Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas to you!

Each Christmas we relish in the fun things of the season. We love the sights, smells, excitement and love the holiday brings. But, this season...the feelings are stronger. Our love is deeper, each time we hug and tuck our little ones in at night...we hang on a little longer. And, this Christmas we are so thankful we got to be at home and not at the hospital! We got the best gift ever possible. Grace felt well and hung on until...well...what you see in the picture (and then got WAY too tired). Tanner, Grace, and Eva really loved their Christmas!
We would be remiss if we didn't express our thanks for ALL that has been done for our family! There have been so many people who have blessed our lives and who have demonstrated the good, compassion, and love that this world offers. It is you, all of you, who have taught our children what service is and how to bring peace and comfort in a time of turmoil. We are so grateful! You have changed our lives and our experience through your goodness. And, hopefully not being too candid here, I have to say that we are so grateful to our Heavenly Father. We have really had a divine hand looking out for us. On this Christmas day, we want to express how grateful we are for the greatest gift that humanity has known, the birth of Jesus Christ. And, perhaps more miraculously-the way that His life was spent and the purpose for which He came. We are grateful that because of his life and sacrifice we can be together forever and that Grace, nor any of us, ever have to wander this world aimlessly or alone. Tonight, I've been thinking of what Mary must have felt as she swadled her little child, knowing his life's course. I also have felt more tender towards Joseph, knowing in his arms was the Savior of the world, and the responsiblities he must have felt to raise him well and keep him safe. JR and I are so blessed to have three children. And, we are so blessed that we can walk hand in hand with them through the good and the bad.

8 comments:

The McClellan Clan said...

You are so cute!! What a cute little dinner you did. You guys are amazing. everyone is so willing to help you because of the compassion you have always shown to others. You guys are amazing. And this light always shines around you.!! Keep up the great work. You are all so beautiful and I'm glad Grace got to be home for Christmas. We're still wearing our bracelets everyday and it makes us think of you ALOT!! Take care!!
Joce

The Soulier Family said...

Your table looks so beautiful. What a blessing to have Grace home from the hospital and feeling relatively well.

We love you!

The Safari Family said...

Merry Christmas!! We hope Santa was good to all of you. We miss you and can't wait to see you. What fun riding the tram! If your life ever settles down we think you should look into a career as novelists. You are all gifted writers. We enjoy your letters and beautiful pictures. Looking good Miss Gracie! OXOXOXOXO!!!!
With Love,
The Safaris

Jen said...

Merry Christmas!!! I feel a million miles away from you because of this weather. We still can't get out of our driveway!!! I'm glad things are holding up over there. We love you all and will see you soon!

Raina said...

This was beautifully written! Merry Christmas to you, and I'm so glad it was better than expected.
Much love!!

Kristen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristen said...

beautiful. The true meaning of Christmas. What a huge gift that you were all able to be home, together. Love seeing your family! Love your table Kim, you make everything so pretty. Merry Christmas to you all!

Erin said...

Merry Christmas. It looks like a wonderful, happy day...as it should have been. You deserve the best day ever!