Moments of Motherhood: Sewing with Ellie

I usually sew when my kids are sleeping because... well... for obvious reasons. Today, however, I was still working on the kids' stockings when Ellie woke up from her nap. Usually I would have finished up and put things away, but today she pulled up a chair and asked me if I could keep sewing so she could watch. I of course gave her the "don't touch" spiel, and I kept sewing. She asked me questions, and I answered, and we both enjoyed ourselves. We got into a rhythm of her handing me pins when I needed them and then she would put them back into the pin cushion when I was through with them. She warned me to "be careful so you don't hurt your fingers," and I talked to her about each step, explaining in 3-year-old terms why I was doing what. She was quite proud of the fact that she was my "special helper." After about 20 minutes she said "Mom, we're having girl time. I love staying up late (staying up late is the best privilege EVER for her right now) and having girl time with you. Nathan's not awake, Jonah's not awake, just us. And you're teaching me how to sew for when I'm a big girl and I can do it all by myself."

For the next hour she and I sat together sewing and pinning, with her telling me several times how much she loved sewing with me and reminding me over and over again that I would teach her how to do it by herself when she was big.

I am so grateful for times like this afternoon when I get to just listen to my little girl tell me what's on her mind, and her and I get to bond and share in something that we enjoy. It reminds me that I could do better to slow down and revel in these sweet moments of motherhood, because my little princess is growing up right before my eyes.

(The neighbors brought by some hand-me-downs yesterday, and Ellie could not be more thrilled with her new Rapunzel nightgown. It was quite the task to get her to take it off this morning so she could get dressed.)

Santa and "Cookies"

The kids got to see Santa at Sam's work party a few weeks ago, and there were no tears from any of them. I consider that a success!

Ellie was right at home on his lap. She skipped right up to him, climbed on his lap, and talked to him like they were old friends.

Jonah just stared at him for awhile, then decided to look toward the flash of the camera.

And Nathan was pretty hesitant about the whole thing, but he ultimately decided he would stay... But only if he could hold Ellie's hand. (So sweet)

Now if only I could get Nathan to realize that the cinnamon ornaments we made last year are NOT cookies, we would be good.

I guess you can't make something look and smell like a cookie and expect the two-year-old not to try and eat it.

Without Christ, There Would Be No Christmas

"Without Christ, there would be no Christmas. Without Christ, there can be no fulness of joy. Without His birth and Atonement, we would have no Intercessor, no Advocate with the Father, and no Mediator who makes it possible for us to return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and live together as eternal families."

Image from here.

"This Christmas, as the spirit of the season permeates our hearts, let us do something that expresses our feelings in an outward way, showing that we understand that the babe born in Bethlehem is the real Redeemer."1

"This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again."2

I am so grateful for the Savior, who came into this world the same way all of us do: as a tiny, newborn baby. And I am so grateful that because He was born that day, and because He died for us, we can live with God again. I know this to be true.

Have you seen this video yet?

Discover, Embrace, and Share the Gift at christmas.mormon.org.

1. The Reality of Christmas, Gary E. Stevenson
2. The Gifts of Christmas, Howard W. Hunter

Moments of Motherhood

"The joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."

- M. Russell Ballard, Daughters of God

(The whole talk is wonderful. Read it here: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/daughters-of-god?lang=eng)

The Reason for the Christmas Season

“No worry or anxiety over the choosing and giving of gifts; no enjoyment of holiday feasts; no decorations however modern or attractive; no social parties however jovial, should ever overshadow the fact that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who came to give life, light, and peace to all mankind, and who marked the way by which these eternal blessings may be obtained. Let us ever remember that ". . . God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)

- “Man May Know for Himself: Teachings of President David O. McKay”

Watch the beautiful video and learn more about the reason for the Christmas Season here:

http://www.mormon.org/christmas