Christmas 2008

We had such a good time on Christmas Eve. First we have our traditional candlelight (we had battery powered candles for the little kids table) dinner of homemade clam chowder or homemade chicken noodle soup bowls, ham, twice baked potatoes and yummy strawberry cream dessert. Then off to the living room for our christmas program. The kids sang Away in a Manger while Nick and I sang Silent Night (the kids sounded so wonderful). But the highlight of the evening was the nativity scene acted out while reading Luke. This year I made costumes for the angels, Mary, Joseph, wisemen, and shepherds out of pillow cases and they worked pretty well. After the nativity and singing we gave out our spiritual gift (this tradition comes from when I was little). This year we gave each family real gold, frankincense and myrhh that is in a very decorative wooden box. The gold, frankinsence and myrhh comes from Oman and Yemen area of the middle east, possibly from the same area that the three wisemen got their gifts. After that we opened up the presents from grandparents and cousins. It was really cool. Here are some pictures that Lacee took (as my camera doesn't work)~~ This is Allie as Mary holding baby Jesus (a stuffed animal). Logan and Landon in the foreground were wisemen. When Brion read the part "and they knelt down and worshipped Him," Logan automatically knelt on one knee, bowed his head and give the gifts to the baby. It was very touching.

Here is little Easton as a shepherd. He was a little cutie. In the foreground Emmie and Kate in the background were angels.

Jarom was the donkey (hee, hee) with Allie on his back with Daxton (as Joseph) leading the way. I got a kick out of Allie and Dax as they took their rolls VERY SERIOUSLY. They held hands and sat by each other for most of the night.

We had another really neat experience during Christmas time. Jarom's bosses wife is a school teacher for one of the poorest schools in SLC. Adrien had contacted her to see if we could get the names of a family that our family could give gifts too. This family was in such need. They had nothing. She was a single mom with three kids 8, 7 and 5. We pooled our money together gave it to Adrien then met at Jarom and Adrien's house to wrap all the presents. Then because it was a real rough neighborhood to be in we sent Jarom and Nick to the door. They knocked and the woman answered and Nick and Jarom told her that Santa was early this year and wanted them to get their gifts early. The looks on those little faces were of awe and the mother was so grateful. About two days later Jarom recieved an e-mail from the school teacher saying that those kids came to school in the new clothes with such confidence with smiles on their faces. They were happy. What a wonderful experience that was for all of us!! Thanks to our kids for being so generous to this little family. Each year as a family we choose either a family or an organization to help during the holidays. Last year Tooele City sponsored the Samaritan's purse christmas shoe box gifts. This is where you fill a shoe box full of pencils, paper, toys, combs, brushs, and then they are sent all over the world. Last year our boxes went to an orphanage in China. So each year it is different, but very spiritual as we contemplate how blessed we are. Anyway, I am rambling so I will close for now. We hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas season. We love you more than tongue can tell---Nick and Miriam