Merry Christmas!

Christmas oh Christmas, you have been and will always be my most favorite time of year :). I love EVERYTHING about this wonderful holiday- the smells, sights, sounds, people, you name it! Words can't even describe the warm fuzzy feeling this time evokes in me, but all I can say is I'm so very glad it happens every year! :)
Every family has the own unique set of Christmas traditions. For us, we give Christmas Eve almost more significance than Christmas Day! It's on this night that we exchange family gifts, eat a delicious meal, play games, and reflect upon our lives, the love we feel for one another, and our gratitude for the Savior. This year was no different, and it was truly magical.
That being said, Christmas Day was marvelous as well! It began bright and early- 9am church comes awfully fast! But first we made time to open stockings and get our big present from 'Santa.' It was a very neat experience to go to a church meeting on Christmas Day, and helped set the tone for the remainder of this holiday. It also gave us a wonderful excuse to take a long and luxurious nap :) This gave us the energy needed to prepare and eat a second delicious feast, spend time together, and watch the Christmas classic, 'It's a Wonderful Life' (which I hereby declare as THE best movie ever made!!!)
-Sigh- yes this was a very magical and blessed Christmas and I can't wait until next year..:)

Lovely Family on Christmas Day :). What an adventure it was getting this shot...thank you, 'Self-timer.'

Mmmmm...Sooo delicious :)

Little Nephew listening to Grandpa read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.'

"The children were nestled, all snug in their beds..."

My little brother is so thoughtful :)

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God...I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not." 

Doctrine and Covenants 6:21

Can't Catch Me, I'm a Gingerbread....HOUSE!

The gingerbread house: A symbol of Christmas that I just adore :). A couple of days ago, my little brother and I set to work creating this year's masterpiece! We decided to go for the 'more is more' philosophy and quite enjoyed slapping all sorts of candies and frosting on our miniature abode. I think it turned out just darling :).

As a side note...for those of you who aren't exactly into baking your own gingerbread, cutting the pieces, and assembling it all...go to COSTCO! We've been using the same little kit in my family for a few years now and it's saved sooo much headache! The house comes pre-assembled and has all the candy, frosting, and other decorations you need! It even comes with two gingerbread people and a tree. Score :)

The before shot of the house.

The before shot of the tree.

Just a sampling of the sweets....:) I may or may not have snitched a few ;)

The vision is beginning to take form! :)

There we go!! :) 

Window detailing.

One of the residents..;) Who tragically lost an arm and a leg tonight...

Roof detailing.

Merry Christmas :)

The Lights at Temple Square

Oh Temple Square, how I love you. Oh Christmas-time, how I love you. Oh Temple Square at Christmas-time, how I love you! :)

Now I admit this post has a bit more photos than I would usually share, but I was going camera crazy- causing potential accidents right and left! ;). I thought I would only select my favorites, but I ended up having a lot of favorites.

That being said, my photos will never be the same as going for yourself. Seeing the lights at Temple Square is pretty much one of the most wonderful things in the world. Everything seems so magnificent and grand and it is just the key to getting you into the Christmas Spirit. If you haven't had the opportunity to go this year, look at some of the photos, do a bit of pondering, and then get in your car as fast as you can and drive on up to SLC! Christmas comes but once a year :).

PART 1- THE TEMPLE

I love this building. One word comes to mind when I see it- Majestic.

PART 2- THE JOSEPH SMITH MEMORIAL BUILDING

This ginormous tree is found on the main floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and it does a pretty good job of screaming Christmas- which is never a bad thing. ;)

A fountain. I dunno what it is with me and fountains but they're pretty much amazing.

Haha, I like this little guy. And by little I mean big- he was almost as tall as me :)

Stained glass= :)

So this has nothing to do with Christmas, but I fell in love with this Shoji screen found in one of the rooms in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I kinda want it.

PART 3- THE LIGHTS

There were dozens of these luminaires lining the sides of the some of the walkways. Sooooo magical :)

Merry Christmas Everyone :)

Yet shall he live.

This post is dedicated to Robert Gary Gomm

October 13, 1938-November 18, 2011

My grandpa loved people, animals, the gospel, and life. He is part of the reason each of his family members are who they are. While many view the death of a loved one as the end of life and happiness, we were able to find celebration in knowing that he is once again alive. He is finally able to move and speak and be joyful after having suffered for so long. These photos remind me of that joy and peace that we felt together, secure in the knowledge that we will see him again and that he is finally out of pain.

Turtle rings given to each grand-daughter. The turtle is one of my grandpa's favorite animals as they symbolize the importance of swimming at our own pace, that it is alright to float for awhile, and that we should not be afraid to stick our neck out.

The 21 gun salute- such an honor.

A fighter to the end.

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"

-John 11:25

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