Christmas Eve

We went to my parents for Christmas eve dinner. The kids had fun making edible Christmas trees. Later on the way home we told them that they could open 1 present (the pjs) before they went to bed. When we were pulling into the garage we told them to run in and sit on the couch with their arms folded and wait for mommy and daddy. I walked into the living room and lo and behold all three of them (Becca included) were sitting on the couch with their arms folded! Why can't Santa come every night?

Becca's not too happy about having to say cheese when it's past her bedtime!

I can't tell if they had more fun making them or eating them!

Later when the kids where in bed I got a text message that Santa had come and we needed to look outside. There on our front porch were boxes and boxes of food and a present for each of us along with some stocking stuffers. All I could do was cry! I don't know who was behind all of it, the only clue that I have is that the food had the Deseret logo on it so it was someone from church. I can't begin to express how this act of love changed my heart. I felt so much love and hope. As I sat there crying (which I did most of the night) a specific hymn came to my mind the words that were most significant to me were, "count your many blessing; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey's end." I don't believe I will ever be able to sing this hymn without thinking of the service and sacrifice that someone made in my behalf. Thank you my angels whoever you may be! The rest of the words seem rather poignant at this time as well so I feel they need to be shared.

"When upon life's billowes you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count you many blessings; every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.

Count your many blessings; money cannot buy

Your reward in Heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Count you blessings name them one by one.

Count you blessings ; see what God hath done.

Count your blessings name them one by one.

Count your many blessings; see what God hath done"

The first thing that we did Christmas morning was say a special family prayer thanking our Father in Heaven for all that we have been blessed with, especially the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.