Christmas 2012

 There is a reason why every year ends with Christmas. It is a time of giving, reflecting, building friendships, thinking of others, spending time with family, recognizing the blessings we have been given, and remembering our Savior! I wish that every day ended this way, not just the year.

 

This beautiful picture of our children in the orphanage was waiting for us Christmas morning because our friends were thinking of others on Christmas day.  They spent their Christmas day at the orphanage, giving to those who are in need of so much.  And they gave to us, one of our best Christmas gifts.

 Of course, our kiddos were really excited, but I just have to say, that our children are amazing.  They have no greed in them, which has always been one of my biggest concerns with presents at Christmas time.  We told the children that we wanted Christmas to be more meaningful than just opening presents and after a month not even remembering what the presents were.  All the children received three packages, just like Jesus received three gifts.  And they were wrapped in plain, white paper.  To make it a little more fun, we didn't put their names on them, but we color coded them with ribbon and they found their color of ribbon in their stockings.  I made a quilt for each of them, they received a gift from Africa, something from BYU, a new a game, a few books and a new toy.  They were happy and very grateful.  Eliza has told us almost everyday since, "Thank you for the nice gifts Mom and Dad."  And Russell made me a gorgeous bench for our dining room table.

 The girls were really excited about their dolls from Ghana.  Russ and I were really excited about these dolls as well when we bought them and we have one waiting for Ruth.

 Throughout the day we were graced by cheers of "B-Y-U Cougars!!!"  We're just trying to train them young!  Those cheers were usually coming from Russ!

 And in the afternoon, we took the opportunity to visit an assisted living home.  Eliza played every christmas song in her piano book.  She is getting really good on the piano.

 Russ sang "Danny Boy" and "I heard the bells on Christmas Day".  He did a really good job.

 I played some christmas songs on the piano, and the children sang along to a few of them.  No picture, but I even played my saxophone!!!

And Henry played Jingle Bells and Winter time Popsicles on his guitar.  So cute.  It was a very nice afternoon and as we drove home, the children talked about what they would do next year when we go see the old people!