The pitter patter of 38 feet

For the past two weeks 38 feet walked, jumped and ran around my house. And what a joyous noise it was. I started my preparation for Christmas in late September buying a gift every weekend until the I felt I had accomplished the gifts of Christmas. I have been known to go a little crazy with gifts, but I love it so much.... Funny as I type I am listening to Come Thou Fount of every blessing, such an amazing and inspiring song.
The Reason we have Christmas is for the Celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ so by proxy we give gifts to those we love as symbol of the gifts given the Christ Child.
So as I spent dollar after dollar on these symbols, knowing my children and Grandchildren would feel the love I have for them. Not so much because of the gifts but because of the thoughts behind them.
We as a people need Christmas it is the one time of year we really put forth the effort to draw ourselves to our Savior. Should we be that way all year around? YES!!!
So as these feet pitter patterd around my home, I was full of gratitude for a Heavenly Father who helped all the pieces come together. It is not an easy thing to bring together Four Children ( Dylan was missing) Two daughter in laws, Three grandchildren, James and I, three dogs and one traumatized cat. Do the math that equals 38 feet/paws.
Nicholaus sent out an email to everyone that asking each one to be in charge of two meals so I would not have to think of what to cook. So the fun began as each person took on a dinner. Zachary made the first meal it was a two day process General Tso and Orange Chicken with Fried rice and Cream cheese filled wantons: It was amazing... Kailey was next with Chicken Tortilla soup and not just any soup it was soupalicious... Nick and Kat Homemade cream sauce, fettichini with spinach and Brachetta are you jealous yet.. Then came South west egg rolls by Kailey, Coconut Shrimp with Butter garlic sherry Fettichini topped with baby shrimp by Tiffanie, Nick and Kat then made Homemade Chibatta pizzas after a night with the Harrison's they brought home this yummy idea.
So now the tradition begins, we have all shared the recipes on paper and in a few years time we will have a cook book.
It was awesome sharing these fun moments with each other. The best though was all the baby time we had, as Aunts and Uncles played with babies and helped stop Little Atticus from escaping out the doggy door a million time each day. This was Christmas for me.
It was hard to say goodbye to my children who travel long miles to be here. I miss them so much already. I am blessed Mother who has Children who love me and take the time each day to call and check in.
So why Christmas? Why Christ? In Gethsemane as our Savior atoned for our sins by proxy he took on each one of our sins, heartaches, illness, trials, all the human depravity so he personally would know how to succor his people. The greatest gift to mankind was born in a stable, bleed from each pore for our sins, and hung on Calvary's cross, gave up the ghost and then rose on the third day. We have a great debt to pay for this great gift, all he requires is that we keep the commandments, try to live as he lived. I life long process but well worth the journey.