December 5, 2017

Today I went and read a Christmas story to Owen's Kindergarten class.  I chose to read The Polar Express.  The kids all have a little stocking, and each day when a mom reads a story, she puts a little treat or item in the stocking to remind them of the story.  So, naturally, I put a little jingle bell in each stocking.

I also brought our leather strap of sleigh bells that hangs on our front door.  I shook it a few times throughout the story.  It always reminds me of the sound of Santa entering the cultural hall for our family party with my Mom's side of the family.  We would all be singing Christmas carols and suddenly you'd hear those sleigh bells.  Every year, we would all sit on his lap.  And then, he'd shake those bells as he ran out of the gym.  Sometimes, we'd try to chase him to see his sleigh.  The adults would usually stop us, but one mischievous cousin once reported seeing Santa get into a little car at the back of the parking lot.  That just seemed creepy to me.

I decided to bring our sleigh bells this year, because last year I went into Austin's class to ready this same story.  I brought along a single bell, just like in the story.  When I finished reading, I held up the bell.  And I said, "The bell still rings for all who truly believe."  Then I shook it.  Maybe it was because of the way I was holding it, but it didn't make a single sound!  The kids in the class looked momentarily stunned.  It was the funniest thing ever.  I quickly shifted it in my hand and shook it again.  This time, successfully.  I decided I needed a more fool-proof bell!  Hence, the entire strap of sleigh bells.  You almost can't keep those things silent!

It was so fun to be there with Owen.  He was all smiles.  And Lance sat so quietly in the stroller next to the class.  The other night, I was trying so hard to get Lance to sleep when out of the blue, he said, "Merry Christmas, Mom."  At first I didn't understand him, but he said it a few more times until I finally said back, "Merry Christmas, Lance."  Then he smiled and snuggled in close to me.  He's been watching Mickey Mouse Christmas for months now, so I think he totally gets it.  I hope it is a really fun year at our house.

The #LightTheWorld suggestion for today was about honoring thy Father and Mother.  I started thinking about my parents, and I remembered a beautiful picture from last Christmas.  I posted in on Facebook with the following caption.

Julia, Grandma, Miles, Austin (up top), Grandpa, Owen, Lance, and Emma

Last Christmas morning, we were so blessed to have my parents with us at our house. We had never, ever done that before. It was so special!! They have been an amazing force for good in my life. And I love them both with all of my heart. They’ve always shown me what is very most important in life. 
I could never have dreamed that it would also be my last Christmas with my dad. 😢
#LightTheWorld

But I’m so thankful that upon my parents’ knees, I learned that we have a Father in Heaven, who sent His son, Jesus Christ, so that one day we could see each other once more. It will be the best Christmas-morning gift ever.

Everyone looks so happy in this picture.  It WAS such a happy time.  I was so filled with gratitude that I got to spend this time with my parents.  I was so happy that they had a home here in St. George.  I was so excited to see my kids grow up with their grandparents close by.  

But life has a funny way of changing.

I miss my Dad so much.  And I love my beautiful mother!  I am so thankful to still have her.  She is an enormous strength to me.  But we will always feel the emptiness of losing my dad.  

I decided that the best way to honor my father and mother would be to live the way they taught me.  I will spend all my days honoring them.  And staying true and faithful to God's plan.  I am incredibly blessed to have grown up with such a fantastic mom and dad.  And I'll remember this moment forever.  

As Lance would say, "Merry Christmas, Dad."

And I can almost hear him saying, "Merry Christmas, Lance."