And, lo....

Tonight when we were reading scriptures at dinner (we usually do it at breakfast, but it has been a little bit off schedule during the break.), Ben decided to read the Christmas story in Luke. (Right now we are currently reading in Alma, which Livy calls Elmo. It is quite cute). As Ben started reading the first words of Luke 2:9- Brooke chimed in and recited almost the entire next 3 verses without any help.

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.

Ben and I just watched in amazement and smiling. Brooke was giddy that we were so excited. And then at the end she said, "And that's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown." We all laughed. But deep down i almost wanted to cry because of all the things she can memorize and remember i am so glad she remembers those words so well, and i hope that they will always stick with her! Then she said, "That's what the Linus button says." I bought the Charlie Brown book at wal-mart two weeks ago and it is a favorite! (And deep down i was giddy that Brooke's teacher showed the movie Charlie Brown's Christmas at school last week-because obviously it does have the true meaning of Christmas in it!)

The Nutcracker

We went to the Nutcracker last night at Temple Hill. It was so awesome! Brooke loved it! Livy fell asleep halfway through the second half, but enjoyed it up until that point. The admission was free, and the show was absolutely AMAZING! It was so fun to see all the girls at the intermission twirling around on their toes and sashaying to and fro all around the lobby and outside. I'm so glad we got to go. And the Temple looked beautiful with all the lights. When we drove up there it was pouring rain and you couldn't even see the spires on the top of the Temple from the parking lot when we pulled in. But when we were leaving it was crystal clear. You could see all the way to San Fransisco and all the bridges. I highly recommend going up to the Oakland Temple, even if you aren't LDS, to see the Nativity and the Lights and there is a Reflections Exhibit in the Visitors Center that is supposed to be amazing. I just love the feeling on the Temple grounds, especially at Christmas.

Christmas Music

I have been spoiled growing up to have been in such a musically talented ward. (You would've thought by now it would have rubbed off on me, but sadly, no. Thankfully i have Ben to help our kids be musically talented). And especially at Christmas time, it has been such a treat! And today was no exception. Music at Christmas magnifies the Spirit so much. I am so thankful to people that put in the time and energy to always make the Sunday before Christmas so amazing. I was sitting in Sacrament meeting overflowing with with joy and peace. The music was so powerful. My friend Katie wrote the most beautiful Christmas song and 8 women sang it a cappella today. And the children's chorus was so good. And Robert Elliott's O'Holy Night was just incredible. But amidst the joy I also felt a twinge of sadness. Sadness that i hadn't invited everyone of my friends to bask in this amazing Spirit felt by music. Sad that the few i had invited weren't able to make it. But the joy and wonderment from the amazing songs definitely won out over that twinge of sadness.

Last Saturday we had an amazing ward Christmas Party as well. And again the talent was awesome. And it just makes me so grateful for people like Katie that put in the time to organize and plan such wonderful programs that magnify the feeling of the Christmas Spirit to the umpteenth power. Thank you Katie for sharing your talent and time. And thank you Carrie for having a children's chorus! It was awesome.

I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. And beautiful music helps me feel the power of His birth and his death deep in my soul.

'Tis the Season

A Christ Centered Christmas. I think it is in the back of every one's minds every year. And every year i come up with a new idea or two on how I can bring Christ into the spirit of Christmas a little more. I feel it is commonplace now to hear the complaint about how Christmas is "glitzy" and more commercialized every year and our society always focuses on the getting and wanting more than the giving and loving. And yes that is a bit true, and i am a culprit of that complaint as well (especially when I think about Christmas decor being sold and advertised even before Halloween) But the past few days I have been thinking about the "Spirit of Christmas". There is a spirit of Christmas everywhere, even amongst the materialism and commercialization of it all. And that means that deep down people are more conscious of being kinder and nicer, people are recognizing the difference of this time of year. Because we celebrate the birth of Christ at this time, His love is felt by all even if they don't know that that is what it is.

Loved this little video clip. Click here for more video and ideas for a Christ centered Christmas.

Christmas Memories

Annual Christmas Tree hunting in Santa Cruz Mountains. This year it was us, Rotars, and Uncle Aaron. We missed Punka and Nanna...this is one of dad's (grandpa; aka "Punka") very favorite Christmas traditions. He says that when they get back from Toronto, we will cut down a 30 footer for the gym!

Christmas in Bethlehem, a ward activity that Ashley organized! Brooke's shephard's robe fell off, but at least she still has the headress. Maybe we can convince Livy to be a sheep nex year or something. The activity was great and really brought in the true meaning of Christmas, our Savior's birth!