Christmas 2018

Our original plan was to stay home for Christmas, but when my dad called and asked if we'd please come and be with everyone, we decided to make the trip happen! And it really did turn out great. With 12 kids 8 and under, it was hectic and loud at times, but it was also memorable and magical.

We frosted cookies, had a talent show, went to a trampoline park, acted out the nativity, had our traditional pizza on Christmas Eve and worshipped together on Sunday. 

Eleanor loved giving Papa hugs!

Her first Christmas. So special!!

Christmas morning!

Eleanor got a puppy and a dolly! The boys got lego sets and laser guns.

We all pitched in for Christmas dinner and it was delicious.

We drove home the day after Christmas and were grateful for a safe trip. We've traveled twice in December and missed the snow storms that hit!

After getting home, I finished up reading the Book of Mormon. Last October, President Nelson asked the women of the church to focus on finishing the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. 

He said, "I invite you to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year. 

As impossible as that may seem with all you are trying to manage in your life, 

if you will accept this invitation with full purpose of heart, 

the Lord will help you find a way to achieve it. 

And, as you prayerfully study, I promise that the heavens will open for you. 

The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation."

I've been struggling for the past few months with so much sadness and wickedness that I witness and hear about around me. This scripture in Moroni 9:25 instantly was the answer I had been praying for for months.

What a great reminder to have the hope of Christ's glory and eternal life rest in my mind forever. I loved reading the Book of Mormon. Aaron accepted and finished the invitation as well. Even though October, November and December can be an extremely busy time of the year, as I focused on finishing it, I was able to feel the spirit strengthen my testimony about Christ's birth. This made for a beautiful Christmas! I definitely felt Pres. Nelson's promised blessings that the heavens opened for me and I received increase inspiration and revelation. How grateful I am for a living prophet and the blessings that come from obeying him!

Here's the picture with Santa that I forgot to post a few weeks ago! The highlight for the visit for me was when Santa asked the boys what they'd like for Christmas and they each listed one item. He asked, "Anything else?" And they both replied with, "Nope, that's all." Sometimes I feel like they are constantly asking to buy things or get things and at this particular moment, I was grateful for their simpleness of a Christmas wish.

I love receiving Christmas cards from family and friends we love dearly!

And here is a goodnight hug from all three of my littles. 

Christmas 2018 was a great one!