In A Whirl

Jolly Old Saint Nick was the star this year (and enjoyed dining on wrapping paper)! Max couldn't wait for Santa to come, Rosie would rather hold Baby D than play or open presents, Lizzy was most excited about a book given to her at a family party, and yes, I love the matching pj's. Any questions? Good.

Mele Kalikimaka

Yes, we did have Christmas. Santa was good to us this year: Rosie a new changing table and accessories for her "Bitty Baby", Lizzy a tea party table, chairs and serving set for her American Girl and Max, little Max and his new Truck from Santa. Elizabeth summed it up with this conversation on Christmas Day:

Lizzy- "Mommy, Santa is SO NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, he really is Lizzy"

Lizzy- "Yea, cause you guys would NEVER buy a real car you can drive for us, and Santa just brought one to Max, he is so NICE"

Mommy- "Yes, Lizzy, he really is so nice"

As for Kelly and I, we were still on cloud 9 after our trip to Kauai, so everything seemed swell. It was a simpler Christmas for me. Knowing that I would be gone the first week of December, I simplified. I took less time decorating, baking, wrapping, shopping and stressing and more time enjoying. It was quite amazing how I much I didn't miss all the fuss and I think I'll make it a habit from here on out (Kauai and all......I wish!). Regardless, Christmas 2009 was "Merry and Bright" as it hopefully always will be.

Merry & Bright

We all loved it for different reasons, each understanding the reason for the season on different levels. But, all in all, it was Merry with: lots of parties, cookies, dresses, shopping, wrapping, un-wrapping, cooking and decorating. Yet, our favorite part of Christmas 08' were the moments that were Bright with: a better understanding of Christmas Hymns by Lizzy who began to feel the warmth of the spirit through song, A greater appreciation for Mary on Sarah's part, The complete JOY of giving learned by Rosie, reaping the blessings of simplification for Kelly (in that he had a less stressed wife, who took his advice) and the feeling of being completely satisfied with one Toy on Christmas Morning by Max.

To Make Or Not To Make, That is The Question:

Every year since Elizabeth was born, we made our own Christmas Cards. They varied between style, size and expense but, I enjoyed dreaming them up each year. I valued their uniqueness and was excited to send them to our family and friends. During the long process of cutting, cropping and gluing, I would always vow to make them "simpler" next year. I do believe as I look over the 7 years worth of home-made cards, they did become more "paired down".

And now, my life is fuller. I am busier I think. Because of my kind Husband's gentle prods to simplify where we can, I am actually considering ordering cards!! AHHHHH!! What did I just say?? Costco Cards?? No way! It's just not me. Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything wrong with Costco cards (or any "photo card") for other people, just not our family.

I have given this a lot of thought. I see the benefit in ordering cards: easy, inexpensive, fast, practical. The negatives are: generic, having to worry about having the same card as your neighbor, impersonal. Do the benefits out way the negatives? Will I join myself with the masses in line at the Costco Photo Center? Will I swallow my pride and free my mind of undue stress? I guess you'll have to wait and find out when you receive our Christmas Card!

Oh Come all Ye Faithful

This year our ward jumped on the band wagon and participated in "A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM" for our Christmas party. Take it from me, it was A TON of work, stress, and made for many sleepless nights. But, it was so AWESOME. I loved walking into the cultural hall that night and felt transformed into a different time and place. There was something magical about the evening, a special spirit different than any other church party I have attended. Our family dressed up in costume (as all of the ward was encouraged to do) and the girls thought it was so fun. They looked so cute in their little head dresses. Each family was given gold coins to barter with in different shops for their dinner. Families sat by each other on blankets on the floor. It felt like a big indoor picnic. We had the most perfect Mary and Joseph, as "Mary" sang Breath of Heaven (Amy Grant) it was so touching. I found myself wiping tears away from my cheeks, completely caught up in the whole experience. For a brief moment, I let my mind wander back to what it must have been like to be Mary. She had so much faith; to think of having a baby in a barn! The song is all about Mary asking for help with the task she was given to be the Savior's mother. Having the blessing of being a mother, I have a new appreciation and respect for Mary. Looking around I could see I wasn't the only one moved by the program. Lizzy sang with her primary class and was simply darling. Leading up to this one night, I did not have the Christmas spirit, I was so stressed about pulling this evening off. I felt jealous of others who were shopping and decking their halls while I was frantically planning a party. Looking back I realize that helping with this party was the best thing I could have done to get myself and my family into the "true" Christmas spirit. Lizzy especially seemed to eat the whole thing up and I could tell understood a little more about the events surrounding Jesus's birth. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knew exactly what I needed to keep a Christ-centered Christmas this year. Now for the SHOPPING!