I am thankful that November is over and Christmas is coming! I love Christmas! Have I said that before? I love the Christmas season…everyone is kinder and more friendly. People smile and say “Merry Christmas” to each other. I love it!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
I am thankful for Christmas decorations. Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can put up my Christmas decorations. I love the lights and figurines and symbols. They make me feel so happy, and I love the spirit I feel in my home!
…is Christmas. Are you getting ready? I’m not! The bedrooms really put me behind this year. But The Teenager actually gave me an idea of something he wants for the first time in 3 years, so I better go and get it!
Gather your kids and then click here. It will keep them busy for about 5 minutes!
Have a great day and enjoy tomorrow! I love you all!
Adapted by sk2
‘Twas the Night before Christmas
And all through the land
All the people were stirring,
The sight was so grand!
The prophet had said
That the night would be bright.*1
And folks all together looked
Up at the sight.
The children, excited–
No sleeping tonight.
The sun had gone down, but the
Skies were still bright.*2
And Ma in her study
And I at my books,
Had gone to the window
To take a good look.
While out on the lawn
In the mild, balmy weather,
Some Nephites had come
There to bring us together.
Away to the entry
We flew like a flash,
Pushed open the door,
Rushed out in a dash.
The light in the night
With the star all aglow
Gave a luster of mid-day*3
To objects below.
And there to our wondering* eyes
Did appear,
‘twas the new star that shined*4
And the time was now here.
Thus the prophet named Samuel
Had been so precise.
The five years were up*5—what
A glorious sight!
The prophets of old they
Predicted the same.
We remembered those prophets.
We called them by name.
There’s Samuel, and Nephi,
And Jacob, and Enos,
King Benjamin, Alma,
Isaiah, and Zenos.
They said Christ, He would come
And bless crippled and blind.*6
His birth would bring blessings to
All of mankind.
King Benjamin said
That an angel appeared*7
And he told him of Christ and His
Mother so dear.*8
And by revelation*9
Old Jacob did see*10
Our dear Savior, our Lord,
“Unto God ye must cleave.”11
“Your sins are forgiven,”
Said Jesus to Enos.*12
And Christ will show mercy
As He did for Zenos.*13
From the brass plates they read*14
Of Isaiah of old.
As a prophet from God, of Christ’s
Birth he foretold.*15
It was Nephi, the first,
Said His life He would give.*16
He would come to the Nephites
To prove that He lived.*17
“Redemption comes only
Through Christ’s sacrifice,”
Thus said Alma, the prophet,
“Christ would pay the price.”*18
I, Nephi, was praying
The sign would appear
When the voice of the Lord
Said to be of good cheer.*19
“Tonight is the night
That the sign will be given.
And prayers will be answered
As I come from heaven.”*20
Some Nephites believed it,
But those who did not,
Said, “Destroy the believers.
Destroy the whole lot.”*21
“Your faith has been vain,
‘cuz the time is now past and
We never will see
A new star in this vast land.”22
But their plan was now thwarted
The star had appeared.*23
Many came to me, Nephi,*24
But some fell in fear.*25
And those who did come,
Came believing within,*26
Came searching for God,
Came repenting of sin.*27
Came asking forgiveness,
Their sorrow sincere.
Came seeking baptism,*28
Their vision now clear.
Yes, prophets had spoken
Their words had come true.
If any had doubted,
The people now knew.
Again in the land
Were the people united.
With glad exclamation
The Nephites all shouted,
“’Tis the Savior now born
In a land far away.
To our land He will come,
And will visit one day.”
*References
1. Hel.14:3
2. 3 Nephi 1:15
3. 3 Nephi 1:19
4. Hel.14:5
5. Hel.14:2
6. Mosiah 3:5
7. Mosiah 3:2,3
8. Mosiah 3:8
9. Jacob 1:6
10. 2 Nephi 11:2,3
11. Jacob 6:5
12. Enos 1:5,6
13. Alma 33:3-13
14. Alma 33:2 and 63:12
15. 2 Nephi 17:3,14
16. 1 Nephi 19:10
17. 2 Nephi 26:1
18. Alma 7:10-13
19. 3 Nephi 1:10-13
20. 3 Nephi 1:12-14
21. 3 Nephi 1:9
22. 3 Nephi 1:6
23. 3 Nephi 1:16
24. 3 Nephi 1:22
25. 3 Nephi 1:16,18
26. 3 Nephi 1:22,23
27. 3 Nephi 1:23
28. 3 Nephi 1:23
*The word wondering used here is intended to describe the wonderment and beauty of the light coming from the new star; the star which made the skies bright, even though the sun had gone down. There was no wondering (questioning) in Nephi’s mind that the star would appear.
