Santa

 

 

 

 

North Pole Express

 

Here in Lindon there is a small neighborhood that runs an 1/8 scale model train through the land. Each year they set it up to be the "North Pole Express" and invite the public to come ride. The remarkable thing about it is that it is free. Any donations collected go to help a local charity. This year they will have over 8,000 people ride their train.

Last week we had the opportunity to go. I was impressed with the organization and the set up of it all but, most of all, I was impressed with the reminder that everyone that rides that train is given. The first part of the train ride was set up as one would expect. There were lights and figurines portraying santa, his elves and reindeer etc... The train made a short stop at the North Pole where the kids got to sit on Santa's lap and take a picture. While at the North Pole, Santa reminded us all of the true meaning of Christmas. We then got back on the train. Instead of the Polar Express soundtrack playing, as it had been before, as song called Mary Did You Know? began to play. As the train started down the track there was a picture of Joseph with Mary on a donkey, a picture of them in the manger, and then a manger set up. All around the tracks were beautiful paintings of Christ's life.

We all had a great time and left having felt the testimony that Our Savior lives. He IS the reason for celebration at this time of year.

Loving the snow!

Pucker up Buttercup

 

I love to watch the twins interaction with each other. I had to take this picture because they love to play footsie with each other. If they are in their chairs, facing each other their feet are constantly touching.

The Gift

As I was reading in the December Ensign today I was touched deeply by an article called "The Gift". The article speaks of the true meaning of Christmas. The author writes about what Mary's experience must have been. But, the part that touched me the most was the simple reminder that the most treasured gift EVER given is not one that can be found in a store, it is not one that only the rich can obtain, and it didn't come wrapped in "shiny wrapping paper." The greatest gift ever given was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. He was sent to the humblest of circumstances.

As I read this I thought about how I desire to give my children the world. I can't do this by showering them with temporal things. I am grateful for the reminder that we are richest when we have a testimony of Our Savior and the gift He gave to us.

Another thing that struck me as I read this article was the weight that Mary must have felt on her shoulders. What would it feel like to know that you were the one chosen to raise The Savior of the world? What a great blessing and responsibility. Thinking about this, I wonder what it is that each of my children have been sent here to accomplish. What is the part they will take in the plans of Our Heavenly Father?

Even though I do not know exactly what they are to do, I do know that it is my responsibility to raise them in such a way that they will be willing and able to follow the will of The Father. Looking at them, I feel I can catch just a small glimpse of their potential. I know that they have each been given special gifts and talents that will help them.

It truly is the greatest gift to know that Our Savior lives, that He died for us so that we might all live again. I am grateful for His atonement, for His life and the example he was, and for the Holy Spirit which teaches us what those in the world cannot!

A little bit of peace and quiet

We took advantage of a week John had off in October to spend some time at a family cabin in Idaho. We had a great time playing games, reading, riding the 4-wheelers, taking the paddle boat out on the pond, and just being together as a family. It was great having no phone service, no TV and no internet. It gave us the perfect opportunity to spend time together without any distractions! You can see a few pictures from the trip here.