CRASH

HARD DRIVE CRASHED!
Can't wait to get up and running again. Lots of love to post.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!

SWEDEN

On Dec.  13th St. Lucia traditionally wears a wreath of boughs on her head lit with 7 candles.  The oldest daughter in a Swedish family dresses the part and wakes the members of her family that morning by bringing them cinnamon buns on a beautiful tray.  Tonight we had Alyssa bring our FHE treat dressed with her wreath and red sash.  She was so sweet.  We had a neighbors party tonight with too many treats already- so hence the fruit.  It was refreshing! 

 

HOLLAND

This year we finally got around to incorporating some of the Christmas traditions from various countries of the world.  Since this is our first year incorporating them through out the month, it’s a bit little makeshift.  It will be fun to see which ones we enjoy the most and decide to keep through out the years. 

Oe of the first countries we chose to learn more about is Holland.  We learned of SinterKlaas and how he arrives by ship. We have no wooden clogs at our home- so we each tucked a shoe under the tree to see if he would stop by.  Many of the Dutch enjoy snicker doodles during the holidays.  So we decided to make Tyson’s favorite Cinnamon Pull-aparts that night.  It was a delight. 

 

CHARITY

October & November came and went quite quickly it seems, and that’s OK.  I am so excited for the holiday season to arrive.  As usual, those who know me, know it is no surprise.  I love this time of year!  There is a warmth to be found by all.  Amongst the hustle and bustle- there is a stillness about.  It just needs to be found.  In the comforts of home and loved ones voices.  It is there.  I savor it.  The tone is a little sweeter, a little softer for those who truly love unconditionally and have that familiar joy in their hearts.  

The next family value we will be focusing on is

 

CHARITY:

 

The pure love of Christ; unconditional love,

compassion, service, sympathy,

and concern for others.

 

Naturally, it seemed like a good choice for the season.  I think the initial explaining of what the “giving” definition of Charity is will be easy to define with the kids.  However, the definition of Charity as it pertains to our Savior and ALL that it encompasses might be a little more challenging to grasp.  I think this quote, which actually comes from President Uchtdorf in last month’s First Presidency message sums it up best.

“To follow Christ is to become more like Him.  It is to learn from His character.  As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christ like attributes into our life and character.  The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings.

To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow.

This process is very complex and very simple at the same time.  Ancient and modern prophets describe it with three words:  Keep the commandments’—nothing more, nothing less”

GINGERBREAD LANE

Last weekend our family decorated a Gingerbread Village.  The kids and I pretty much plopped the candy and frosting on.  As un-artistic as Todd likes to say he is…when it comes to Gingerbread house decorating,every year, he takes the cake.  He is very particular about the placement of all the candy and getting the sugary confection’s just right.  He does well.

So we’ll remember the mess and the goop all over the table, but for now here’s our favorite shot with the mess cleaned up!