Christmas Festivities 2014

This Christmas season was hands down my most favorite in the history of forever. It trumped all my childhood Christmas's hands down!! Cameron still didn't get the idea of Santa this year, but he was so excited and full of life about every detail!! 

I grew up always putting out the Christmas decorations the weekend of Thanksgiving, so to continue that tradition we put out our decorations. I scaled way back in what I put out this year- not sure how well Cameron would leave things alone. We did our tree- got shatterproof ornaments-, a few Santa's were put out, and my nativity.  Cameron proved to be a very good listener, and quite well behaved. I expected to have to put things back on shelves and on the tree daily- but he stayed true to his cautious side and left it all alone mostly. 

I have gotten an ornament for him every year so far- this year was no different- we got him  Mickey Mouse ornament. That has been one of his major preferences over this past year. 

After the tree had been up a few days, the rearranging of ornaments started, but he didn't get too crazy! He would bring the round ones to me and say ball- I told yes they look like balls but we use them to make our tree pretty and he would put them back. He was also really interested in his photo ornament from last year so we talked a lot about Mickey mouse and baby cameron. 

One fun activity Cameron and I did while Dan was working on year end tax stuff, is go to see Jaxson sing is his school Christmas concert! That free spirited boy did a good job, and Cameron really enjoyed dancing to the music! Jaxson was so excited that we could hear him say hi to Cameron and I in the middle of the program!

Of course we had to go see Christmas lights, but we didn't brave the crowds at temple square this year. We did 3 different car drive by types, 2 of them were houses decked out and synced to music. Those were neat and Cameron really liked them. 

Then we also went to the draper tree lights- it has been dubbed the Tree of Life from the Book of Mormon. I am sure you can see why. It was really neat. After we saw that, we drove down to the Thanksgiving point lights. They have a great 10-15 minute course of animated lights and displays to drive through. 

 I just love my cute little family!

We let Cam ride in the front unbuckled for the tour at thanksgiving point. He soaked it all in and loved it!

Of course Grandma's tree was a highlight of the season too. He loved to watch it, and didn't let us hardly get through the front door without getting the lights plugged in.

This kid LOVES his grandparents. He teases and kissed Grandma lots, and Grandpa is one of the only people that he will sit still for more than 10 seconds!

On Christmas Eve, we had a lovely day with family. Cameron played and played. I think my most favorite moment from all of Christmas happened this night too. 

After our delicious ham dinner, we all gathered into the family room for family home evening and to read the story of Christ's birth in Luke. 

Being that we did a full Family Home Evening- this is my favorite part- Dad lead us in singing silent night. For the first oh maybe 2 lines, Cameron was in his own little boy world, then he realized we were all reverently singing. 

He stopped in the middle of the room, and looked around. The curious look was followed by what I can only tell you was complete and innocent humble behavior- a perfect and wonderful little boy touched by the spirit. He just stood there and watched us all, and smiled. These are the moments that give me such joy- worth every sleepless night, and hardship.

After FHE, we came home, and all opened our Christmas Eve Jammies and a new book. We read the book and went to bed, and to what do our wondering eyes appear- but Santa came and unloaded some treats!

Santa came!!! {He fills our stockings and leaves just a couple gifts} So Mom and Dad really spoiled this boy too!

Christmas Morning, we opened presents, and ate sticky buns for breakfast. Then Cameron played and played with his new toys, we took a nap, and headed to Grandma and Grandpas!

He LOVES trucks, cars, and airplanes. All boy for sure! He loves that he can sit in his new big dump truck!

 There is one of those sweet smiles he saves for special people. This one was for Grandma.

He LOVES LOVES his uncle Ben. Ben is pretty darn cute with him too. They are cute buddies.

Opening more gifts with Dad at Grandma and Grandpa's. He loved opening gifts this year! YAY! No tears at the wrapping paper.

What a wonderful way to spend our holidays and celebrate the birth of our Savior and brother Jesus Christ! I am so grateful that even my sweet small boy was able to feel of the true spirit of Christmas!

Church is HARD!

