Those of you who know me very well, probably know that I sometimes have a difficult time with Christmas. I love my Savior, and I am happy to have a time set aside to contemplate his birth, but, since I've had children, I've always struggled with all the commercialism that accompanies this time of year. As my kids have gotten older, although the season is still expensive, I have been able to enjoy the holiday without worrying so much. This year, as I've mentioned in previous blogs, we started off Christmas in the right spirit, with the Messiah Sing-along, and Caitlyn's concert. Then we were able to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional while we were in Texas, and of course spend time with the Jackson family, who we don't get to see often. This December, I have been able to slow down and feel the spirit. I read the most beautiful article in December's Ensign. Be at Peace--Elder Christopherson Here is the link. I hope you will all read it. Here is a little excerpt that really stood out to me:
"...I think it’s appropriate this time of year to just think about that baby in the manger. Don’t be too overwhelmed or occupied with what is to come; just think about that little baby. Take a quiet, peaceful moment to ponder the beginning of His life—the culmination of heavenly prophecy but the earthly beginning for Him.
Take time to relax, be at peace, and see this little child in your mind. Do not be too concerned or overwhelmed with what is coming in His life or in yours. Instead, take a peaceful moment to contemplate perhaps the most serene moment in the history of the world—when all of heaven rejoiced with the message “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14)."
Interestingly, even though I feel that I've been able to slow down, we've had a busy and eventful week. The last full day in Texas we went back to the zoo so we could actually see some animals. Andy was busy with finals, but was able to join us when he was done,
Tuesday was spent getting home from Texas. Wednesday we had my book club party, which I prepared for most of the day, and Thursday we had Roy's work party. I had a break from the party preparations when Sara brought Ori over on Thursday afternoon. She had an annual Christmas luncheon with her Anya (grandma) and had asked if I'd keep Ori. I also needed some jewels put on my costume, so I told Jieun to bring over the girls and I'd watch all four girls while she decorated my skating outfit. I took them in the hot tub. It was quite an adventure. (For the picture I had all four girls lined up, but that didn't last long enough to figure out my Ipad camera. These pics aren't terribly focused, but they're cute.
Here are some pictures of all my preparations:
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| Roy gave me this Scrooge doll for an early Christmas present. |
You can see why I had to keep the girls entertained.
Friday we had our ice show. I went down at 10:00 to practice. I was already exhausted from my hectic week, so I only skated 15 or 20 minutes. I also didn't want to get overly tired for my 1 minute performance that night. I went home thinking to get something done, but I spent some time reading, napping, and mostly laying around. Caitlyn did a fantastic job. Click below to watch her performance.
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| The crew that came to watch Caitlyn and Grandma skate |
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| Sunday night |
I couldn't view the video. It gave me a message that it was a private viewing. Your tables were beautiful. You are such a good grandma and a good person. I did see the video of Caitlyn on Facebook. She is a graceful, talented skater.
ReplyDeleteIt's the same video as I posted on Facebook. I made it private on Youtube. I didn't realize that it wouldn't show up on my blog. Maybe I'll try and fix that.
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