12.27.07
Spending Christmas with My Family
I decided to bring in the New Year by adding a couple of blog entries to show my recommitment to blog more regularly. I also committed not to eat anymore chocolate after Christmas, but watching Brock eat chocolate was too tempting for me to resist, so I am eating chocolate as I write this blog.
The last few years I have tried to simplify Christmas menus, and gift buying to lessen stress and to enjoy what is really important, my family.
The best thing about Christmas this year was talking to my two children who are serving missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My son who has been serving for nine months in Mozambique, Africa has struggled without running water for extended periods of time, language barriers, difficult companions, and teaching morality to a people whose traditions have not included morality and marriage. As I spoke with him on the phone, I noticed that he has developed more appreciation for his family and his blessings. I would definitely categorize this phone conversation as a memorable mother’s moment.
My daughter is serving in an affluent area in California. She tracts day after day in Irvine without smiles, warmth or response. At first she was distraught about being rejected all day every day, but since she found Roxanne who listened and responded to the gospel message of Jesus Christ, she feels renewed strength to endure daily rejection to find the few who will listen to a gospel message of hope through Jesus Christ.
My other favorite part of Christmas was our traditional candlelight dinner on Christmas Eve. It was a relaxing evening of good food, visiting, exchanging of sibling gifts, and giving thanks to God for our blessings.
Christmas evening, the whole family went to the movie, National Treasures II. I like the feeling of being together as a family more than I like seeing the movie itself. I sure love spending Christmas with my family. Happy New Year!