Happypeacejoymerrylovebright

 

The Sunday before Christmas the grandchildren, all on their own, directed and costumed our Nativity Pageant.

 

Ady was our glorious Angel we have Heard on High.

I love it when the uncles participate with extra enthusiasm. 

I believe they are our Shepherds.

Kaden came on scene as a strong and masculine Joseph.

Kate was Baby Jesus, Mary was played by our lovely Emmy.  Kenley decided that we needed a princess in there too. 

No part is too small in this theatrical production.

Look, no one is crying!

Uncle Bubba and Spencer were the most royal Wise Men we have ever had.  Actually, it was one of the best Nativities that we've ever had, mainly cause it was spontaneous and cause the kids put it all on. 

My favorite!!!

Emmy was the baker of our Christmas wreath this year.

So domestic and proud of her creation.

On Christmas morning Kaden dressed up in our Santa costume.  He was jolly and so adorable.

Mom and Dad, Marty, Marc and Merrill came to join my family with our Christmas breakfast and opening of presents. 

It made us feel special.  Honestly, it meant a lot to me to have them there, especially since they arrived just after 8:00. 

It made our morning feel like a real celebration.   

Before the opening of presents began.  I loved how patient my kids were with waiting to open.  It might have had to do with them already getting a ton of gifts from their dad the day before, but it's nice as they get older to want to savor moments.  They were are divinely wonderful this morning.

Gift opening...

hugging and thanking... my favorite!

Bubba braiding Maryn's hair during the festivities.

not sure what this is.

Their new BYU attire.

Love being all together.

The girls got cell phones.  Augh!

Later that afternoon we went to Mom and Dad's house to enjoy everyone else.  Uncle Wes, Aunt Lois and kids came over for fun.  Love seeing those cousins!

Opening family gifts always means lots of hugs and silliness.  Everyone is waiting their turn for hugs from my girls; even though the gift isn't from them, they still want the hug.

Really we get so silly when we're all together, but I love it! 

After being away from family for so so long I really treasure every moment we get together.  I want to milk the memories and capture moments.  I don't want to ever forget how much I love each weird thing that we do together. 

 

All the girls are modeling the hats and scarves we got . 

Christmas 2013 was a hard one for me in a few ways but I don't want to dwell on those. It was an awesome Christmas in MANY ways!  I want to dwell on the new ways we are finding joy as a family.  I want to dwell on how amazing we are and how much stronger we are this year compared to last year.  We are still charting new territory in certain things, but aren't we all?  Isn't each day a new adventure for all of us?  Unchartered territory for all of us?  Aren't we all getting stronger as we find ways to experience JOY. 

I am so thankful for that baby who was born in Bethlehem.  I am so thankful for all the Christmas programs we attended this holiday seasons that helped to remind me of His importance and helped me to feel that I want to always be living a life that is patterned after His.  He is the Way.  He is what brings us JOY.  He is the reason why it's all worth it. 

 

We're going to make it!

Merry Christmas!