Christmas Eve!

It's the last night of our Christmas Countdown! The kids are so excited... you can feel it in the air. We jumped right into the festivities... my sweet niece, Sydney, was doing some pretty impressive face painting. Victoria was so excited to have hers done! Penelope's face painting!

Daphne chose poinsettias. My sweet friend, Tiffany, came over this morning to give Daphne a little Christmas gift. She had been begging me to do something really fancy in her hair for Christmas, but my skills are rather limited. So, Tiff did this for us:

After Matt's parents served up the delicious meal they had prepared, Raegan and I got the kids ready for our Nativity. Tori wanted to be an angel:

So did Penny:

Our three wise women, with their gifts for Jesus! (Sydney, Abbie and Daphne)

The Holy Family: Corbin as Joseph, Lydia as Mary and Isaac as the Donkey!

Luke and Zach as Shepherds and Lexy is all covered in fleecy white as the lamb.
Marsha's family room was filled with all the presents and our entire family at this point, so things were a little crowded, but it all worked out beautifully!

Their play was so sweet. Tori listened to the stage directions and went over at just the right time... she said to the Shepherds, "Don't Be Afraid. Jesus is born in Beth-a-la-hem!" As crazy and chaotic as this scene is, my eyes filled with tears watching these sweet, precious children re-tell the coming of their very Savior. This is my very favorite part of Christmas. I don't know what I'll do when they are all grown up.

After our Nativity, it was time to open presents from Nanny and Papa!

Daphne opening her new bedding for her Butterfly themed bedroom!

Nanny and Papa gave Isaac a Basketball Standard for our new house!

Victoria got an awesome Disney Castle with lots of tiny princesses and princes!

Tori, Penny, and Savannah also received little tutus and Hello Kitty Shirts!

We all exchange family gifts now, so this year we gave a gift to Jude and Natalie's family and they gave a gift to us. Here are Daphne and me opening ours:

And then it was time to give our presents to Nanny and Papa. Typically, we all give her new pictures for her "picture wall". They are really hard to buy for because they have pretty much everything they really want.

Marsha has a wall ( you can see part of it in on the left side of this pic)... she has pictures of each of her children at their weddings, a family picture for each, a first baby picture of each grandchild and a current picture of each grandchild.

Each year, she receives new pictures, but they often aren't able to get the new pictures into frames because it's such a huge job. It's not uncommon for the new pictures to sit in the box all year, without getting into frames on the wall.

So... in addition to the pictures, we gave them this:

Matt wrote this little twist on the Night Before Christmas (he's so clever!). It reads:

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Nanny's house
All her children were stirring, each one with their spouse;
Old pictures had been hung on the wall with great care,
But no updated photos of the children are found there;
Old pictures have been nestled all snug in their frame,
You must have been thinking this wall's looking lame;
And Laura in her 'kerchief, and I with no hair,
Had an idea- We'll do better, we swear!
The new pictures arrived among such a clatter,
That we surely all see now what is the matter.
Down will come all the old, off the wall in a flash,
New photos hung for free? That's better than cash!
Those precious faces; the names you all know.
Give lustre to the room; all who see will say "whoa",
When, what to your wondering eyes will appear,
But thirteen grandchildren and there families so dear,
On Monday we'll come over so lively and quick,
We'll hang up new pictures, hoping they'll stick.
More rapid than eagles your servants they came,
They'll all be in order, each child by name;
Now Sydney! Now Austin! Now Lexy and Abbie!
On Isaac! On Lydi! On Corbin and Zachy!
Now Daphne! Now Lukey! Now Tori and Penny!
And let's not forget about sweet little Vanny!
Get your faces in frames! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
Over we'll come; just give our team a whistle,
And up the pictures will go, as fast as a missile!
And I heard Nanny exclaim, ere we drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Marsh and Calvin LOVED it! Matt and I went over the day after Christmas and rearranged all the frames, added new ones and put new pictures in old frames. The wall looks great now and it was a fun way to give them a gift of service!

Our scripture for tonight was all of Luke 2. We sang Silent Night together, and tucked or sweet little babies into their beds!

Christmas Countdown, Day 23

December 23: The Littlest Angel!

This is one of my favorite Christmas Children's Books. My Dad used to read it to us on Christmas Eve when we were little. I distinctly remember being all dressed up for the Christmas Eve Nativity (I was Mary that year) and sitting next to my sister on the love seat while our Dad read this book to us. He could never get through it without tears, and I have always been touched by the story as well. Interestingly enough, however, the reasons it evokes tears for me seem to evolve and grow as I age. Have you read it?

Initially, I found it touching because I identified with the little boy who feels so out of place, then I began to acknowledge the meaning in God choosing this child's gift for Christ... that although He feels "less than", our Father God finds value in Him. If you haven't read this book, I don't want to ruin it for you; but let me tell you why, as an adult, I find this book so touching.

I get chills when I get to the second half of the book. The symbolism to our own struggle in mortality it so real now... so clear. Themes and messages that went over my head as a child now sink into my bones with clarity.

What I love most about this book is the message that When we truly give of ourselves to the Lord, give in a way that sacrifices what we desire; He will take that offering and make it something beautiful; something mind-boggling, something beyond our comprehension. Like that sweet little boy with two fish and five loaves of bread. He will make our offering more than enough. And then I feel it a step further... when we give to Him our very selves, our will, He will make us into something better; something amazing, something that fulfills our potential and brings glory to Him. He will make us like Him. And that, my friends, is the only thing we really have to give Him: Our Hearts; Our very Will; Ourselves.