Can I tell you how discouraged I get so many Sundays!? Cameron is a very good boy and really doesn't do terribly naughty things but that hour of Sacrament meeting is SO hard. It falls right at nap time, and I can't always get him to nap when we get to church- and he is just wired! He doesn't understand sitting still for 5 minutes let a lone an hour! He can't be occupied by coloring or drawing, he eats crayons and even if he did draw, it would hold his attention all of 3 minutes before he moved on to the next thing.
Then I seriously struggle with knowing when to take him out- I don't want him to think he gets to go out just because he squawks once or twice- OIY!
This past fast Sunday he finally fell asleep after fighting with both Dan and I in the chapel and out of it- and I got a peaceful feeling at what seemed the most awkward time- so I got up and bore my testimony as one of the last.
I just got that sweet spirit to say to me, "Cherish, you are doing what's right, and this is where you belong, this is where Cameron belongs, and God knows he is perfect, and you are trying!"
I just bore testimony that even when we don't feel like going to church- because we all have that sometimes- when we get ourselves up and go, we are blessed. Even when I fight my toddler to be quiet and entertained the whole meeting, I can still feel the spirit, even if it wasn't related to talk given!
Thank heaven for tender mercies!

Cam really is pretty good most weeks- and when he is just chilling for a few seconds- he looks like a little man!

Ogden Temple Open House

Dan and I took Cameron and Grandpa to the Ogden Temple open house on Wednesday. What a beautiful little temple! It just impressed upon me a renewed sense of importance that the significance of our ordinances and covenants made there are to be cared for, worked on, and treasured.

The Celestial room was beautiful. Cameron loved that room best of all too. He stopped, knelt, ran his fingers over the soft carpet, and marveled at the beautiful chandeliers. I could tell he just knew that room- knew heaven.

He is Risen!

This Easter, three quotes have been resounding in my heart.

"No goodbye will last forever- #BecauseofHim"
"Death has no sting- #BecauseofHim"
"The grave has no victory- #BecauseofHim"

With my sweetheart Gramps passing away just days prior to Easter, I have been especially grateful for this Easter season and the opportunities I have taken to reflect on the Atonement and Ressurection of our Savior. What a sacred and happy holiday Easter is.

I am so grateful for the Gospel- for the reassuring truth that it imprints on my heart.

We celebrated Easter by having a nice dinner with Mom and Dad and enjoying the nice weather. Spring is beautiful- and there is no better time to reflect on our Savior and what he did for us as a whole and as individuals than in the bright warmth of flowers, color, sunshine, and beauty.

Cameron is still really young for some holiday traditions- we meant to dye eggs but didn't have time. We did however, have our first visit from the Easter bunny.
Cameron got a suit for church, a book about the true meaning of Easter, some bubbles and garden tools,  a ball, and a few candies.

My two good lookin' mens all dressed up in their Sunday best for the Easter Sabbath!

Grandma and Grandpa got Cameron a little Easter present as well: He got some more bubbles, a dinosaur, and shirt. 

Poor Grandma, just wants some cuddles but this boy is far too busy to sit on any lap for long!

#BecauseofHim- I have a solid testimony to the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the atonement, I am grateful for forever families.

FHE and Pumpkin carving!

For FHE, we have been studying in depth the lessons from Gospel Principles. Because Dan is the Ward Mission Leader, we attend that class. I actually think it would be a good idea for everyone to take turns every few years or so to take this class as a refresher. I am learning things in a new light as I get older and take on new tasks and capacities. 

Tonight we discussed why it is so important that we come to earth, gain a body, and also read a conference talk from Elder Bednar about paying tithing. After our discussion, we carved pumpkins.

Why do we need these earthly bodies? To become like Heavenly Father. We cannot be perfected and exalted and become like God without first having a body. 

Elder Bednar's talk was great. We read the one from this past conference. It was mainly regarding tithing, but what I picked out can apply to any aspect of our lives. That principle is doing something because you have faith, not expecting a blessing in return. We all take certain blessings for granted, and it is always a good reminder that blessings are gifts, not to be expected, but given out of love. I am so grateful for the gospel in our home!

We always enjoy our time together as a family, and carving pumpkins together is something Dan and I have always done!