And So This Is Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

I couldn't sleep very well last night because I was so used to going to bed late, so I was up in my room playing games/facebook/reading the walking with the savior blog until 1ish :) We were supposed to get up at 7, but at 6:30 everyone was up running around, and woke me up to open presents. I got a 4th generation iPod touch (I had a 1st generation before, and they are now improved a LOT), a ukulele! :D, slippers, pjs, gift cards, tights, a watch, a blanket, and such ;) My family got a 60in flat screen TV for our living room! It was a great Christmas! ;) I am so blessed to be able to have a family that can afford Christmas and spend time together.

Afterwards, we made a yummy breakfast, then got our iPods set up. We all got one, except for Maizey because she just had bought a 3rd generation and wanted a camera. (Except still she was a little mad SHE didn't get one even though 5 times she said she didn't want one) Oh well.

Then I took a 2 hour nap. Twas nice.

We also went and saw the new Narnia movie. It was really good!! It was just another Narnia movie, but I just love those movies! They have such a wonderful message! One line, Aslan said, "Now I must go, but I will see you again. I have another name in your world. You came here to learn to get to know me" or something along those lines. I love how there's still a good movie out there that (even hinted) talks about coming to Christ.

We were supposed to go to the cemetery next, and I was really looking forward to it. But the movie ended too late. The cemetery closes at sunset, and it was too dark out :(

BUT, we went to the Temple instead! :D I absolutely LOVE the temple! It had been a while since I had seen the Christmas lights there, at least a few years, so it was wonderful to see them! We also went and saw the nativities. Those I love too, because it shows that no matter where in the world you live, Christ is always there, and the Christmas season brings everyone together. As we were leaving, I heard the CUTEST thing! A little kid saw the big lighted star, and said, "Look! There's Jesus! See, there's the star!"I love little kids so much! I thought that was just precious how much they understood about the birth of Christ.

Next we went to Grandma and Grandpa Severtson's house. I GOT TO TALK TO TYSON!! He should be home (hopefully, if all goes well) before next Christmas! :D :D :D AND, around February I should be on his list to go visit him! I am so excited!!!!

This Christmas was wonderful. I was expecting it to be hard because it was the first without my mom, and it was a little, but what got me through was the optimism: She is probably having the best Christmas ever, WITH Christ, and I am here with a new family to spend it with. I am thankful for the family I have, the love we share, and the blessings we have together. Times get hard, but I just remember to keep my head held high, and not give in to the weaknesses Satan tells me I have. I am so thankful for the birth of Christ, for Mary and Joseph for raising him. I'm thankful for his great courage he had to stick to the plan and atone for our sins so we can return. I love this time of year, because even when it's crazy we still remember him. This time is FOR him. Without him, this time would just be winter! It's wonderful ;)