Tradition...

Growing up we had a "12 days" tradition in my family. As a family, we tried to do the twelve days of Christmas for another family every year. I have some wonderful memories with my family over many years b/c of that tradition. I'm sure it wasn't always easy for my parents, financially or otherwise, but I am so grateful to them for making the effort.

It is something that I have really wanted to start in my own family. Unfortunately, we have yet to start it. Maybe next year.....

This year though, my Parents decided to do it for each of their children who are all living away from home. My Mom spent months preparing and did an amazing job. She made us all (not just us mind you, but all her kids) matching pjs.

We got Pres. Monson's favorite books to read at Christmas time (The Mansion and A Christmas Carol), the Shrek Christmas movie, and a scrapbook/recipe book. We got sent on a "secret mission" to do something nice for someone else, complete with disguises and a self destructing CD:



We got an awesome personal blender that makes great shakes, a CD of the MOTAB siging Christmas music, and ingredients for goodies for our neighbors:


We got the Reflections of Christ DVD, a pizza hut gift card, etc. etc. She really put a TON of work into it.

My favorite gift, however, was something for Micah and Noah. I feel really strongly about their need to have good relationships with people I trust who love them but aren't their parents. Namely, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles etc. I worry about their relationship with my parents b/c they dont' get to see them too often. We try to make regular visits, but still...
So, my Mom made a video of her reading them a book. I won't even be able to do it justice here in words, but she actually made it into a little movie where all the characters (a cat, dog, cow, and duck) were played by my siblings and Dad while she read to them. The boys LOVE it. She sent the book with the DVD and I will ask them if they want Mommy or Nanna to read it to them...they almost always say Nanna and we pop the DVD in. Isn't that AWESOME!?! What a great idea!

Anyway, it was a really fun couple of weeks, and truly made us feel loved and helped us get into the Christmas spirit.