Our Family Christmas

The two adorable grandsons that were with us this Christmas, Spencer and Adrian.

Merry Christmas!

    We sure hope your Christmas was wonderful and happy and full of fun! Ours was, and we are still enjoying it as family is here with us, although we are missing others.
      I found as I was editing the pictures from the photos we took on Christmas Eve of my grandsons, that I had such a huge grin on my face just looking at them, in spite of the fact that we never got the "perfect picture" !  They are all so special and perfect to me.  Here is a slideshow of them:

      Having Christmas on Sunday was so special.  It made our normal Christmas morning routine very different, but I loved feeling the true Spirit and reason for the season.  My son-in-law Adrian joined my husband, Jacob and me in singing with the choir at church.  It was such a great feeling to be up there all together singing praises, and to see our dear friends at church and wish them Merry Christmas.  There was such a feeling of love there.  Tyler, Lindsey and Madalynn also sang and/or played in their respective wards.  Christmas hymns bring so much joy to the season.

       Because of our varied schedules, gift opening began on Christmas Eve and continued into late in the day on Christmas.  It was a lot of fun!  Look what my husband and kids pitched in to get me! 

And in Christmas Red!

    So, between these two gifts, I was pretty spoiled this year.  If you missed out on of picking up these beauties, you can still get them here and here!  We used the Cocoa Grande machine on Christmas Eve with our Hot Cocoa Bombs.  I made bread in the KitchenAid this morning.  I will show you the results tomorrow! It is rising as I write.

      I always love seeing what everyone else gets for Christmas and how happy it makes them.  My son got my daughter-in-law a gift that I found so clever!  My 7 month old grandson is teething a lot now.  He is always chewing on everything.  Tyler found her this teething necklace that looks so cute for her to wear, but when she is holding Spencer, he can grab it and safely chew on it.  Here it is in action: 

        My daughter received an excellent stylus set that will help her to do great art work on her tablet.  She got her husband shower speakers so he can listen to music while showering, and sing along!
        My mom sent everyone beautiful handmade pillows, pillowcases and quilts.  Those are great things to start making now to prepare for next year! I have a couple of tutorials for pillowcases here and here. Also for pillows and quilts (and here) if you want to check out some ideas.

Look at my cute owl pillow! I love it!

      Well, I can't even begin to continue to list the nice and thoughtful and beautiful gifts we each received.  But, of course, the best part has been the time we have spent together, the goofy laughter and jokes and the love we have all felt.  
         I am so thankful for being able to talk face to face with loved ones far away! What a blessing technology can be.  I am so thankful for my family, from my own nuclear family to my extended one.  Last night we all went over to the Mesa LDS Temple together and took in the Christmas lights there and saw the Nativity Display.  In a quiet moment, I looked around and felt the Spirit of Peace touch my heart and I realized again just how thankful I am for my Savior Jesus Christ.  Somehow, this year, that feeling has been stronger than ever and I want to express to all of you that I know He lives and I love Him and He love me and He loves you.  If you want to know more, click here!  

We always love the wise men crossing the front lawn of the temple.

The large nativity scene on the grounds are beautiful. There are inspirational messages that you can listen to as you visit each site.

        So, that is just a glimpse of our Christmas this year.  Now can see why I have a Pinterest board labeled I Love Christmas! 
         Now it is time to get ready for the New Year! Talk to you tomorrow!