Feeling so grateful for Christmas

This Christmas season will always remain a unique and memorable one, because of the nature of the 'craziness' of our lives. Being in the midst of a move to another country, along with other large life-changing events (nephews being born, dad having a heart procedure) has brought increased frenzy and (positive) stress into our lives.  Because of it all, it has become very clear to me how important it is to keep Jesus Christ as our focal point. My brother gave an inspiring Christmas talk in church about realizing how Christmas music, lights, and decorations can help us get into the spirit of the season, and to remember why we celebrate this time of year -- simply, because of the unspeakably priceless gift God gave to us - His Son, Jesus.

I woke up this morning feeling very grateful for my family, for my blessings, and for being alive. I watched this short but sweet video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3-T-bm78Xc) and wrote a thank you note to my doctor who, a few months ago, suggested I have an esophagram to discover why my throat has been scratchy for years. Several procedures later, and after discovering my severe acid reflux, and having been on the right medicine - the problem is completely gone and I've been able to have my singing voice back again. Although perhaps a seemingly small thing, this has been a miracle in my life I'm thankful for, and it feels good to thank my doctor for discovering the problem. I hope to be able to continue to see the beauty in the world around me, and to help my kids know what amazing goodness there is around us. We just need to stop and take the time to see it.  I like this comment on lds.org ~

Simplify your Christmas by embracing the spiritual side of the season.  The gift of Christmas isn't wrapped up in presents or parties. The gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father, the Son of God. As you follow Him, you put people first. You may spend less time in lines and more time serving others. You may spend less money on - and more time with - the people you love. You may lose yourself and you may find everything else that matters.

As this is the first year for me to not send Christmas cards due to our move (I started this blog instead), I wanted to proclaim my love for my Savior, for my sweet, caring, smart, thoughtful husband, and for my 3 little friends... Stephen, Kassie and Kenny -- to me, perfect little blessings that God sent straight from His side -- that He loaned to me, to learn from and to love. Every day I hear things that they say and watch things they do and sit in wonder as to how I got so lucky to have them sent to me. One of my favorite things to do is every morning, I go in and lay with them in their bed and snuggle and just watch them... Kenny just little and still sucking his thumb, Stephen so handsome and grown up looking, and Kassie with her gorgeous long hair all around her - all of them, no idea how precious and perfect they are. I can't begin to imagine how much capacity to LOVE God must have -- since he feels this way about each one of us, and I only have these 3 little ones that I adore.  I hope to be more like Him.

2010 school pictures ~ Kenny (5), Kassie (8), Stephen (10)