Christmas Morning

We had a wonderful Christmas. The kids all got what they asked for, and so did I!! I wanted a new camera. Not just a point and shoot, but a nice good camera. I got a canon rebel ES. I needed something that has a quicker shutter so I can take pictures of my kids playing sports and not have them either blurry or not in the picture. Also, I have always wanted to learn how to take good pictures. So, now I just need to learn how, trial and error.
Anyways... here are just a few picture of Christmas morning.Sorry, they are going backwards

Here we are all dressed and ready to go.

Every year my Mom make the whole family Christmas pj's. We had a huge bin full of old jammies that she has made. So, for one of McKenzie faith in God projects, we decided to cut the pants up and make a blanket out of them. McKenzie did most of the cutting (which turned out to be 300 squares). Then she sewed the fabric and batting into "sandwiches" and I sewed them all together. I think it turned out really cute!

Kenzie thrilled with her ipod shuffle.

Cameron opening his ipod shuffle.

Abby opening her Madame Alexander doll.

I was so proud of my kids this year. They were so grateful for all of their presents. It was a smaller Christmas, with a lot more homemade gifts, but they loved it. That night as I was tucking Cameron in he told me that this was the best Christmas ever.

Christmas Day

Our Christmas Day is always a marathon day. Not that I mind. I love that I am able to visit with so many grandparents. I know not everyone is as lucky as me to have so many living grandparents. Here are just a few photos from our various stops.

Visiting with Great-Grandma and Grandpa Skeen (my Mom's parents)

With Great-Grandma "Little Piggy" (her name is Peggy, but the kids always thought it was Piggy, and it has just stuck. She is my Dad's Mom)

Here is the whole crew with Great-Great-Grandaddy and Hortense. (he will be 104 on Jan 9!!!!) They were fascinated with the ipods my kids got!

My cute kiddos in their Sunday outfits. Cameron got a "real" tie. He actually tied it himself (Pug just held it tight for him)

On Sunday visiting Grandma Fetzer. (Pug's Mom's Mom)

Life

I have been thinking a lot lately about life, love, and what it really means to be happy. Recently there have been many things going on around me that has reminded me what is really important. Last week a very dear friend of ours passed away after battling cancer for 6 years. She was only 34, and their newly adopted baby wasn't quite one yet. She was such a beautiful amazing person. Her death was a reality check- slap in the face. It just didn't seem fair that she was chosen to be the one who would suffer from cancer and leave this earthly existence way too early. But, here is the thing. Who am I to know what is best for someone? Paige was a person who seemed to be perfect, without flaw. Someone who was needed far more in heaven than here. She was sent here to bless the lives of those she met (and BLESS them she did). When she had finished all that she was meant to do here one earth she was called home. Life is so precious. We never know when our mission here on earth will be fulfilled and we are called home. I have tried so hard lately to make more time for my children, to be a better mother, wife, friend, neighbor, and daughter of God. I am trying harder to be more diligent in my scripture reading, and be more sincere in my prayers. Life is short, even if I live to be 104. I hope that all of us can just "try a little harder to be a little better." And especially at this Christmas season let us remember our Savior and all that He has done to make it possible to be together with our loved ones after this life is over. And for those few of you who read this blog, just know that I do think of you as my friends. Thank you for supporting me.

Christmas Devotional

Last night McKenzie and I went with my sister Heather and her 3 oldest kids downtown to the conference center to see the First Presidencies Christmas Devotional. McKenzie and I had never been before so we were both pretty excited. We weren't sure exactly where our seat were, but Heather assumed they would probably be in the nose bleed section. Well, she was wrong. Our assigned section was in the lower bowl on the left side. We tried and tried to find at least sets of 2 seat together, when we couldn't even find ANY seat we asked one of the ushers to help us. And help us she did! I asked if she could find at least 2 or 3 seats together because we had little kids, she went and talked to another usher came back and said I found a group of seats where you can all sit together, but it was one section over. Fine by us! Well, she took us down to the front, past the security rope and to the 3rd row in the security section!! AMAZING!!
The program was so beautiful! McKenzie was singing along to all the songs (even just the choir ones), laughed at President Uchdorf's talk, quietly listened to President Eyring's talk, and seriously pondered President Monson's talk. It was so warming to my soul to hear how we should not dwell on the gifts, and the parties and the activities that inevitably come at this time of year. The true meaning of Christmas is about love. Loving our family and friends, loving our neighbors, loving those whom we don't know, and most importantly loving our Savior.
When I was talking to McKenzie about what she learned I was amazed at her complete acceptance of what she had learned. She knows the story of Santa, and know the story of our Saviors birth. When asked about what Christmas means to her, she said loving Jesus, and being with family, and showing our love. Not once did she mention Santa, or presents. She is such a sweet little girl. I am so proud of her and her testimony already.
At the end of the devotional we were able to see a few of the General Authorities. I hope I can remember which ones (Heather may have to correct me if I am wrong), Elder Ballard, Elder Oaks, Elder Cook, and I think there was one more, but I can't remember. What a fabulous way to start off my most favorite time of year!!