Monday, December 7, 2009

A Season of JOY

My Merry Monkeys!

Santa Baby

The True Reason for the Season. This Nativity is actually in the reflection pond at Temple Square.

The House of the Lord.

This is my favorite shot (minus the dude's head in the corner) I love the big orange tree and the way the temple just peeks through it.
This year Cory and I were extra dilligent about getting our shopping for Christmas out of the way before December, and we've succeeded with the exception of a few stockings stuffers. We wanted to make Christmas this year more Christ centered and I think we're succeeding. We started our season by attending the lights at Temple Square. It was beautiful and the spirit there was amazing. Our kids went 2 1/2 hours in the cold with no fights or complaints. If thats not a miracle then I dont know what is!
We've also been reading various scripture stories about the savior this month for our family scripture study. We've been reading about Samuel the lamanite and Mary and Joseph. It's been fun to teach the kids and feel the spirit that the scriptures bring to our home.
We purchased a small nativity for children, as well as a felt board nativity set and we're hoping that by having a Christ centered Christmas toy the kids will be able to more fully understand the Saviors birth. Then we took the kids Christmas shopping for eachother. It's so fun to watch them pick toys for someone other then themselves. They did such a good job.
I'm hoping that a few small things will help our little family to remember the birth of our Savior this season. It's all to often that He is removed from the festivities of this time of year and I don't want to fall into that trend. I'm so greatful for my Savior, for His birth, life, and sacrafice for me. What an honor it is to be loved so much by one so perfect, while I am so imperfect. I'm greatful for His sacrafice which makes it possible for me to be with my family forever, and to see my sweet Mother again. His gospel brings joy to my life and peace to my soul. I hope that we can all find a way to let him into our lives this year and remember that He is the reason we celebrate!





7 comments:

J and J Black said...

Isn't it wonderful to Know the plan of salvation and about the atonement? To know that those we Love, who have already gone home, are waiting for us to return. This time of year is filled with memories. After a few years of lonlyness this year is full Love and Joy( I know that Mom is also filled with Joy) WE LOVE YOU ANNIE and Your BEAUTIFUL FAMILY LOVE DAD & JEWEL

balloongal said...

That is wonderful. Way to get Christmas shopping out of the way early. Did you watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional? They emphasized not getting caught up in the busyness of the season. Jeremy and I were talking about how relaxing December has been so far for us. We have so much to do still, but we're not stressing so far and just enjoying the times we can talk with the kids about the Savior.

Anaelay said...

You inspire me!

Elizabeth Lemon said...

I love it!

Grampa Hadley said...

I have just been reading the mission of the Sunday School from the Sunday School page on lds.org. It talks about using the Holy Ghost when you teach and giving who you are teaching something to do to improve or learn the skill. You are an example of this. We are so blessed that you are part of our family and the mother of some of our grandchildren. You are awesome

Edwin & Tamara said...

adorable

Unknown said...

Love the Salt Lake City temple in the background. My husband and I are going to do some temple work there, so I'm pretty excited. I really liked the nativity scene you showed. It reminded me of when I was a child and would dress up for Christmas.
Don't you just love the holidays? We can all get together and celebrate Christ's life while loving and serving one another - Janie Graham