I cannot believe it's only 2 months until Christmas. I know, I know. Here are some fun things to make for the season.
Super Cute Christmas Decorations These look super easy and so cute! I want to make the presents for sure! If anyone wants to do them with me, let me know and we can make an afternoon of it.
Wooden Nativity I want to make these too. But I need my Dad to cut them out for me...hint, hint!
Stocking Holders If you have a mantle, this is such a cute idea. Someday I will have a fireplace and mantle, and then I will definitely be doing this.
Dollar Store Ornament Wreath I love this! I am watching the dollar stores to find cute ornaments.
Cards that hold Cash A cute way to give money.
Dollar Store Christmas Stocking Here's a cute stocking to make to hang on your new holders.
I would love to see some of your cute ideas. Share with me!
1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.
I love gingerbread. Not gingerbread men, but real gingerbread. I have only had it a couple of times, but it is so yummy! Warm with whipped cream on top. Delicious!
2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?
Yes. Right now, I live 15 minutes away from my parents, and one of my brothers. My other brother and my 2 sisters live farther away. I have to drive 20 minutes to get to their houses. I love being close to family.
3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?
Santa Claus. To have someone bring you something that you really want, and you don’t have to pay for it would be lovely.
4. Is there a particular Christmas song that you love? Any that you're tired of?
I love “The Best Gift” by Barbara Streisand, and also her version of “Jingle Bells.” That album is what I have to listen to when I am putting up my tree, because that is what we always listened to growing up. I am so over “Feliz Navidad.” They sing it over and over and over. A song is not just 6 words long! Unless you are Weird Al.
5. Is there a particular Christmas movie that you love? Any that you're tired of?
It has become a tradition now that after we lay out our stockings and put out cookies and milk for Santa, we get The Princess into bed (because she has to get to sleep for Santa to come), and then we watch “A Christmas Story” with the 3 older boys. It is so much fun to sit around in our new pj’s and watch that and eat Christmas cookies.
6. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"
Happy Holidays doesn’t bother me as much, but I always say “Merry Christmas” because that is what I am celebrating. I don’t get offended if someone says “Happy Hanukkah,” so why do they get upset at me? However, I REFUSE to write “Xmas” because that is taking Christ out of Christmas, and that is the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
7. Do you dream of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?
We have a white Christmas 99% of the time. I love snow…at Christmas. In a perfect world, it would snow lightly in December, then snow heavy on Christmas Eve, stay for a day or two, then melt off and the rest of the year would be in the 70’s.
8. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child.
I remember the year I was 8 or 9, my dad made me a vanity table, and he made my brothers each desks. I loved to sit there and pretend to put on makeup. Then we moved and “supposedly” didn’t have room to take them. I was so sad!
9. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?
Going to church every week definitely keeps Christ on my mind. I also try to eliminate things that are going to stress me out. Last year it was neighbor gifts, but I felt like a Scrooge afterwards!
10. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
When we lived in Rexburg and we owned a pizza store. We had our Christmas Eve celebration at the store around the fireplace, and then my brothers hooky bobbed on the way home. I can still see them standing up with their glasses full of snow! it was so much fun!
11. Star or angle on top?
Angel. Well, we have two trees and the kids tree has a star, but my tree in my living room has an angel. Pink angel.
Remember when I blogged about our candy chains last year?
I know I took all the pictures down, but they weren't the important pictures. I finally remembered to take pictures this year.
Aren't they cute? I love it even better because this year, everyone got on board with doing patterns. And then I bought full size candy bars for the top. This is such a fun way for the kids to see how many days are left until Christmas.
I know I took all the pictures down, but they weren't the important pictures. I finally remembered to take pictures this year.
Aren't they cute? I love it even better because this year, everyone got on board with doing patterns. And then I bought full size candy bars for the top. This is such a fun way for the kids to see how many days are left until Christmas.
For Christmas, I got a beautiful set of square dishes. Navy and burgundy. They are so pretty! And square glasses (real glass glasses...I haven't had glass glasses for...I can't remember the last time I had glass glasses!). I am really excited to use them. But...I can't use them until Sunday.
Why, you ask?
I'll tell you why, but we have to go back 5 years.
