Christmas

Christmas is so magical with a little one. It definitely brings a whole new meaning when observing the Nativity story. My Lord and Savior came to this earth as a tiny baby, needing a mother to care for him just like the rest of us. I never understood how miraculous that was until now.  We are starting to develop our own Christmas traditions now, every year we try to watch the movie The Nativity, and every time I cry right after Christ is born.  This year I couldn't stop crying as I contemplated this while holding my 1.5 month old.  Motherhood has brought so many things to my attention and made me see the world in a completely new way.   I remember whining about my back hurting when I was 5 months pregnant during a 6 hour long journey in a comfy vehicle.  Mary rode a donkey, for several days, and camped in desert like terrain.  I have such a new love for her and Joseph now that I am a  parent.  It is overwhelming to think that your influence can shape this little person you are raising, I can't imagine what incredible people they must have been to be trusted with such a child.  I love them and their example of humility. 

Christmas morning was so much fun.  We recorded as much as we could until our camera ran out of memory, these are some photos of the captured video.  Our pets were pretty excited about the presents in their stocking.  Ely was mostly interested in the Christmas lights on the tree.  She was still happy and sweet throughout the whole process even though she didn't really understand what was going on.  

An adorable onsie from her Aunt Brookie, "Pretty and Perfect... Just like my aunt"

 Hanging out with Daddy while watching Captain America 2.  

 Nike Socks... another from Aunt Brookie :)

 One of my favorite Christmas presents was being able to Skype our family members.  I have a sister serving an LDS mission in the Philippines and Sean  has a sister serving in Peru.   They are allowed to email home and write letters.  They are allowed to Skype home on Christmas and on Mother's Day, and that it is.  The few minutes we had with each of them were very cherished.  It was a neat and special experience to be able to do that.  Tears were shed both times, it was amazing to see how far they both have come with the language they have been assigned to, their maturity, and spirituality.  I admire and love them so much.  It was both of their first times meeting Ely.

Skyping my sister Kassidy on the right, along with my other sister on Christmas eve. 

 Skyping Sean's Sister Jenna in the middle along with the other members of Sean's family

It was  a Christmas where we were reminded that the best things in life are definitely not things.  We love our family so much, the little one we presently have an our extended family members.