Christmas 2010

Here's a summary of Christmas 2010 from the life of the 3 J's...

First off, in mid-December, we attended the annual Christmas concert hosted by my dear friend Robyn. It's always so fun to celebrate the season with our friends we love, and to see some of their musical talents displayed. There's always a mix of silly and fun performances, along with more worshipful music that brings the Spirit of Christ into our party. We "Jingleton's" were in the silly category... Jordan played a jazzy sweet Jingle Bells on the piano, and talked me into grooving along (and of course, Jude did too).

"Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra, ra-ra-ra-ra!" On Christmas Eve, we went to Cedarburg and enjoyed dinner at pretty much the only place open, "New Fortune" - a little Chinese restaurant. While it may not have been my first choice for Christmas Eve, I actually ended up loving it! Good atmosphere, service, and excellent food! Jude was cheerful as ever, happy to be eating out with Mommy and Daddy. So adorable. And because it always amuses me, I've included our mystic fortune cookie messages...

Jordan: Your respect for others will be your ticket to success.

Jenny: Focus on the color purple this week to bring you luck.

Jude: Don't worry about the stock market. Invest in family. ( :

Then we took Jude to see the great big Cedarburg Christmas tree up close. This picture is too far away to tell... so let me just tell you that Jude was staring up at the tree, eyes shining with wonder, and whispering again and again, "Oh, wow!"

Then we came home and opened a present or two before putting Jude to bed. Then Jordan and I read some classic nativity accounts from the scriptures and watched a few short movies about Christ.

And now, a few Christmas morning shots... Here's our hero, opening presents with a little help from Daddy.

This face says it all - he loves his new puppy backpack from Grandma Lynne!

"Oh wow!" Jude's new Thomas the Train play tent!

Jude loved the little squirrel that Kellen and Jane sent us! It's blurry, but he's squirming with joy after the squirrel gave him a little kiss! (Thanks, Marie! I'm not sure who loved this more, me or Jude.)

Jude's Grandma Huish sent some new books! Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! Nothing better for my Juders.

Another shot of the Jude dude in his new tent amidst the post-Christmas messiness.

Later that day, we met with some of our close buddies who were still in town for the holidays. Our charming hosts: Ben & Sarah (and little Elizabeth) Eckstrom, Isaac & Marcy Lloyd, and Brad & Kjirstin Roberts. We had a wonderful time! The combined efforts of everyone made a seriously delectable Christmas feast. We had fun visiting and laughing and playing "Quirkle" afterward.

Jude enjoyed the delicious Christmas dinner, but got extremely sleepy while eating it...

Thanks again to the Eckstrom's for inviting us (in case you are reading this)!

Anyway, this was the first year that Jordan and I decided to stay here in Milwaukee for the holidays instead of flying home. We missed family, but it was a cozy, sweet little Christmas for us. I found that the quiet moments gave me more opportunity to reflect on my life, my big tall husband I love so much, and my darling little son. And for the gospel that brings me joy and peace. The simplicity of this Christmas gave me more time to think of our Savior. Do you remember when Thomas S. Monson said - during the Christmas devotional- that he reads 3 things every Christmas season?

1. The Scriptures (specifically, Luke 2)

2. Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" and

3. "The Mansion" by Henry Van Dyke

Well, I decided I wanted to do that too. I had seen the play of "A Christmas Carol" loads of times, but never read the book till now. And as for "The Mansion", I had never even heard of this one until the prophet mentioned it, but it became an immediate favorite. Simple, but beautiful. Makes you look a little deeper into your own heart, which is always a good thing. Anyway, I think I might just copycat President Monson on this tradition from now on. Very inspiring.

Some of you know that this Christmas brought our little family some heartaches - and while I often don't understand why things happen the way they do, "I know that God loveth His children." I can always see good things that come from enduring trials. Our home was filled with love this Christmas and for that, I am truly grateful. In the (practically cliche, but still beloved) words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone!"

ps. I have some adorable footage of Jude opening gifts, playing in the wrapping paper etc. but I'll post that later when I have Jordan (computer genius) with me to sort out my technical difficulties.