December 2004. The Princess was 4 months old and I was feeling slightly overwhelmed. My birthday is December 19th. For my birthday, my sister gave me paper plates and bowls, plastic cups and silverware. She said she wanted me to have a break from doing dishes for a couple of weeks. My initial reaction was, "Really?" But as I used them, I discovered the beauty of the gift. I didn't have to do dishes! I didn't have to get mad at the kids for not doing them right. I didn't have to do anything. Just throw away. That Christmas break was so lovely!
This year I decided to do it again. It really didn't cost that much, and it gives both me and my children a break. I want to relax during Christmas break too. So we have 1 more day, and then Sunday, we get back to using dishes. And I am really excited because I then I get to use my new square dishes!
Why, you ask?
I'll tell you why, but we have to go back 5 years.
December 2004. The Princess was 4 months old and I was feeling slightly overwhelmed. My birthday is December 19th. For my birthday, my sister gave me paper plates and bowls, plastic cups and silverware. She said she wanted me to have a break from doing dishes for a couple of weeks. My initial reaction was, "Really?" But as I used them, I discovered the beauty of the gift. I didn't have to do dishes! I didn't have to get mad at the kids for not doing them right. I didn't have to do anything. Just throw away. That Christmas break was so lovely!
This year I decided to do it again. It really didn't cost that much, and it gives both me and my children a break. I want to relax during Christmas break too. So we have 1 more day, and then Sunday, we get back to using dishes. And I am really excited because I then I get to use my new square dishes!
I can't justify spending so much time and money on neighbor gifts when I am already feeling guilty about how much I have spent, and how little time I have spent with my children. Plus the fact that does anyone really another sugary treat on their hips?
Next week, I still have to work. All my kids will be home, and I have to leave and go work. So when I am home, I don't want to be frantic. I want to play with them and read to them and have fun with them.
So to all my neighbors, please know how much I love you. I really do. Thank you for understanding.
Merry Christmas!
Next week, I still have to work. All my kids will be home, and I have to leave and go work. So when I am home, I don't want to be frantic. I want to play with them and read to them and have fun with them.
So to all my neighbors, please know how much I love you. I really do. Thank you for understanding.
Merry Christmas!
I heard a story of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming,taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming,taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
You HAVE to go this website and make a video for your kids! I made one for The Princess and she was in heaven. I wish I had video taped her reaction while she was watching. It was priceless.
Go!
Now!
Portable North Pole
Thanks Jessica for sharing!
Go!
Now!
Portable North Pole
Thanks Jessica for sharing!
I know, I know. I posted this last year. But I just had to repost it. Gather your kids around and enjoy!
The Doctor was hired to teach high school in July, 2008. After 3 years of being without steady work, we were so excited. He was working at Wal-mart to bring in some money until he started teaching, and when you work at Wal-mart, you get a 10% discount.
Now, the kids had wanted a Wii so badly, but we just hadn't had the money before. But this Christmas was going to be different. We were able to buy a Wii for them...in July. We bought it so early so we could use the discount. I had to keep it a secret from my kids for 5 months. That is a long time! But it was so worth it!
We played it up for the rest of the year that there wasn't going to be much for Christmas because we were trying to get caught up on our bills. Every time this year that I have said I hoped they like what I am getting them this year, The Teenager has said, “Is it a Wii?” The last time he said that, it was just a couple weeks before Christmas. I got mad and teared and up and told him how much I wanted to get him one, but we just couldn’t and please stop saying that because it was making me feel really bad. Oh, I played him good! And because I have such good kids, they totally understood and were okay with it. I felt a little twinge at being deceitful, but hey, Christmas is the only time it's okay to lie, right?
So usually, we set up Christmas in our family room so my pink decorations don't get ruined. But this year, we set up the Wii, we bought the kids each their own banana chair to sit in, and had it all ready to go in the family room. We opened presents in the front room and saved the video games for very last.
The first round was all Wii games and I faked it really good. I was all mad at myself for not looking carefully. They bought it. The next round was all Wii games again. The Chocoholic started saying, “We’re getting a Wii.” The Teenager got mad at him and told him we aren’t getting one until next year.
Anyway, so The Teenager was getting mad at The Chocoholic and I couldn't hold it in anymore. I started to cry and smile really big and when they looked at me, their eyes got wide. The Chocoholic started shouting and they all jumped up and ran downstairs. That is when they saw the banana chairs. They were screaming and shouting and we got it all on video. It was so awesome! After 5 long months of waiting, it was exactly the reaction I was expecting and wanting. It was perfect.
