#SharetheGift Perry Family Style

Last week, we had a Family Home Evening with the whole Perry family. Everyone was able to make it in person or through Skype except Shawna and family (but they had just flown in from Russia and had serious jet-lag, so we'll give them a pass). We had a wonderful nativity with the kids and then we each talked about what we are going to do to share the gift of Jesus Christ during this Christmas season. Our church has a campaign going around to help talk about Jesus Christ and to keep focus on Him during this time of year. We all filled out papers saying what we were going to do and then Travis took pictures of each family (Yes, I know my children look jazzed...and Devin was at work, so that's why you're not seeing him). I loved this FHE as it was a really wonderful time to reflect on what we are doing to remember Christ this season. Here are a few pictures of the awesomeness (thanks Travis):

Flor and Hals were lucky enough to be angels with Tyge! He is such a good sport.

I love this time of year and especially the time to think about our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have such a love for Him- He who descended below all and came as a tiny baby in a manger, then rose above all during his time on earth and through his Atonement and Resurrection. I have a testimony of His divinity and that He is the Son of God. I have been so blessed in my life as I have developed a person relationship with the Savior. This relationship sustains me through all I go through in life. Jesus Christ has guided me, comforted me, succored me, buoyed me up, given me peace, calmed fears, and given me strength at many times in my life. I am so grateful for Him, the life He led on earth, and know that because He lived, we too can live again with our Heavenly Father and with those we love. There is no greater gift than this and this is exactly what the season is about. I have felt extra measures of the Spirit in my life lately in church and otherwise and I am so grateful for that. My testimony of Jesus Christ and of His gospel is stronger than ever.

I hope you all can feel the peace of Jesus Christ in your lives throughout this holiday season and always!

In the Christmas Spirit Part II

If this doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit, I don't know what will.

This is from my friend Ashley. Read this incredible letter from Ashley about her 11 year old son, Manuel. Manuel was one of Flor's orphanage mates in her first home and I have such fond memories of watching the two of them interact when they were just babies. His mom, Ashley, spent years working for OSSO and became a dear friend to me during my time in Ecuador. We donated and would LOVE to see 20 of our friends donate $5 each, so that $100 more dollars will be contributed to Manuel's Christmas wish. A donation to OSSO will also be a Christmas present for the child we're in the process of adopting, M, as she remains at the orphanage and is currently cared for by OSSO volunteers. Help spread the Christmas spirit. Please comment if you'll donate $5 and I'll let Ashley know the total so she can tell Manuel on Christmas. Manuel, you are the true meaning of Christmas, buddy! Thanks for the reminder today.

From Ashley: 

Dear family and friends,
I’m coming to you today, a few days before Christmas, in tears and with a plea for your help. Last night I had my boys write their letter to Santa (yes, a little late, I know) because I needed some ideas for gifts. I was helping write Jonny’s out while Manuel sat down across the table from us, focused and intent on his own letter. I looked at him at one point as his letter neared the end of the page and thought “Great…he’s going to be sorely disappointed Christmas morning if his list is that long.” It was late, so I hurried Jonny along as he drew his picture for Santa, and Manuel as he went back to his room looking for a picture of him and his siblings to include with his letter, as well as one of his homemade keychains for Santa. They sealed their letters, addressed them, and then I used my “I’m out of stamps, so I’ll mail these tomorrow” excuse to sneak them into my room to read after they left for school today.
Well, this morning I sat down, ready to read his letter and somehow narrow it down into a list that fit our small budget. A few minutes later, I refolded his letter, sobbing and feeling completely helpless. Manuel had not asked for one toy, not one game…not one physical “thing.” I’d like to share his whole letter with you, but I feel like it would be too much an invasion of his privacy, as it was very personal…almost reminiscent of a plea to our Heavenly Father. That’s really what it was. A prayer.
Here’s what I will share with you…Manuel wished for a few things for Christmas:
He wished to not be sick anymore, and to be healthy and strong again.
He wished to not have to get hearing aids.
He asked Santa to bless his family here and in Ecuador.
He asked that if Santa got to be in his birth parents’ house, that he would
give Manuel a good feeling.
And lastly, (and here’s where I need your help), he asked Santa to
“…Please bless people out on the street and orphanage. Because I was one of them and I wanted a family as bad as they do right now.”
As a mother, his whole letter shook me. I had no idea that these things were so prominent in Manuel’s mind. And all I felt was helpless, because what could I do to make any of these things come true?
And then I thought of all of those orphans out there. And then I thought of all of you. I thought of how amazing it would be if we could come together this Christmas and use this amazing technology we have (Facebook and internet!) to make at least one of Manuel’s wishes come true!
If everyone who read this post shared it (when you share make sure to copy and paste this story of Manuel's letter), and then made a donation to Orphanage Support Services Organization (OSSO) in Manuel’s name, we could “bless the people in the orphanage” and make his Christmas wish come true!
A donation of $2 helps. A donation of $5 or $20 helps more. And a donation of $200 or $2,000 helps even more. ANY amount at all will help!
If you can’t donate money, what about donating time? OSSO is in dire need of volunteers right now in order to keep one of their special needs orphanages running. I can personally attest to the importance of volunteers in these orphanages, and I can GUARANTEE that you will come back a changed person. You will forever be changed for the better when you give a few weeks, or months or years of your life to serve these kids. You will go to serve and give of yourself, but you will soon learn that you will receive so much more in return than you can give.
So, family, friends, strangers…can you help me make Manuel’s Christmas wish come true? If you can, and if you do donate, please comment here or private message me, or make a comment with your donation saying that it is in Manuel’s name…and he’ll be able to see what a difference his sweet, selfless wish can make. If you have questions about OSSO or what they do, visit their website at www.orphanagesupport.org or message me with questions and I’ll either answer or find someone who can!
Thank you all more than I can say! Merry Christmas!
To donate, click here: http://www.orphanagesupport.org/#!donate/c8k2

