Many Feelings of Love

It's Christmas once again in Santa Barbara and I feel more blessed than ever. The only two that are missing, Brad and Lexi, are about to welcome their first child into the world, Zoey Jo. At least that's what we think her name will be. The rest of us have enjoyed spending time with each other and our wonderful friends as we have reflected on all of our blessings and the Savior's birth.

Last night we spent Christmas Eve with the Hodson family, which is a long-standing tradition now for the last 15 years. It was so much fun to sing carols as we chased around little kids and watched them light up when we talked about Santa Claus coming that night. My favorite part was listening to dad sing "Joseph" for the thousandth time accompanied by Savannah. I don't think I have ever heard him sing that song without getting teary-eyed thinking about the thoughts and feelings that must have been going through Joseph's mind as he assisted his wife in giving birth to Jesus Christ whose significance he probably didn't even realize at that time. After losing my Grandpa 3 years ago, I have since learned to take advantage and really enjoy every opportunity I have to hear my own father sing. He has the most beautiful voice and before I lost my voice to vocal strain I used to sing with him on several occasions. Three years ago we sang together for my company Christmas party the song Unforgettable. I am so glad we recorded it because I can't sing anymore and it is such a fond memory for me.

After dinner, reading the Luke 2 Christmas story, and singing the night away at the Hodson's, we came home and sat around the living room talking about all of our loved ones. Dad talked about how much he misses his dad, and talked about his brother and sister that died that we never knew. I learned some things that I didn't know before and it made me even more grateful for an eternal family and anxious to meet them on the other side someday.

Christmas morning was perhaps the best of all. Eli is at the perfect age to get excited about opening presents and for that reason he was spoiled like crazy. My favorite was watching him start to rip open the wrapping paper. He would automatically gasp before even knowing what it was every time as if it was the present he had been waiting for all year. I love the enthusiasm of little children - it reminds me to be more childlike at these special times of year.

Merry Christmas everyone! May we all reflect on why this season is so endearing to us and thank God for sending his Son so that we can live with our families forever. Pictures of this weekend to come soon - I just couldn't wait to blog about all of this until then:)

Oh, and what you all really want to know... best present of the day for me was a soft, silky white robe which I could live forever in and never tire. That and the karaoke machine that I intend to wear out with my lounge singer, scratchy voice. Come over and enjoy the fun. I see good times in the future...