Christmas 2011

Christmas this year was so simple and beautiful. We had our traditional dinner where we invited our parents to come for dinner, and of course, my sweet Grandma. I feel so blessed to have her close again (she is living with my parents). It is her house that we would go to, or have her come to ours, when I was growing up. It was her that gave us pajamas each year so we had something special to wake up in on Christmas morning. I love her so much!

The kids also wanted to make a birthday cake for Jesus, so they helped me make that as well. And, we ate our traditional Shepherds Pie-our rendition of it!


Then, we talked about the birth of Christ, what His life means to us, and how we can better live to show our love for Him. I love these tender moments where our parents share their testimonies with our children. It is truly spiritual.

We try to keep Christmas simple, focusing on Christ, not too many gifts, and more about giving. The kids have been great, making simple lists and not asking for anything extravagant. It was a great morning taking turns to open gifts from each other and giving thanks to each person. I just absolutely love the Christmas season. Decorations have been more simple, the schedule has been more simple, and we had Lizzie, our little miracle, with us this year enjoying her first "Christmas." It's been perfect! I look forward to spending some time visiting our parents today.