Christmas Blessings

I love this time of year. The kids are home this week and we are preparing for Christmas. Goodie plates, visiting old neighbors, singing songs, reminding the kids to be good, Christmas cards, acting out the Nativity, so many wonderful activities. Last Saturday Megan sang in a stake Christmas concert with other senior primary kids. The concert was at a CSI auditorium. Wow! The songs were so beautiful. Tonight we drove out to the South Hills. There is a house that has the most amazing Christmas lights & decorations. Plus, a live camel the kids can feed. We went last year when we were new to Twin Falls. Now, we don't want to miss a year going to the South Hills.
Last night for FHE I told the kids the story of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" (one of my favorite books). My favorite lines in the book come from Marley's ghost. He is explaining to Scrooge why he is visiting him. Marley shares some regrets about his own life. "Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Where there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me?" As we go through this busy time of year-look up to the Star. The Star led so many to the Christ child. The star shines bright in a world full of darkness. Look around to find homes or people who we can share that light. I am always humbled by the kindness that is shown to our family. We have been so blessed by many. I have felt Christ's love as He as shone His light in my life. I pray that I can share that love and light with my family and others. I hope you remember the birth of Jesus this time of year. Merry Christmas!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Yesterday (Saturday) was Breakfast and a Book. We read the classic book, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". We had a good turnout and a great discussion. The kids talked about "Herdmans" they knew in their lives. It was fun to see the kids make the connection of how the pageant changed the Herdmans. It wasn't just the pageant but the Christmas story had touched them. The book club kids laughed through the book while some of the mom's cried! If you haven't read it with your kids-do it! It's not too late before Christmas.
Then on Saturday night had sorta a pageant of our own. There was a special memorial Christmas tree event at the funeral home. The kids had been asked to dress up. We had 3 little angels and 1 Shepard. Porter was suppose to wear a crazy wig and beard. It looked ridiculous! We got some funny pictures. I like the one with Brett. Megan was the only angel that actually acted like an angel. Gracie & Annie tried but it was just so hard! The funeral home was full of elderly people that thought the kids were "so cute!" I thought so too! I hope your Christmas season is going smooth. Remember to find someone in need and spread the Christmas spirit.