will take time--it's fun!
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? ? Anyone who thinks I wouldn't like to read thier responses--So guess what? ya better all be responding! I think this is way cute!
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love real, but this year we invested in artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? sometime in December--before Christmas
4. When do you take the tree down? After New Year's
5. Do you like eggnog? Love it! Got the kids hooked on it too--esp. Jacob!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? the chocolate bars from my Uncle in England--Nestle and Hershey's will never quite compare:)
7. Hardest person to buy for? No one, now that I just ask them...it makes it easier!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Dave and my kids! It is soooo much fun!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? 2 of them--my favorite is the Willow tree from Dave(Thanks hun!)
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definately mail--if I can remember to get to the post office:(
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of anything......
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I'm not much of a movie fan--Snowden and Grinch are what we watch a ton with the kids
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? about 3 months before
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, at our annual Christmas Party
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham---and the peppermint ice cream dessert Dave makes! (Dave sure makes Christmas Merry and Bright!)
16. Lights on the tree? Nice and clear, but I'm thinking of mixing it up next year to colored! It will go more with the mismatched ornaments put on by the kids! I think I'll save nice and elegant for when we are empty nesters!
17. Favorite Christmas song? With Wondering Awe, Silent Night, and almost anything that is Christmas related:)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? I love the years we stay home--it's my favorite place to be! We do slumber parties under the tree, read stories, and go to a ton of community activities--we love to celebrate!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course! I grew up with my Dad having us memorize "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and performing it at American Legion Dinners for all the old men! Now Dasher, Now Dancer, Now Prancer and Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid on Donder and Blitzen!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Christmas bear--wierd, but cute--I'm looking
(and wish)for a gold, wired angel though!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People that disregard all respect of others to get the "one" present they need! All we need to do-- take some time to reflect on the sacred birth and life of our Savior.
23. What theme or color are you using? red, gold and green or whatever is in the house!
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? any, as long as we're surrounded by family and friends
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Dave?!?!?!?! Do I need say more?
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? I hope everyone will take time--it's fun!
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? ? Anyone who thinks I wouldn't like to read thier responses--So guess what? ya better all be responding! I think this is way cute!
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