Now, the kids had wanted a Wii so badly, but we just hadn't had the money before. But this Christmas was going to be different. We were able to buy a Wii for them...in July. We bought it so early so we could use the discount. I had to keep it a secret from my kids for 5 months. That is a long time! But it was so worth it!
We played it up for the rest of the year that there wasn't going to be much for Christmas because we were trying to get caught up on our bills. Every time this year that I have said I hoped they like what I am getting them this year, The Teenager has said, “Is it a Wii?” The last time he said that, it was just a couple weeks before Christmas. I got mad and teared and up and told him how much I wanted to get him one, but we just couldn’t and please stop saying that because it was making me feel really bad. Oh, I played him good! And because I have such good kids, they totally understood and were okay with it. I felt a little twinge at being deceitful, but hey, Christmas is the only time it's okay to lie, right?
So usually, we set up Christmas in our family room so my pink decorations don't get ruined. But this year, we set up the Wii, we bought the kids each their own banana chair to sit in, and had it all ready to go in the family room. We opened presents in the front room and saved the video games for very last.
The first round was all Wii games and I faked it really good. I was all mad at myself for not looking carefully. They bought it. The next round was all Wii games again. The Chocoholic started saying, “We’re getting a Wii.” The Teenager got mad at him and told him we aren’t getting one until next year.
Anyway, so The Teenager was getting mad at The Chocoholic and I couldn't hold it in anymore. I started to cry and smile really big and when they looked at me, their eyes got wide. The Chocoholic started shouting and they all jumped up and ran downstairs. That is when they saw the banana chairs. They were screaming and shouting and we got it all on video. It was so awesome! After 5 long months of waiting, it was exactly the reaction I was expecting and wanting. It was perfect.
From my journal
January 1, 2000 Saturday
I decided that I had better get Christmas put away today, or I will have to do it next week when I won’t have time! I asked The Teenager to go down to his bedroom and get the Christmas stuff and bring it to me. But he was just devastated. He was crying and saying that he didn’t want to put Christmas away. I talked to him and explained how if we left it up all year it wouldn’t be special and we will get it out again next year. He just was in tears. I told him to go and get his stuff.
After a few minutes, he hadn’t come up. I went downstairs all ready to get mad at him and there he was coming out of his room with two of his toys in his hands and great big tears running down his face. He thought that he had to put away all his Christmas toys! I felt so bad! I told him that we were just putting away the decorations, and he could keep the toys and you could see the relief wash over his face!
Lesson learned: be more specific when telling your children what to do!
January 1, 2000 Saturday
I decided that I had better get Christmas put away today, or I will have to do it next week when I won’t have time! I asked The Teenager to go down to his bedroom and get the Christmas stuff and bring it to me. But he was just devastated. He was crying and saying that he didn’t want to put Christmas away. I talked to him and explained how if we left it up all year it wouldn’t be special and we will get it out again next year. He just was in tears. I told him to go and get his stuff.
After a few minutes, he hadn’t come up. I went downstairs all ready to get mad at him and there he was coming out of his room with two of his toys in his hands and great big tears running down his face. He thought that he had to put away all his Christmas toys! I felt so bad! I told him that we were just putting away the decorations, and he could keep the toys and you could see the relief wash over his face!
Lesson learned: be more specific when telling your children what to do!
...days until Christmas! Start your shopping!
I am sure I won't be on for a few days, so I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I hope you get something you wanted!
So when I was growing up, I thought the tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve and it always being pajamas was unique to my family. Since then, I have discovered that just about every family does it! LOL Here are a few pictures of my kids through the years in their new pajamas.
2002 - Superman
2003 - Dinosaurs and Space
2004 - Superheros
2005 - Pajama pants and white t-shirts, and a cute pink sleeper!
2006 - Pajama pants again (they think they are too grown up for regular pajamas now) and pink hearts!
2007 - They all had so many pairs of pajamas, that we did slippers this year. Aren't they cute?
I wonder what will come this year? Hmmmmm.........
2002 - Superman
2003 - Dinosaurs and Space
2004 - Superheros
2005 - Pajama pants and white t-shirts, and a cute pink sleeper!
2006 - Pajama pants again (they think they are too grown up for regular pajamas now) and pink hearts!
2007 - They all had so many pairs of pajamas, that we did slippers this year. Aren't they cute?
I wonder what will come this year? Hmmmmm.........
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