Hallie's 6th Birthday

Oh man, I am so behind! Hallie turned six over a month ago. Crazy that our little baby is a big girl now. She is such a good girl and she brings us a ton of happiness. She is  big helper and the best sister to Flor and Jace. I truly count my blessings all the time that she was our first child- Heavenly Father knew I needed a child with her particular spirit and talents to help me through life. 

Anyway, without further ado, a bunch of pictures! Hallie chose to go to Chili's for her birthday dinner so that she could play with the tablets on the table. Yep, it's come to that. Carlie and Che's family came along and then to our house for traditional ice cream cake and presents. 

 Hallie is all the sudden into Monster Hide Out Dolls (is that what they are called???) so even though I ordered her cake from the local DQ, I guess I am mom of the year still in her eyes and that's what counts. :)

We sure love this girl.

A few things about Hallie at age six:

*Hallie LOVES school. She cries when she has to miss it if she is sick or whatever else. She thinks her teacher is a riot and comes home and tells me all the funny things she does every day.

*Hals has a mind like me in that she loves to make lists and remember names and things about people. She loves to tell me that there are 22 kids in her class and then name them all off.

*Hallie loves Barbies, coloring, making books, playing school, playing games, writing, reading books, and playing on the ipad. She loves movies and is glued to anything she watches.

*Hals is a smart girl. She reads like a champ and excels in school. We recently got a letter saying that she was high on her district testing so they wanted her to go into a special class. However, the classes are not at her school, so we didn't even really consider it.

*Hallie is a good little singer and remembers words to many songs. I think she has a decent voice, too...must have gotten that from her father!

*Words to describe Hallie's personality: charismatic, friendly, happy, helpful, nurturing, wild, timid, girly, emotional, a leader, and giving.

*She is ALL girl and loves all things pink, sparkly, and fluffy.

*If you follow me on Instagram, you already heard this story, but it is a good one, so it's worth repeating. From instagram: "Yesterday at breakfast, Hallie told me about a girl in her kindergarten class who had gotten left out at recess the first day of school so she has stayed inside everyday since. I could tell that she hurt for the girl, so I asked her what she thought she could do about it. She said "I think I can ask her to come out with me to play today." I told her that was a great idea and told her I'd ask her after school how it went. She was so thrilled to tell me that she'd asked her new friend to play and "she said yes! We went outside and we played in the secret tree we found! It was so much fun!" Proud mom moment. I hope she always wants to be an includer, not an excluder. I know the world out there is a harsh one for our kids but I hope she continues to make it a bit brighter. "
Hallie still plays with this little girl and loves to tell me about the games make up at school everyday. :)

Happy six years, sweet girl! Thanks for being ours.

In the Christmas Spirit

This story was told today during a talk in church and it just touched me so much. Please read: http://www.womansday.com/life/personal-stories/for-the-man-who-hated-christmas-100079

Also, this amazing video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg&index=1&list=PL7j5iXGSdMwe97tf4cKQUHTtt9srkF3K5

Also, the man that sang in church today. AMAZING. Wish I had a video of that for you....

