Christmas 2012

I LOVE having family come and stay at Christmas time. It seems things are much more exciting around the holidays with the children and even more exciting when grandparents and family get to share in it. We have had so much fun with Christmas building our family traditions. We stole one from a dear friend that the kids look forward to in a big way. On christmas Eve Santa's elves are heard outside the bathroom window while the boys are all in the bath. (this is following the program and party we have in the afternoon) They hear the bells jingling and then the doorbell rings. The boys run out to find the Elves have left them a present and a note. They get dressed in their cozy get up and meet around the tree for the nativity story. After that we turn off all of the lights and sing hymns while I play the piano. Then it's off to bed. In the morning we all meet on mom and dad's bed to read Luke 2 and share our testimonies of Jesus over breakfast. This has been my favorite part of Christmas Day. Then, we head out to spend time giving gifts to each other and take turns opening so we can all share in the excitement. I am so thankful for these boys and their love of the Savior and their example to me of living after the manner of Jesus Christ.