And the stockings were hung...

Our Christmas preparations started out strong we had our traditional BREAK the Fast with Christmas tree waffles/toast, and the first presidency Christmas devotional. 

Decorated the tree and the house, it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

Our traditions continued we sat on Santa’s lap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

not once but twice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas lists with wants, good for us and needs.  (Gold, frankincense, myrrh).   

We also participated in the Ward Christmas party, which was over the top, fabulous.  I was on a committee to decorate the dessert room, we did candy land theme and it turned out cute.  Our family was asked to be Santa’s elves and we had a great time. 

Rianne was even in a Christmas Play.

Things were moving along in traditional Christmas fashion.    On the 14^th I was visiting teaching when I heard the news of the shooting in Connecticut.  At first I didn’t really get the gravity of it.  When I got home I was glued to the story the next few days seemed like a blur.  Christmas planning seemed to come to a halt, my Christmas to do list was wiped clean.  I didn’t want make and take treats; I wasn’t worried about how tight it was going to be.  I ached for those families with presents under the tree that would never be unwrapped.   I thought of all of our friends with little kindergarteners.  I went through the motions of Christmas preparation but my heart was far from it.  At Church when Autumn (little kindergartener) brought a little gift for Ria I about started crying… but in that moment the grief for those families was replaced with gratitude.  For the knowledge I have, for the gift of His gospel in my life.  

I thought about His birth we were celebrating.  I thought of just last year in kindergarten, how excited Heath got for birthday parties he was invited to.  And they received just that, a birthday party invitation to be with Him.  They were perfect, While I am not I want to live worthy so at life’s end I will receive that invitation to again be with Him. 
Christmas plans changed I was just going to enjoy the magic of the season, look for the sparkle of surprise in their eyes and hold them a little tighter and enjoy the life I have been given. 

Our Christmas campout... silent night was more enjoyable.