Our Trip to Bethlehem

The second weekend of this month, the Orange Park Methodist Church put on one fantastic event!  They invited the community to take a step back in time to see what life might have been like in Bethlehem when Christ was born.

You came in through the city gates past the rather scary looking soldiers.

On entering the city our family was “counted” and we paid our “taxes” (which really was a voluntary donation to their charity fund).

Then we wondered the streets of Bethlehem.  Getting a taste of fresh bread,

watching the blacksmiths work,

seeing the livestock, including a baby goat that was born only the night before,

learning how to build from the carpenter and even giving it a try,

and walking into the market to see what foods were sold there.

And last we came upon the stable where Mary and Joseph and this adorable chubby little Baby Jesus spent the night.

The kids love it so much and I think it really was an experience they will remember and will help them understand what life might have been like back then. 

Making Potpourri

As a little gift for a few people, we decided to make our own potpourri.  We started by dehydrating oranges mostly for looks but also to add a little citrus scent.

The kid’s favorite part – sneaking a few orange slices as they arranged them on the trays!

Then after waiting overnight for the oranges to dry out, we put together little bags of orange slices, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks.

It really smelled quite yummy!

We hope that the people we made it for really like it!

Relief Society Christmas Party

Last night was our annual Relief Society Christmas Party.  Our theme for the program/dinner was:

We decorated the tables with lots of angels all around.

And then after a yummy meal cooked and served by the men, we had a short little program.  We had asked several sister to share an experience of when they had received service from their fellow RS sisters and how it had blessed them.  It was so sweet and wonderful to hear some of the things that they shared.  It is so special to belong to a group of women who truly are angels walking among us, helping those around them and allowing others to feel their Heavenly Father’s love through them.

For the last couple of months some of the sisters in RS had “adopted” one of the young women in the ward and had secretly brought them gifts and sent them cards and did other things to let the young women know how much they care about them.  Last night, the young women got to find out who their secret sisters were!

We had such a great turn out for the evening.

We closed the night by reading the words to this country song from a few years back:

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day
Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way
It was getting late, and I was scared and alone
But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home

I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone to come along and comfort me
A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand
And ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road
That someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love

They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places
To grace us with their mercy, in our time of need

I am so grateful to have so many angels in my life!

Oh so modest…

Layton and I were having a conversation in the car the other day that went a little something like this:

Me:  You’re funny.

Layton:  No you’re funny.

Me:  Well, you’re funnier.

Layton: No, you’re funnier.

Me:  You’re the funniest!

Layton:  No you’re the funniest!

Me:  Well, you’re the cutest.

Layton: (pause) Yes, I am.

I guess we’re doing a pretty good job of building his self-esteem.

Christmas Tree Decorating Time

I have the best little tree trimmers around.

Unlike most years where I have to go behind the kids and spread the ornaments out a little more evenly, this year I think they really got the idea of balancing out the tree.

I think I only moved one or two ornaments.  That’s pretty amazing for me :)

My kids are so excited for Christmas.   They have been talking about it since January.  You think I’m joking but I’m not.  Anticipation for Christmas lasts all year long at our house!

Out of the mouth of babes…

Have you ever had one of those days when you are feeling a little overwhelmed, stressed, just not sure that you’re doing a very good job at anything – especially being a good mother?  Well, I’ve kind of felt like I’ve been not only having one of those days, but one of those months.  And just when I need a little encouragement, Layton tells me:

Mom, I like you.  You’re the best Mommy I ever had.

They may not be the most profound or poetic words, but they are beautiful to me.

I like you too Layton.  You’re the best Layton I ever had.