Annie's Talented Projects!

 I'm always amazed at what this daughter of mine comes up with, can figure out how to make and makes what she has imagined.  She was asked (or more likely, she volunteered) to decorate the ward cultural hall for their ward Christmas party.  She built this huge star, that would hang from the center of the hall.  She painted it with gold paint.  The star wouldn't fit in her car so Andrew had to drive it over to the church in his convertible with the top down.  That's how big this thing was.  I don't have pictures of the table decor so I hope she took a bunch.  I do know that she made this small nativities to go on each table.  I was lucky enough to snag one.

The star hanging in her garage.

Annie also made Bingo boxes for each one of her kids and included Neal and I.  What a gun idea.  There are twelve squares and each square represents something different that needs to be done before Christmas.  This is the Christmas Bingo box.  Inside is a wrapped gift for each of the squares.

Neal and I did a random act of kindness for a family in our ward.

This was a home made (by Annie) Christmas ornament that went along with decorate your tree square.

These were home made, by Annie, Christmas cards that went along with Send Christmas cards Square.  The cards were absolutely darling.  I've already used most of them.

Another square was Watch a Christmas movie in new PJ's.  Annie made Neal and I t-shirts to wear while watching our Christmas movie.  We watched It's A Wonderful Life.  Probably one of my very favorite Christmas movies of all time.

Another square was Read a new Christmas Book.  I found this book and had to buy it and read it.  I want Neal to give it to Peyton after he writes something inside for her.  It is a cute book and reminds me of the day Peyton was helping us decorate the tree and accidentally dropped an ornament and it broke.  Neal yelled at her and crushed her little spirit.  The ornament had no nostalgia, or was it priceless.  Just a stupid red bulb.  He's had to repent and make up for that every Christmas.  I'm sure Peyton has long forgiven him, but . . . . 

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas was my most favorite of all the squares.

She put a personal message with this one and I'll quote the message exactly as she wrote it:

"To my family, THAT I LOVE SO MUCH!

This donkey had to be a part of our Christmas!  He is so sweet, and peaceful.  (And he even looks a little tired, like most of us).  For me, this picture brings up the warm feelings of Christmas.  The holidays remind us of what is most important.  It gives us the opportunity to reflect, to feel joy, and to remember our Savior.  

I love that Christ came to this earth in such a humble way.  In a quiet and peaceful way.  Christ was never about the pageantry of a king.  He was and is about serving, teaching, learning, and loving each other.

My hope and prayer is that we can serve and receive love within our family, and with those around us.  My heart is so full, I am so blessed.  I love you all."  

What a sweet message of reflection and love.