Any of your favorite Christmas stories or videos I should be reading/watching?

I just love this time of year.

#sharethegift

Fingerprints & the Kindness of Others

Devin and I were both fingerprinted yesterday for our I-800a. It is serious business to be fingerprinted for federal purposes, apparently. We were given a time to show up, had to clear security and have a pat-down, and tun off all phones completely. It was like an airport scene, but with far less friendly employees (if possible). We're hopeful that this means our I-800a approval is coming soon. We did get an RFE (request for evidence) last time, which I think they throw out for fun sometimes just to delay the process. So, we're hoping to avoid that experience this time. Continued prayers appreciated.

On a separate note, we have felt so much support from everyone. We have had a "secret pilgrim" mail us a grocery gift card around Thanksgiving and just on Sunday, a member of our Bishopric brought over a lovely poinsettia and a card from a "Secret Santa" with a gift card for a lot of money to Toys R Us. We are just blown away at the kindness of people. I wish we knew who you are, so we could thank you in person. I hope whoever it is will get the message that we are so thankful for your kindness and for thinking of our family.  I wish we knew what kinds of things M likes and is in to, so that we could start stocking up on things for her. I am sure she's had hardly anything to call her own over the course of her lifetime. Anyone know what kind of toys/games 10 year old girls like? Any tips are appreciated!

Hope your holiday season has been extra special this year!

Christmas Countdown 2014

The last few years we have done a daily Christmas countdown with the kids. It is such a fun way to bring in the holiday season and to celebrate both the spiritual and secular parts of Christmas. The kids look forward to pulling their item out of the advent calendar each day. Here is our 2014 schedule-- I have posted a picture with each event in the past, but who even knows if I am going to be that on top of things this time. Yeah, probably not. Anyway, follow along if you'd like and let me know how it goes. Of course you may need to adapt activities or other things for your family. 

Day One, Monday 12.1.14

Song:  “Stars Were Gleaming” (Children’s #37)

Scripture: Luke 1:11-17

Reading/Video:  Watch “An Angel Fortells Christ’s Birth” https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/an-angel-foretells-christs-birth-to-mary?lang=eng

Activity: Go buy Christmas Coloring Books and color

Day Two, Tuesday 12.2.14

Song: “When Joseph Went to Bethlehem” (Children’s #38)

Scripture: Malachi 3:1

Reading/Video:  Read “Gloves for A Shepherd” https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/magazines/friend/2013/12/gloves-for-a-shepherd_1179029_prt.pdf?lang=eng

Activity:  Make toast and hot chocolate while listening to Christmas music

Day Three, Wednesday 12.3.14

Song:  Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains (Hymn #212)

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Reading/Video:  Listen to MOTAB’s “Carol of the Bells” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kUX22dJGG4

Activity:  Write letters to Santa

Day Four, Thursday 12.4.14

Song:  “Little Jesus” (Children’s #39)

Scripture: Luke 1:26-33

Reading/Video:  Watch “Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem” https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/mary-and-joseph-travel-to-bethlehem?lang=eng

Activity: Go to the library and check out Christmas books

Day Five, Friday 12.5.14

Song: “He Sent His Son” (Children’s #34)

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-19

Reading/Video:  Read “Christmas at the Hospital” http://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-december-2012/2012-12-21-christmas-at-the-hospital-eng.pdf

Activity: Listen to the Polar Express in Jammies

Day Six, Saturday 12.6.14

Song:  “Have a Very Merry Christmas!” (Children’s #51)

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14

Reading/Video: Read “The Christmas Cane”

http://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-december-2010/2010-12-03-the-christmas-cane-eng.pdf

Activity: Watch a Christmas Movie

Day Seven, Sunday 12.7.14

Song:  “The Nativity Song” (Children’s #52)

Scripture: Matthew 1: 20-25

Reading/Video:  Watch MOTAB’s “Hallelujah Chorus” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skgrFTu6KTI

Activity: Watch the Christmas Devotional

Day Eight, Monday 12.8.14

Song:  “With Wondering Awe” (Hymn #210)

Scripture: Luke 1:39-56

Reading/Video:  Read  “Jesus Loves You“ https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/magazines/friend/2013/12/jesus-loves-you_1178995_prt.pdf?lang=eng

Activity: United Angels Christmas Party Provo Rec Center

Day Nine, Tuesday 12.9.14

Song:  “Who Is the Child?” (Children’s #46)

