Christmas Day

 Christmas morning brought with it a beautiful blanket of freshly fallen snow...

a white Christmas just like we love!!!

I worked quietly in the kitchen making the Christmas morning casserole 

until all the children woke up around 8:00...

 In their Christmas jammies, we had a family prayer, took pictures by the tree... 

 ...and by their stockings and their gifts from Santa. :)

 With today being the Sabbath Day and church at 11, we all decided that it would be best to open up stockings and then save all of the opening of the presents for after church.

This was kind of a gift in itself trying to show the Savior that we honor Him first, and that we could spend all the time we wanted later opening and admiring the gifts without even having to rush!

 Everyone found something in their stockings that they could use for church from, jewelry to belts, to gum. :)

 Then, we took a family picture right after church was over. It was so beautiful outside with all of the snow!

 The sacrament meeting program was full of beautiful Christmas songs sang by the choir 

and some sang by the congregation. My heart was touched as I sang praises from my heart 

to my Lord and Savior, that tiny infant King!

 As soon as we got home we took a few more pictures by the tree...

 ...and had no need for mistletoe :)

 (One of my very favorite places to be...wrapped up in his arms! :)

 Granted wishes for Christmas kisses! :)

 My beautiful children :)...by the fresh cut tree...

 ...and in our sleigh!!! Brotherly love...

 ...and the sisters too! :)

 Mr. and Mrs. Clause! ;)

 And one of my very favorite times of all...family dinner!

I set the table beautifully for breakfast but never took a picture. Then for dinner, we all gathered for a simple, warm, meal of lasagna, french bread, and salad. 

Silly family always loves to be silly for my pictures!!!

All day long we were together, opening gifts, playing together, and then that evening we were visited by Grandma and Grandpa Trickett, and Clint's brother Chad and his family visiting from Texas.

It was good to be together and have a day to enjoy one another. 

This life is a gift, let alone all of the goodness that comes right along with it...I don't know how I will ever be able to repay  my Heavenly Father for all of the blessings that we receive. My cup is overflowing with love and gratitude for the good gifts that He gives. I love my Savior and love the Christmas celebration and the memories made together as a family...

Merry Christmas sweet family!