Christmas

This Christmas was wonderful.  We woke up to snow which made it a White Christmas.  The snow was perfect....on the ground but not much on the roads.  It was beautiful.  I took a picture of the little snow we got and noticed we had a visitor.  I always see "orbs/angels" in our pictures but this was much different.  I think it looks like someone is kneeling with their arms folded and head bowed.  I would like to believe it was my daddy. 

 I couldn't go back to sleep after waking on Christmas Eve.  My thoughts were of my daddy...I was really missing him.  I prayed and asked for him to visit me in a dream but I don't remember dreaming at all once I did fall asleep.  Before I went to sleep I pulled up the video that was made last year of my daddy singing.  I am so glad that we have that.

I think everyone was happy with the gifts they received.  This year I felt inspired to give out Temple pictures since the Ogden Temple was recently remodeled and rededicated.  I think it's a good reminder that sometimes we need to rededicate ourselves to the Lord.  I wanted all my kids to have their own picture to remind them.  I also gave out Temple pictures to my neighbors and friends.  This year was better because Larry got involved and added some cool things.  Everything's better when Larry gets involved.

Kevin and Julie started a tradition of having their parents and siblings over for breakfast.  It was a great way to get the day going.  We went to their house first before making the rounds to the other grands.  It's fun seeing what Santa brought everyone.  It's fun seeing the kids happy and excited. 

From Kevin's we went to Trichelle's since her little's needed to go to their dads.  I am proud of these two this year.  They gave up $$$ that would have been spent on them so that others could have a Christmas.  They were thinking of others this year and that makes me happy.  I know all my kids families have always been involved in helping make other families Christmas better and that just thrills this momma and gramma.  I adore my kids and grands!

Last we went to Justin and Natalie's.  It was fun hearing about mister Parker boy.  He is at such a funny age...pure innocence.   He opened a gift and immediately said "that's not what I asked Santa for".  He was reminded to be grateful anyway and he was.  He was so grateful that when he opened the gift from Mya that was put in  a Saltine Cracker box he just thanked her before realizing their was something else besides crackers in the box. ☺  

Oh the little's are all so sweet and kind and thankful for whatever they get.  They are such good kids and they sure make me happier than I could have imagined.  They make Christmas so fun!

We all met up at my mom's around 3:00 to open the gifts she had for everyone.  My mom gets things all year and always makes it so fun.  She was upbeat and happy and is doing so good.  I admire her so much.  My sister and one of her grands came too. (Braxton and Kelsi were in Jerome being spoiled)  It was fun and I love being at my mom's with everyone.

It's gets a little noisy but it's happy noise.  My dad didn't enjoy the noise but I don't think it bothered him as much on Christmas. Maybe that's why he was always "tootled", so he could relax and just enjoy.  His presence was missed but felt.  He would have been the one setting things up for a group picture but instead it was me this year.  I used his tripod...I was thinking of him.  I'm grateful for my parents and all their hard work and sacrifice to make life safe and enjoyable for me and my family.  They did a great job in parenting.  They have taught me many important lessons.  One that I am really thankful for is to only get whatever you have the money for...never go in debt.  Larry must have learned the same thing because that's how we have lived.  They also taught me that "things" don't make us happy...family does.

Before we left Shellie and her cute family stopped by.  I have always loved this niece of mine.  She's so thoughtful and kind.

This Christmas Season was enjoyable.  I enjoyed time with friends and family.  I did what needed done.  I was able to attend the Temple every week and one week I made it there twice.  I thought of my Savior and tried to be worthy of His spirit.  I felt good and like every year hated to see December 25th end.  I really do enjoy this wonderful time of the year! It was a fabulous Christmas...One of the Best!

Christmas Eve

We decided to spend a little time with the family that we have home.  Our Christmas Eve traditions have changed over the years and we really don't have any at this time.  So, New Years Eve we went to eat and then we went to a movie.  We saw "The Good Lie" and were not disappointed.  It's based on a true story about the "lost boys" from Sudan.  It was intense at times and I shed a few tears throughout the movie for different reasons.  I am so thankful that we live in the United States and that we have the freedoms that we do.  Not all countries have what we do and I think often times we take so much for granted.  I know it's because we don't know better.  This show portrays very well what happens in other countries.

We enjoyed ourselves and each other.  I love that we still have kids at home and that they like hanging out with us and each other.  We have a good time together.  We came home and played "Five Crowns".  Then Jaydan and Jared went to assist Kevin with Christmas.  Larry and I had fell asleep but I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.  I thought a lot about my daddy and wished so bad that I could dream about him.  Finally I pulled up a video that Haley took last year at Christmas time of him singing.  I enjoyed hearing him sing "You"re My Little Girl", "Honolulu Baby", and "Shoo Fly Pie".  I cried as I remembered....as I watched his expressions....as I missed him.  I think I finally went to sleep early Christmas morning.