Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

"What a glorious season is this time of Christmas.  Hearts are softened. 
Voices are raised in worship.  Kindness and mercy are re-enthroned as elements in our lives. 
There is an accelerated reaching out to those in distress. 
There is an aura of peace that comes into our homes. 
There is a measure of love that is not felt to the same extent at any other time of year."
-- President Gordon B. Hinckley

This has become our theme for this Christmas season.  I love the feeling that comes into our home during this time of year.  There is excitement and anticipation for the kids.  They are making lists and shaking presents.  But they are not just thinking of themselves, which I love.  They are hoping and wishing and praying for each other, and reminding one another that elves are watching. 



If you look closely at the little pockets, you will notice
that they are all pictures of little cats.  John hates cats.  I didn't
notice when I bought the kit years ago, and he hasn't noticed yet. 
If he does, I may be sending this to one of my friends who is a cat lover
and making a new one.  Here's to hoping that he just doesn't notice.



We have also tried for many years to focus on the true meaning of this wonderful time of year.  We have used various countdown calendars found in the Friend magazine or given to us by the Primary.  This year I decided that we needed something more official (we always do better at following through when things seem formal and planned out).  So I made our own countdown calendar and filled it with scriptures and stories and activities for each day that will hopefully remind us of our Savior more than Santa. 

Some of the activities this week have included our maiden caroling voyage (complete with Isaac and Avery on their violins).  It went pretty well, other than Nathan just standing there, staring at our friend in stage-frightened shock.   Next caroling trip we will be more practiced.   On Monday morning, we read our scripture and then our activity was to serve someone in need.  So that afternoon when the kids came home from school, they pooled together their hard earned allowance (totalling $27.00) and bought a small tinsel Christmas tree and some decorations.  Then we went a delivered it to some friends who didn't have a tree.  It was so good for our kids to be reminded of how blessed they really are.