The Best Way

Henry Christmas morning.

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas out in Utah this year. I am always impressed with how much thought and effort go into everything my parents prepare. From meals to gifts to costumes for our ever growing Nativity cast. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t pull my camera out more, but we had such a great time. The holiday weekend we ate, we visited, we played games, volleyball (for the Championship of the World!) and we even had a talent show this year.

Another fabulous Christmas.

We rang in the New Year when the East coast did…meaning we all ended up in bed before midnight. In fact, I think I fell asleep at about 11:45. So close. I must be getting old.

New Years Day, after attending just Sacrament Meeting, we drove up to Sandy up to Sunset Gardens to visit Baby Honey’s grave. She doesn’t have her own grave stone yet, but after four years this was the first time we’d been back. I didn’t know what to expect, but thankfully I think with time, I was ready.

Ryan and I agreed that this was the perfect place for a family picture. All together. We will treasure those tender moments.

On our way back to my parents, we decided to stop by the place where it all began, back in 2000.

The Jordan River Temple

Our first visit back since our wedding (apparently we aren’t this area very much…) and unfortunately, the gates were locked. I was happy to snap a few photos though and the kids seemed happy to see the temple their parents were married in.

This day was the best way we could have started this new year.

Wrapping Up December

My thoughts on December 2010:

I could totally live in a place where it doesn't snow in December. While the whole country was getting dumped on with either rain or snow, Denver sat here with above temperatures - I loved it.

I'm still trying to figure out if that's why it didn't feel like Christmas was coming. It wasn't until Christmas Eve that it finally felt like Christmas - still without colder temperatures and snow. This Christmas seemed a little more magical as the belief in Santa was stronger than ever. Not that we agree with the commercialization of Christmas nor have it revolve around a man in a big, red suit, but, there's something about your children being children and enjoying the belief and magic. I can't really explain it (as you can tell by the redundancy).

I turned 30 this month. Thirty. I'm still trying to digest it and trying not to be traumatized. It still sounds so old but, when I look back on the road that brought me here, I'm grateful. So grateful.

Ryan and I were asked to play Mary and Joseph in our Ward Christmas Nativity. Sweet Henry was baby Jesus - a BIG baby Jesus. He loved it. He was such a good boy, and behaved so well - especially when Mary sang to him sitting on the floor holding her rather large baby.

I didn't get my camera out as much as I wanted to this month, but I did catch these Christmas morning.

And, look what Santa brought this year...

I think we may be the last people on earth to have one and there was a reason for it. I didn't want the wasted time, the fighting over controllers nor who's beating who. Whatever. It hasn't been too bad. I must say though that Ryan got in the most trouble Christmas Day.

I'm ready for 2011 and wonder what this new year will bring...

Christmas Eve

Tonight we enjoyed some festivities with Honey's family. What fun we had! We played basketball, floor hockey and card games. We feasted, and opened presents. We even enjoyed a white elephant gift exchange. And the kids loved the gifts they received from Grammies and Grandpa Livingstone.

When we returned, as we were getting the kids ready for bed and waiting to say family prayers, I had a little time to reflect. I wonder how Mary felt in the little stable knowing that she would shortly give birth to the Son of God. Did she sleep? Probably not, maybe not so much from discomfort, but I suppose that she was wondering how she would ever raise this special Son. I wonder if she was visited and given some peace as she continued on her divine mission. Did she worry that her first child would be born in a dirty stable? She had traveled so far, did she worry about the long journey back to her home? I can only imagine she felt somewhat inadequate, not only because she was having her first child, but she was charged with raising the Son of God.

I wonder about Joseph, being a father for the first time. I'm sure he worried about the coming days, from birth to how he would raise the Son of God. What could he offer? What would his Father want him to do? I'm sure he felt the importance of the event and was even more frustrated that he couldn't arrange more comfortable accommodations.

What about our Father in Heaven. I'm sure His omniscience helped Him find comfort in the mission His Son was beginning. I wonder if He was even slightly worried knowing that His Son would eventually suffer and die at the hands of His other children, and that the Savior would have to do it alone.

I can't help but feel bad about the attention I've given this holy time, namely the lack thereof. What an amazing event, a miraculous time. What an honor to serve Him. Let us all remember Him, His mission, and His love. We love you and pray that His spirit fills your home.

Merry Christmas.

Ryan and Honey