Failed Christmas

    This year, Christmas was hard. Working full time, buying gifts, decorating, wrapping, teaching about Christ on top of everything else...it was no joke. It was hard and stressful and I feel like I dropped the ball more than once. I intended to teach my children a new name of Christ everyday, but really, only did 17-20. I wanted to fnish Christmas shopping early so I could spend the bulk of my season with my kids, but I was out almost every day until Christmas Eve. I thought I could keep the magic alive, even though no body believes in Santa anymore, but I couldn't get myself to do one more night of hiding Christopher, the elf.  We didn't do one act of service this year. We didn't spend our Christmas Jar money. I failed at reminding my kids that Christ is at the center of Christmas and our lives. While I didn't do great this year, I hope to be a daily example of following our Savior. I hope that my kids know how I feel by my actions. 

    We did get to spend time with both of our extended families, which was marvelous. I barely took any pictures, but we had a great time. We played Christmas games, ate good food, and shared gifts. I love living close to family. Not only is it important for our kids, but its important for Scott and me too. 

    Christmas moring was so good. Our kids were grateful and kind and excited for their gifts. My favorite memory was Tayden working his new flyrod shirtless in the backyard because the weather was so bizzarly nice. 

     I'm thankful for this Christmas season and grateful that I get another chance to make next year better. I'm grateful for the birth of our Savior. This year, I leaned on his name, Immanual. It means "God With Us". I know this year was hard, but he was with me. Not looking on from a distance, but with me. Walking with me, cheering me on, and understanding my downfalls. His birth means the world to me.