Honestly, I don't think my kids really got that message this year. But I hope that as we read it every Christmas, the emotion of the story will grow on them as it did me. That one year, they will hear the story with new ears, ears that are ready hearken to the Holy Ghost... that they will look up and see the symbolism so clearly that their hearts are full of the love of Christ.

For now, I'll settle for a traditional reading with cookies! We thought we would try a new recipe to go along with the book: cookies called Angel Wings! If I'm being completely truthful, this was a Day 23/24 activity because the dough has to refrigerate over night. Honestly, they were really tedious to make. But we had fun! While Dad read the story, the kiddos munched on the cookies! The tedious process of cookie-making would totally have been worth it if anyone had liked them! But, it was a universal thumbs down on the cookies. Bummer. Our song for tonight was a repeat of The First Noel (since my girls sing it almost every day anyway!)

And our scripture for this night was Luke 2:6-11:

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Christmas Countdown, Day 22

December 22: The Star!

Tonight we read this book: There are actually a few other books that tell the story of Christmas from the perspective of the people in Ancient America. The Book of Mormon tells account of the believers in America who were waiting (desperately) for the sign of Christ's birth. Ancient Prophecies foretold that there would be a new star in the sky.
So sometimes we read a book, this happens:

And sometimes, they actually listen (you can tell that I really want you to see them listening, because I look pretty terrifying in this picture):

Our activity for tonight was to make stars!

The kids loved it!

Daphne was feeling a little... ummm... crazy tonight!

Mostly they loved the glitter, but they loved the stars, too!

Our song for tonight is Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus!

Our verses tonight come from the Book of Mormon, Helaman 14:3-5:

"And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.
4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.
5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you."

Christmas Coutdown, Day 21

December 20: Neighbor Treats!

Today was a crazy, crazy day! I made breakfast casserole, three different types of cookies, supervised and conducted Daphne's 2nd grade Christmas party, cooked dinner and then it was off to deliver neighbor treats! The kids were so excited for this! It was starting to snow, so we made it quick.

I wish I had a video camera on all the time so that you could see how precious these moments have been for us. I think Isaac, Daphne, and Tori are learning something every day about the real meaning of Christmas, about why it is so important to have the Spirit of Christ in our hearts and homes every day.

Our song for tonight was Mary's Lullaby.

Our scripture is from the gospel of Luke:

"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be btaxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)"

Christmas Countdown, Day 20

December 20th: Christmas Oranges
We read this book tonight. It is a sweet story... not my favorite Christmas story ever, but I think that it helps children to gain perspective of how very much they have. It teaches generosity, charity and caring. Beautiful story.

Again, uncombed hair, mismatched pjs, dress up clothes and the three most beautiful faces in the world:

I thought they might complain about only having oranges for a treat, but they were just excited!

Our song for tonight was Picture A Christmas.

And our verses for tonight come from Galatians 4:4-5:

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

Christmas Countdown, Day 19

December 19th- Angel Tree!

Here's a little tip from a procrastinating Mom: Don't wait until December 19th to try and Angel Tree gift. Cause all the children had already been chosen and they wouldn't even let us double up for on of them! Fortunately, the Toys for Tots bin was still accepting donations, so even though it wasn't quite as personal, we were able to buy a boy and a girl gift and donate them.
The kids were so excited and did great! We wanted to get a picture, but we couldn't get rid of this creepy guy in the back ground. Our song for tonight was Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

And our verse for tonight comes from II Corinthians 9:15:

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

Christmas Countdown, Day 18

December 18th, Caroling for Grandma!

I think this was my favorite activity of all. We invited Matt's brother Jude and sister Raegan and their families to go Christmas Caroling at Matt's grandmother's nursing home! Here we are singing to Granny Great, as we like to call her!
See the pictures on the walls? Those are all puzzles that Granny Great and her visitors put together and then mod podged together to hang on the wall!

Tori and Penny were a little more interested in taking a ride in Grandma's wheel chair than in singing. After we sang to Grandma, we went around and sang to lots of other residents.

Savannah liked listening to all the music!

Towards the end, we came into the lobby and sang to everyone who was hanging out there.

They were all so appreciative- we were so happy to do it. Matt's Dad stayed back in the room with Grandma while we walked around and a nurse came in and said, "Have you heard the carolers? They are really good!" Calvin said, "Yes, they are her grandchildren!"

The next day, Daphne whispered in my ear, "Mom, I felt really good while we were caroling at Grandma's."

Paycheck moment.

Our scripture for this night focused on how the angels sang to tell of Christ's birth, Luke 2:13-14:

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Christmas Countdown, Day 17

December 17, Layton Lights!


We are so glad to live in Layton, our city has some pretty fun lights! It's no temple square, but it's a fun way to spend an evening every Christmas season. The kids have been begging to go, so we planned it for a Saturday when we could head out there right as the sun went down. The city deosn't have any lights showing the real reason for Christmas, but fortunately there is a Seminary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints right next door, so they always have a displayof the nativity as you enter the Layton Lights! It was pretty cold, but so fun!

Most of the displays are various types of animals. Very few of them are actually Christmas-y, but everything is lit up- it's quite beautiful!

Daphne saw the movie A Dolphin's Tale this Summer and has decided that her favorite animal is the dolphin, so we had to get a picture by the dolphins!

And here's a picture of Tori just because she's cute!

December 17th, Layton Lights

We spoke of how Christmas lights are representative of the New Star that appeared over Bethlehem, signaling the birth of Christ around the world. So our song for tonight was Stars Were Gleaming! Daphne and Isaac learned this one in Primary this year and it is one of our very favorites!

And our scripture spoke of the star as well, Matthew 2:1-2:

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."