merry Christmas

The tree is up and there is snow outside.

Does it feel like Christmas? Well sort of I suppose- I think it's a girl thing mostly- We get all giddy about decorations, music, traditions, wrapping paper, baking-
In the car I always turn the station to Christmas music and when it's Chay's turn to drive he always changes it back to his station- I know there are a thousand versions of the Christmas Song- some more cheesy than others but it's just the season to listen to corny memorable music for one month or so out of the year...so instead of being all giddy like I want to be I miss home mostly- I miss being with Joette, Calie and Mom...powerful women in my life who make the season come alive as they strive to create meaningful memories for their family.

Thank you Joette for playing the piano so beautifully...I just want to lay on our couch and hear you play all of David Lanz's Christmas music right now...

Thank you mom for teaching us to serve at Christmas. My earliest memories of Christmas time are placing packages of surprises on doorsteps, knocking, then running and hiding in the bushes.

My greatest memories are putting up decade old decorations with my Mom and Joette- and listening to Mannheim Steamroller's silent night with the family...with the lights all off besides the tree- I can never listen to that song without crying if Keith is in the room. He sent it to us when he was on his mission and I was only 10 at the time- so the song is linked to the intense missing of him I felt when I was so young. I love Keith so much. My big brother. Then there is his wife Calie- who always brings back the real meaning of Christmas with her heart held gifts she gives each year. Oh calie- you are so on track-

Bryon...oh Bryon- always handy- always the one who will help. He puts up the lights on the house every year. He made my mom and dad the biggest star. Whenever I see a Christmas star all lit up on someone's house I think of Bryon. He is always out in the snow, out in the garage- I can talk to him about anything.

My mom thinks this is her last Christmas. Oh great- don't want to think about that right now- What will I do without my mom? I talk to her everyday.

This time of the year we think of Christ- our Savior...my personal Savior- this I am thankful for- for I know that through Him we discover who we are and where we fit in the grand plan of salvation. Turning to Him allows me to change, grow, repent, love more deeply and truly, forgive freely- preparing me to go home and stand before my Heavenly Father- pure and clean. I can't fully grasp the atonement but I know it was for me- and I have faith that somehow Christ will lift me above my trials- He will heal me from my brokenness and glorify my togetherness. It is through Him I can be made whole. He is the deliverer of peace.

Merry Christmas