Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Ho, Ho, Ho

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We haven’t seen Santa at the mall yet, but this cute Santa was at our city’s lighting ceremony.

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Christmas is officially underway.  We’re enjoying our favorite Christmas books, filling the air with Christmas music, and Ellie our Elf is hanging out, observing.

But what sparked the Christmas Spirit was attending the Live Nativity nearby (with live animals, even a camel), a trip to Bethlehem (our Ward Christmas party), and the Christmas Devotional from the First Presidency.  How can you not let your heart turn to Jesus.  Loving this time of year!

A neighbor friend and I were in charge of decorating the lobby to look like an Old Bethlehem market.  I had to really search my home for things to represent Bethlehem.  After some creative accessorizing (seriously, my house looked bare without my large palm, plants, and lanterns)… everyone was pleased (many compliments) and it set the mood for a nice Bethlehem Christmas party (it looked better in person with the lights dimmed and the candles lit up).

 

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Wicked King Herod, and cute Trevor was a shepherd guiding us throughout the evening.

 

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Many people put a lot into this, making it such a special night

 

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“As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas Spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always.”  Thomas S. Monson

Homemade caramel corn as we enjoyed the Christmas Devotional

Now, my hope is to keep that peace throughout this busy month, for a stress free December (is it possible with a large busy family?  so far so good).  Just can’t spread myself too thin, I still have some extra things to get ready for- Activity Days Christmas party to prepare (next Tuesday), girls PJ Soccer party here (this Friday), and Decembers Bulletin Board/craft project for Sophie’s class (this Friday). Josh is applying for colleges (then deferring for his mission) and going to his Christmas dance and Trevor's in the school play and has started ice hockey while the girls are taking an after school ski program with their friends (they’re so excited).  Phew!  

In case I don’t have much time to blog this month, some special things I’m looking forward too…

  • Seeing the Nutcracker with my girls (Saturday)
  • Seeing the lights at Temple Square
  • Getting my Tree up (ya, my bad, planning to do it tomorrow)
  • Watching the kids Christmas Piano recital (tomorrow night)
  • Helping with 2 different Sub for Santa’s
  • Building Gingerbread Houses
  • Ski outing with the family (after Christmas)
  • Cuddling with my sweetie in front of the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa!!  I promise to make this happen.

(don’t mind my lists, helps me stay organized)

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Merry Christmas!

1 comment:

likeschocolate said...

What a fun ward party! Ours is on Friday . It is a pajama party, but no way am I going in my pajamas!!!!