Christmas 2009

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

I found this quote and it pretty much says it all. Mike asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said - to have all my kids together again. He told me he had all ready arranged for that. I have always loved having my family close to me ever since I was a little kid. Mom use to say to "Annette is the happiest when everyone is home." Today that is no different.

Since about Thanksgiving my heart as ached a bit for the longing to see and hear my dear parents voices. I wish I could see them again. On Sunday as all my beautiful daughters sat in Relief Society with me and my amazing sons were in Priesthood (well ok Bryan was home sick but he would have been there) I for a moment felt a spirit touch from my mom. How sweet that was. I can only hope they will visit for Christmas eve or Christmas. This Christmas and every day of my life I am thankful for amazing parents. To them I say thank you.

So has your heart ever wanted to burst because it was so full? I have been so blessed in so many ways. It boggles my mind. As I have prayed in my life with so many heartfelt pleads asking for blessings in our lives or if He has something better to give I would welcome that as well. I have always received the something better. What a wonderful principal of the gospel I learned a few years ago about praying. Sheri Dew was talking about praying and how we often limit ourselves to blessings. When we desire or need something we often ask for that in blessings but there are times Heavenly Father stands waiting to bless us beyond our desires and needs so we can simply say "or something better". I am glad I have added those words to my prayers. After all my minds scope can be pretty narrow sometimes while Heavenly Father's isn't. I have been very blessed to say the least and I stand in humble awe of all Mike and I have been blessed with. Everything we are and have were giving to us by a Wonderful, Amazing, Loving and Kind Heavenly Father.

I love this Christmas season for so many reason. I love the cool weather and how my cheeks get cold. I love to wear layers of clothes (I'm already a marshmallow why not be even a bigger one!) as the cold air nips at us. I love the sights and sounds of this season. I know my family will be with me for at least 2 days. I love to reflect on my Savior Jesus Christ. Since having babies and being a mom myself I often reflect on Mary at this time as well. In the quite of the night as I nursed or held my babies close I often wondered what would be in store for them. I used those quite moments to love those little faces and to ask them all kinds of questions. Some were important like tell me what Heavenly Father looks like? Who did you see before you came here? But like all babies they kept those secrets to themselves. I am sure Mary did the same as she held the Savior of the World next to her. I am sure she understood what His mission would be but during those moments he was all hers. I love nativities since they remind me of why we celebrate Christmas but all my nativities have something in common (besides being nativities :-P) and that is Mary is holding her precious babe! While Christ bridged the gap and made it possible for us to go back home, Mary gave us that babe. So from a mom to a mom I say thank you Mary for bring into this world the Savior who would save us all.

There is a beautiful song by Kelly Price called

Mary's Song

Before time my life was chosen
for this miracle performed,
that through me would come a baby
who would one day be my Lord.

But right now he's just a baby
and the world is not so sure,
cause while some bow down to worship
there are some who laugh and scorn.

But there's a will
and there's a purpose
that I know He must fulfill
and the reason why you chose me
very soon will be revealed.

But for now can I just hold Him
and keep him in my arms
and for now can I just hold Him
and keep Him safe from harm
Lord, I'll give Him back to you

Little ordinary Mary
little Baby Jesus boy
He's divine in all your planning
but for me he's pride and joy.

But in Him there is a story
that the prophets have foretold,
there is honor, there is glory
there's redemption for us all.

But there's a will
and there's a purpose
that I know He must fulfill
and the reason why you chose me
very soon will be revealed.

But for now can I just hold Him
and keep him in my arms
and for now can I just hold Him
and keep Him safe from harm
Lord, I'll give Him back to you

Can't even think about Him crucified.
Can't even think that He was born to die.
Innocent baby my heart says why?
Cause he's just a little child.
He is my baby, baby, oh yes he is.