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Reading/Video:  Watch “Shepherds learn of the birth of Christ” https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/shepherds-learn-of-the-birth-of-christ?lang=eng

Activity: Do a Christmas Craft

Day Ten, Wednesday 12.10.14

Song:  “Christmas Bells” (Children’s #54)

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Reading/Video: Watch MOTAB’s “Oh Come Emmanuel” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHKo4NmmvRI

Activity: Visit Temple Square to see the lights

Day Eleven, Thursday  12.11.14

Song:  “The Shepherd’s Carol” (Children’s #40)

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

Reading/Video: Watch “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen-the-kings-singers?lang=eng

Activity: Take kids shopping for each other’s gifts

Day Twelve, Friday  12.12.14

Song: “The First Noel” (Hymn # 213)

Scripture: Exodus 13:2

Reading/Video:  Watch “The Birth of Jesus Christ” https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/glad-tidings-of-great-joy-the-birth-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

Activity: Christmas songs sing-a-long

Day Thirteen, Saturday 12.13.14

Song:  “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymn #209)

Scripture: Luke 2:21-24

Reading/Video:  Read “The Christmas Basket” http://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-december-2009/2009-12-06-the-christmas-basket-eng.pdf

Activity: Go ice skating at Station Park/BYU Game

Day Fourteen, Sunday 12.14.14

Song:  “Oh, Hush Thee, My Baby” (Children’s #48)

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-5

Reading/Video:  Christmas Around the World http://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-december-2009/2009-12-14-christmas-around-the-world-eng.pdf

Activity:  Deliver Secret Santa gifts

Day Fifteen, Monday 12.15.14

Song: “Away in a Manger” (Hymn #206)

Scripture: Luke 2:25-35

Reading/Video:  Read “The Lights of Christmas” http://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/lds-magazines/friend-december-2011/2011-12-21-the-lights-of-christmas-eng.pdf

Activity: Make snowflakes and hang around the house

Day Sixteen, Tuesday 12.16.14

Song:  “It came Upon the Midnight Clear” (Hymn #207)

Scripture: Luke 2:36-38

Reading/Video: Watch MOTAB’s “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella” http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/organ-solo-bring-a-torch-jeanette-isabella?lang=eng

Activity: Read Christmas books

Day Seventeen, Wednesday  12.17.14

Song:  “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (Hymn #208)

Scripture: Hosea 11:1

Reading/Video: Watch MOTAB’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas?lang=eng

Activity: Mom and Dad to Forgotten Carols, kids to watch a Christmas Movie

Day Eighteen, Thursday 12.18.14

Song:  “Silent Night” (Hymn #204)

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15

Reading/Video:  Watch “The Nativity” https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-nativity?lang=eng

Activity: Meet Santa Claus

Day Nineteen, Friday 12.19.14

Song:  “Picture a Christmas” (Children’s #50)

Scripture: Matthew 25:40

Reading/Video:  Watch “Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem” http://www.lds.org/topics/christmas/christmas-videos?lang=eng#mary-and-joseph-travel-to-bethlehem

Activity: Bake and decorate sugar cookies

Day Twenty, Saturday 12.20.14

Song:  “Once in Royal David’s City” (Hymn #205)

Scripture: Matthew 2:16-18

Reading/Video: Read “My Gift to Jesus” http://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/liahona-december-2012/2012-12-26-my-gift-to-jesus-eng.pdf

Activity: Build a snowman

Day Twenty One, Sunday 12.21.14

Song:  “Joy to the World” (Hymn #201)

Scripture: Micah 5:2

Reading/Video:  Watch MOTAB’s “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/hark-the-herald-angels-sing-natalie-cole?lang=eng

Activity: Decorate Gingerbread Houses

Day Twenty Two, Monday 12.22.14

Song:  “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus”

Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23

Reading/Video: Read “The Christmas Oranges”

Activity:  Watch Santa’s Reindeer online

Day Twenty Three, Tuesday 12.23.14

Song:  “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” (Hymn #202)

Scripture: Luke 2:39-40

Reading/Video: Watch “The Reason Behind Christmas” http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?im=true&v=2874125972001

Activity: Drive around to see Christmas lights

Day Twenty Four, Wednesday 12.24.14

Song: “Angels we Have Heard on High” (Hymn #203)

Reading/Video: Watch the “Hallelujah Chorus” http://www.lds.org/topics/christmas/christmas-videos?lang=eng#motab-hallelujah-christmas-2010

Scripture/Activity: Act out the Nativity