It's the most wonderful time of the year.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  I haven't always thought this way.  In fact, I have been known to be a Christmas Scrooge!  It has always taken me until about Dec. 18 to get into the spirit of Christmas.  I think it is because the expense and the commercialism surrounding Christmas has always bothered me.  I want the season to be about Christ.  I know now that it is up to me whether or not Christ is the center of my Christmas!  I think I have finally learned to just enjoy being with the family and not worrying too much about the rest. 

My mother always taught me to love people more than things.  Whenever anything was broken or ruined in her home, she always just picked it up, threw it away, and said, "It's only a material thing."  Sometimes I knew that her heart was a little bit broken because of a broken item that was special to her, but she never let the person who broke the item know it.  This is one lesson that I have taken with me throughout my life.  I have tried to teach this to my own children.

I have told this story before, but one day the boys had a neighborhood friend over.  They were being a bit clumsy and the friend dropped a plate as he took it out of the cupboard.  I guess I was a little uptight, because I almost reacted contrary to the above mentioned practice.  I almost got angry.  However, just before anything came out of my mouth, Nick said to his friend, "Don't worry, we don't get in trouble for breaking things here."  Thankfully, I was stopped in my tracks.  

So, for the next week I will remember my mother and the charity and pure love that she always shared with those around her.  I will enjoy the chaos and ignore the mess. 

Elise and Andy arrived around midnight Thursday night.  Roy went and got them and I went to bed.  He's very thoughtful of me (he knows I'm nicer with a good night's sleep).

This picture was taken after they had a short night's sleep.  We still had a little
snow in our backyard.  That's exciting to Texas boys.
They keep trying to go outside and play, but, as Max says when he comes
in freezing, "It's Utah."

Mav

 

Mav was awakened from his nap to head
to the airport on Thursday afternoon.  He
was not very happy about it.

Waiting for the airplane (for 3 hours)  Andy was worried they'd be late with all the Texas traffic.

I wasn't invited to the following activity, but the pictures were too cute not to share.  Dan and Jieun had a secret Santa deliver them gifts for several days in a row.  On one of the days, 60 undecorated cookies arrived and so Jieun had all the Davis County cousins come and help decorate (Adrienne graciously offered the use of the Green's home where they are currently residing).

Doyeon

Hyeji

Yuna

Oli

Hyeji

Finn

Effie

Gunnar

Dojin does not like being corrected

Sara, Effie and Avie

 The first thing Mav asked me when he woke up this morning was, "Where are my cousins?"

Well, Mav.  They don't all live here with us.  However, Ruby and Greta are here from Logan for the weekend, but they were still asleep.

Max loves to gather eggs, even when it's 25 degrees outside.

Mav, Andy and Bevy (she's quiet when she's asleep)

Roy and I took 9 of our grandchildren to the play "Elf" at the Centerpoint Legacy Theater.  I think they all loved it (the rule is that they have to be "3"  Thank goodness!).  Some of them were a little wiggly--it was a pretty long play!  We got a few cute pictures.

Doyeon, Finn and Max

Hyeji, Ori and Yuna (with Finn and Ruby behind)

Oli, Doyeon and Gunnar

Oli, Doyeon and Ruby

Ori, Effie and Hyeji--watching a show

After the play everyone met at our house for pizza.  After pizza
we celebrated Dojin's birthday (it's actually on the 27th).  He loved
being the center of attention--but who doesn't?

Effie

Dojin, Crista, Doyeon and Matt playing games

Elise and Mav

Max and Mav ready for church

One hour church today was lovely-especially since we had 5 small children with us. The only problem is that one hour isn't enough to show off my family.

Ruby and Greta also ready for church.  They got these cute dresses
and coats from a secret Santa also.  I'm glad there are people
watching out for my kids.

Ruby, Greta and Beverly (Beverly does not sit still.  It's a miracle we
captured this picture at all).

Cousins, Ruby, Mav, Max and Greta

We didn't go to church with these girls, but they looked adorable in
their Christmas dresses. (Ori, Avie, Effie).

We had the entire family over for puzzles and games tonight.  Tomorrow night will be equally fun and crazy.  Merry Christmas everyone!