Christmas

Here is is Christmas day. We have spent the day here at home with family and attending a wonderful Sacrament meeting. I wanted to share an experience we had last night. Over the last few days we have been the recipients of the twelve days of Christmas. Each Night we have received a different piece for a nativity set. It has been interesting the thoughts we have had. Ranging from I wonder who it is. to Lets find out who it is, to pure enjoyment of being remembered this time of year. At first we were determined to catch them, then it occurred to us that it was intended to be anonymous so I planned to write a thank you note for them, then it occurred to me, this is being done as an act of kindness (yes another act of kindness) given to our family. So as I sat in my chair reading the paper, or catching up on our cancer friends online as I do daily, I have a clear view of the front door out our window and they would simply keep their back to me and a hood pulled up over their head and place the package and then run. I am reminded of something that a friend (and also father who lost a son to cancer) told me---there can be no service rendered if there is no one to receive it!!!!!! A year ago it was so difficult to be on the receiving end of all the countless act of service we received, but now I have a much better understanding of the Lords plan. We received the final piece of the nativity set last night as we were home watching "The Polar Express". Included in the package was this quote from President Hinckley----CHRISTMAS IS MORE THAN TREES AND TWINKLING LIGHTS, MORE THAN TOYS AND GIFTS AND BAUBLES OF A HUNDRED VARIETIES. IT IS LOVE. IT IS THE LOVE OF THE SON OF GOD FOR ALL MANKIND. IT IS THE PEACE WHICH COMFORTS, WHICH SUSTAINS, WHICH BLESSES ALL WHO ACCEPT IT. IT IS FAITH IT IS FAITH IN GOD AND HIS ETERNAL SON. IT IS FAITH IN HIS WONDROUS WAYS AND MESSAGE. IT IS FAITH IN HIM AS OUR REDEEMER AND OUR LORD. WE TESTIFY OF HIS LIVING REALITY. WE TESTIFY OF THE DIVINITY OF HIS NATURE. IN OUR TIME OF GRATEFUL MEDITATION, WE ACKNOWLEDGE HIS PRICELESS GIFT TO US AND PLEDGE OUR LOVE AND FAITH. THIS IS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS REALLY ABOUT.

As I read this out loud last night and again today, It really hit me and made me ponder about the love and blessings given to us.

We have had a good, very good Christmas. We have spent is at home as a family. As we exchaged gifts this morning, I could't help but notice a picture of Tanner, on our memorial cabinet, He is looking directly at us and it was as if here were here watching us. It has definatly been different this year as we have been looking for ways to serve others and make sure they were taken care of this holiday season.

To those who have been involed in serving us or others, THANK YOU, words cannot describe the gratiude we have felt over the last days and over the last year.

Forever Strong

Robert

Dear freinds,
Tanner's birthday was full of emotions. Woke up crying and my heart hurting. Said a prayer for help to find my act of kindness, Pulled myself together and got ready for work, Christmas party of course, how do I get through that? As I was packing my car with treats and presents to take, I had an impression, "take the diaper bags" From the fundraiser we had for Tanner, we had 3 nice diaper bags left, I got in my car, without them and the impression came again. Not understanding why I went back in and got them. Went to work, party done, treats done.
Finally getting to my weeks worth of messages, I came to one that read, " Teenage girls make mistakes, but their babies need our love" they were asking for "gifts" for the babies. How excited was I when I thought about the diaper bags!!! What joy filled my heart as my two daughters, and my grandson went shopping for rattles, and toys for tiny babies, to give with our diaper bags, small act of kindness but what joy it brought to my heart.
Later that night, about 30 of my family members met at the cemetary, and realeased 20 balloons, for Tanner's 20th birthday, his golden birthday (thanks Lizzie). What a beautiful site. Then went to our home and had cake and ice cream.
Then, the youth in our ward came and sang Christmas carols to us, just like carolers did at the hospital the night Tanner was born. What a tender day. So great to have Tender Mercies given to us this day. I love and miss my son more that words could ever explain, but moments like this I know he is with us.
Thank you for letting me share my day, pray for your children and you mom's.
Love to all
Kristi

Friends and Family

Dear friends and family,
Tomorrow, December 20th is Tanner's birthday, we as a family wanted to honor his memory, so we have decided to celebrate his life by doing some act of kindness tomorrow for Tanner. We have had many people want to join us, so here is the invite, please join us, it doesn't have to be anything big, just kind...Tanner would love that. Can you imagine how that would feel, to know how much you are loved and missed.
Then as a family, we are going to meet at the cemetary and release 20 balloons and have cake and ice cream.
Tanner touched many lives, and through us he will continue to do so.
Love Kristi