Christmas 2011

What a wonderful Christmas time. It has been so much fun to have Amanda home from college, lighting up our home with her sweet spirit and happy soul. The little girls just adore her and want to hang out with her. They spent time shopping together, wrapping gifts, and just ha

ving fun together. Last night we celebrated Christmas eve with a traditional turkey dinner (Taylor's request, we normally have Argentine food) with Grandma and Grandpa Seely. Dorothy worked hard all day preparing the meal and boy was it great. Most of us had to practically roll away from the table. We then spent time playing some Christmas themed games and read and acted out the Christmas story. It was so good to have Dorothy's parents hear with us. We ended the night with a Christmas video together then tucked the kids in. That is when the work began. I sure have a great wife. She amazes me with the way she addresses the details.

Christmas always feels better when it is on a Sunday. It helps us keep our focus on the day and what it represents. Our kids, fortunately did not wake us up until 7:45 although both Anna and Taylor were awake off and on since 5:00 am. We finally got down stairs and began opening presents at 8:00 am. It was so much fun and from what I could tell, it was a big success. Dorothy and I did not purchase presents for each other because we are going to Hawaii in February with the Craig and Karen Stephens. Amanda's big gift was a ticket to "The Lion King" in Las Vegas with her mom and Grandma Seely. They go next week. Taylor got a ticket to see Jimmer Fredette when the Sacramento Kings come to play the Jazz in January. He will get to go with me. Sarah, as usual, stocked up on Pokemon videos, games and cards. She did get a pay as you go cell phone. We will see how she does with it. Anna got a long board (big hit) and all kinds of minature animals. She was absolutely giddy about the holiday. I sure hate to see her grow up. The other kids are fun but Anna still is excited about everything. After opening gifts we had breakfast as a family then got ready for church.

Our sacrament meeting was the Christmas program and it was just beautiful. The choir performed many numbers as well as Dorothy and some other sisters did a beautiful number. I just love meetings that are filled with mostly music about the Savior. I think the spirit is always the strongest through music. Maybe I can convince Bishop Smith to have a couple other meetings this year of just music. Again, having Christmas on the sabbath really helps me focus on the importance of this day. I love my Savior and I am so blessed to have a testimony of his life and of this gospel. I pray that this coming year will bring our family continued blessings from God and that we can live worthily of those blessings. May God Bless All.