Christmas Happenings and Thoughts

I love Christmas.  One of my favorite things about Christmas is going to the Temple.  John and I went to the Temple two weekends ago, then picked the boys up from my sister's house and went back to see the lights with Grandma Armstrong.  I love the Temple.  I love my Savior, I'm so grateful for what he did for me.

We also decorated LOTS of cookies over the break.  Some for FHE, and some with Auntie, Amber and her boys (more pictures to come).

The boys had their School Christmas Concert as well.  It was just beautiful.  They did a great job singing and on their speaking parts.  We're so grateful for their wonderful school.

This is Witt with his teacher Ms. Janet:

 Race and Ms. Suzanne:

 Witt with his other teacher, Ms. Jyoti:

All the classes helped Ms. Alisha with this amazing Gingerbread house!

We have been so blessed this year.  I was given a little quote to hang on my wall this Christmas.  It says, "I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich."  I love this quote.  I wouldn't say I've loved the trials that we've trudged through this year, but I am better because of them.  And I am rich.  I am so blessed and grateful for my family, for my hubby, boys, my parents and in-laws, my sister and brothers, Johns siblings, and for dear friends we claim as family too.  I'm so grateful for my boys, for living with these beautiful angels (even though sometimes I wonder if they're angels or not...) that teach me so much.  I'm so filled with gratitude this season, for my Savior, and the blessings he has given  me. 

The Relief Society put on a small Christmas Program last week.  It portrayed the Savior's birth from the perspective of the mother's and women of the time.  It was beautiful.  One particular part really stood out to me and I've been contemplating it ever since.  It was the perspective given by Joseph's mother.  The mother of the man who was put in charge to raise Jesus in his mortal life.  The mother of a righteous man.  What does it take to raise a good man?  I started to think, "Am I doing all I can do?  What more can I give these boys so they can grow to be good men this world needs?" 

I'm so grateful for the good men my boys have to look to as examples.  For their Daddy, for my Dad, the list goes on and on.  I am so blessed, I am so RICH with blessings.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas!