Christmas

Christmas eve was about as perfect as a day could be. Matthew spent pretty much the entire day playing Minecraft with the boys and Mercy watched shows. I didn't leave my bedroom until 10:00 in the morning then took a long nap in the afternoon. Our kids were angels and went to bed without a hint of struggle at 7:30 pm after reading the story of Christ's birth in Luke 2. Stockings were stuffed and those gifts requiring assembly were all ready by 8:30. Matthew and I had a snack and stayed up late playing computer while we cooked a turkey for the next day. It was so nice not to stress about a big fancy meal or making sure we fit in all the requisite "traditions". It was lovely just being us together.

The kids woke us up at 7:30 Christmas morning. They were perfectly patient as they waited at the top of the stairs until we were ready for them to descend. 

Present opening was a very pleasant affair and everyone was pleased with the gifts they gave and received. Mercy got a little trampoline and a tablet from us, along with hand made dress up's from Grandma Naomi and some clothes and several princess books from Grandma J. Abraham got puncture proof bike tires from us, a gears game from the Kress grandparents, and lots of Minecraft Lego's from the Johnson grandparents. Hyrum got a tablet and case from us, remote control cars from the Kress grandparents, and a Minecraft stop motion movie making kit from the Johnson grandparents. Grandma Naomi also made dinosaur towels for each kid. Uncle Wes gave the boys Nerf bows and arrows and gave Mercy a Dory pillow. Matthew's parents gave us a beautiful Christus statue and Sarah gave us a swinging fruit basket. My parents gave Matthew really nice bike shoes and got me a Garmin smart watch. We feel so blessed by the love and thoughtful gifts given to us.

After opening presents, the kids enjoyed a true holiday breakfast: chocolate cakes, chocolate brownies, chocolate pudding, nutty bars, and goldfish crackers.

We had a tri-ward combined sacrament meeting at 10:00 am which was very well done. The choir sang a few songs, the three Bishop's each gave a short talk, and the whole thing lasted just over an hour. Once home, Matthew and Hyrum worked on making a little movie, Abraham played with his Lego's, and Mercy grumped about wanting to watch a show. I spent three hours in the kitchen making homemade tortillas and turkey carnitas, then cleaning all the dishes it took to make homemade tortillas and turkey carnitas. The Brown's, Mindy and her boys, and Dixie joined us for a Christmas fiesta. Dave is an ER doctor and had to work. We had green chili enchiladas, carnitas, cilantro and lime rice, chips, sopapillas, and cranberry gingerale. It was fun to visit with my girlfriends, but the kids were particularly wild and it was a lot of work, rather the opposite of our Christmas eve. 

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I'm so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I'm constantly in awe of his capacity to love and sacrifice. I've been so blessed in my life, and I know that all the good I've experienced is possible because of Him. I also know that the bad I've experienced can be overcome because of Him. I want to be His, and do His will. This season has been particularly joyous as I've tried to remember Him more specifically in my day to day life and exemplify his love as I've served those around me. It's been a merry Christmas in deed.