a sad day...

This weekend marked the end of the Christmas season for us. We had so much fun with everyone. It was all so bittersweet, happy that we were able to spend time together for the holidays, and sad the time had to end. Saturday morning I took our tree down and stored all the decorations. We were gone most of the time on vacation, and were blessed to get an extended vacation with more days with my mom, seeing family again for my dad's wedding, and starting school later. So we've kept the tree up as long as possible. I've absolutely loved it. The boys still wanted to make Christmas cookies or Christmas cinnamon rolls (a new invention, just the cinnamon rolls with red and green sprinkles!) and it was still working for me to say that Santa Clause wouldn't bring presents if they were naughty. But it is now February, and I realize I was probably that last person on the planet to take my tree down but I have to admit that I absolutely loved it. I loved the coziness every night when it was cold and we were cuddled up to watch a movie (or American Idol!). Most of all, I loved what Christmas felt like for me. It was a giant hope for peace. And while that may not happen, we can still hope and pray. I love my family more than anything, and never imagined I'd one day be fasting for protection from the unmentionable. President Utchdorf gave a wonderful talk on hope in October. In it he mentions, "The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: “Fear not, little flock.” God will wait with “open arms to receive”those who give away their sins and continue in faith, hope, and charity.
And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit." So I'm praying the feeling of Christmas hope will continue...even though the tree is down.