Tis' the Season

I'm grateful that we keep the Christmas gift giving simple. It's usually all done and shopped for at the beginning of Dec because the demands of a child as young as ours are really quite simple. Even when asked by the jolly man himself, Isaac typically answers that he wants candy - definitely doable! This leaves the rest of the Christmas month to enjoy family activities and outings which I hope will be more lasting in the long run. So we make ornaments, bake, watch movies, visit friends, see lights, etc. Kent and I avoid the stresses of busy shopping places and take the time to watch the magic of Christmas unfold in our little darlings eyes. The downside to it all is the fact I'm ALWAYS behind on posting so bear with me if it comes down to a series of pictures and brief descriptions.

We attended our ward Christmas party with some close friends. It's so perfect when the parents click as good as the kids do! The dinner was nice, the program simple and of course we had our annual visitor. This last while Isaac has been asking many questions about the man in red. I've found him pouring over the books from the library, especially one about Santa's reindeer and the extensive 'training' they undergo to pull the famed sleigh. It was rather darling to find him sitting with Keila at the couch showing her pictures and explaining how the reindeer have to believe in the magic of Christmas with all their hearts. She was an attentive listener and later solemnly told me that Isaac 'knows' reindeer and Santa.



I rather hope for him to understand the symbol Santa represents without overshadowing the true meaning of this time of year so I was grateful to take them to see the Mesa temple, to listen to scriptures from the bible as we gaze at the Christus and enjoy the differing scenes from that holy night. All the following pictures Kent took at night using only the light from the trees. It was a very slow shutter speed so only a few turned out, but he was rather proud of them.







The Mesa Temple in all it's quiet beauty. It has been 8 years since Kent and I were married for time and all eternity there. I am grateful for the blessings of the temple that our family can be together long after this life is past. It is these blessings that make the holiday time so much more meaningful. After all, what could be greater than the gift of life eternal with those we love through out Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas one and all!