Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is always a special night for the Hadlock family.  We all gather together and have a beautiful program, family video presentation and dinner.  The program this year turned out so great.  Mom and Kimberly had a script, costumes and singing.  The kids took it so seriously - even Hayden who was the donkey/reindeer.  We brought the electric keyboard to the tent and all sang hymns as part of the program.  It was really amazing how the true spirit of Christmas was evident even with the chaos of 6 kiddos under the age of 4.  Following the program, Joanna had put together this year's family video and we all got to watch that while the finishing touches of the dinner were being completed. 

After dinner, we exchange gifts with each other. This year Grampy and Grammy reinstuted the ever popular "gunny sacks" and we all had so much fun watching Grampy and his elves, Mckeilla and Bryson help pass out presents to see what treasures we were going to receive as well as watching what each other's reactions.    

Grammy made all the boys slipper and hats to match their new pajama pants.  Not wanting the boys to feel left out from the hats the girls had with flowers, she even made them a flower of their very own for the front.  Each of the boys were so proud of their flower hats and wore them all night long.  

The tradition of Christmas Eve is probably my most favorite tradition.  I love all getting together and enjoying each other's company and making so many memories together.  

My boys are such great sports to help clean, set-up and participate even though they are getting older.  They always help their younger cousins and set such a great example to them.  I love that we are able to get together and enjoy one another, laugh and remember the birth of our Savior. 

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and loved ones - may this Christmas season bring you all the joys that you desire.  We love you all! 

Christmas Eve - 2010

Gingerbread Houses Party

We had our annual gingerbread house making party and combined that with Lily's First Birthday Party.  There was so much candy and frosting - I don't know exactly how many pieces ended on on the houses or in the kids and adults.  The house was filled with laughter and lots of joking around - exactly how a Gingerbread House Making Party should be. 

Gingerbread Houses Party - 2010

Twas the Night Before Christmas...



Even though our boys are older, they are still excited by all the Christmas hoopla!  The shopping is done, the presents are gathering under the tree, there are cookies everywhere and freshly decorated gingerbread houses now as Christmas decor - all is right with the world.

We love Christmas and wish we could celebrate all year long! 

Mary

For a long time I have wondered what Mary must have been like.  I can only imagine that she was a remarkable woman to be chosen to be Jesus’ mother.  I have often wondered what it must have been like for her to hold this brand-new baby in her arms and feel this unconditional love all the while knowing what was in store for Him.  How difficult it must have been for her to have all the desires that a new mom has for her new baby and be conflicted with what his mission was on the Earth. 

In high school, I remember singing a song called “The Jesus Gift”.  The song starts of with the wisemen asking Mary:

Shall we gather emeralds? Shall we bring him gold?

Shall we shower diamonds, white-hard, bright-cold?

Shall we spangle jewels like stars above?

And Mary answers them saying:

Give him laughter, bring peace filled laughter. Offer him warm laughter and love.

The song goes on to talk about the gifts that cannot be bought that the Lord would need to be prepared for what was coming in his life:

Simplest of gifts, Gentlest of hearts

Kindness He’ll use as He leads

So give him these gifts, Hand Him your heart

Mary wanted all the world had to offer her baby and knew that He was going to need to be strong and blessed – that He would be compassionate, empathetic and loving.  Like most mothers, she didn’t want things of the Earth for her new baby - she wanted Him to be loved, accepted and cherished but in her heart, she must have known that was not the way His life would be.   I have a great admiration for Mary and the gift that she gave the world. 

Bryson's Birthday - 2010

Bryson's 13th Birthday Pictures

Bryson turned 13 and is officially a teenager.  To celebrate this monumental milestone, he had 2 birthday parties.  On his actual birthday, he invited one of his friends to join us as we went to Texas Roadhouse (his choice) and then on Friday, his whole family - all 25 of us (minus Jared) went to dinner at Red Robin and then went to visit Santa after.  You should have seen our big table and brood.  All the kids were along the back bench and there were so many heads, it was hard to count them all.  But we sure had a blast and appreciate everyone coming to help us celebrate.  

Happy Birthday Bryson!

Visit to Santa...

As in years past, we took all 13 grandchildren to see Santa last Friday.  Amazingly, they all look great.  We had a couple this year that did not like Santa at all - hence Lily sizing up Santa not sure about what is going on and Joanna in the picture holding Annabelle.  When we told Santa how many kids we had, he just said "13?"  
Sorry Santa - what can we say?  We have a big crew and I am sure they can all explain!

All 13 grandkids visiting Santa!

Ward Christmas Party

Power Ranch 2nd Ward Bishopric

Our ward Christmas party was last night and anyone who knows us knows that we don't love to go to these types of things. But with Brian's calling, attending all the ward functions is something that goes with the territory. And we support him - so we all went to the Christmas party last night. After the dinner, there was a talent show and our bishopric did the funnest skit. I have attached it so you can see it.  The Bishopric are the three out front and the Executive Secretary, Assistant Executive Secretary and Ward Clerk (Brian) are the arms.  Enjoy!

Bryson Turns 13...

Bryson's A Teenager!

Today is Bryson's birthday and he is turning 13!  I know it - I can't believe that 13 years have gone by and Brian and I have had the pleasure of having this gift in our life.  Bryson rounds out our family perfectly and is such an important part of our family.  He loves his big brothers and from an very early age, he has tried to be just like them.  Bryson is so funny and makes us laugh with his jokes, impressions and silly antics all the time.  Bryson has had many challenges in his life but has always fought hard to be strong and steady.  Bryson has an amazing testimony even though it is very tender and he has a hard time expressing it.  He shows such diligence in keeping the commandments and many times I am taught by this young man.
Bryson - I hope you always know how much dad and I love you and how special you are to us.  From the minute you were born, you have held both our hearts and we would make any sacrifice or give anything for you.  We hope you have a great birthday!  Love Mom and Dad

The True Meaning of Christmas

For as long as I can remember, I have loved Christmas and the feeling that the Christmas spirit brings.  I love the shopping, the hustling, the music and all the wonder and awe that children have as they look at the lights and decorated trees.  I love going to the temple to see all the lights and enjoy that peace that surrounds the temple especially this time of year.

Kneeling Santa

I remember when I was about 12 years old, my Grammy gave all of her children a kneeling Santa.  It was more than a decoration - it was a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.  I have since tried to find that beautiful statue but to no avail - there are replicas but that original is so beautiful that everything else just doesn't compare.  About 5 years ago, keeping in the tradition of giving a special Christmas book each year, my mom gave the boys the book called "Santa and the Christ Child."  I have used this book so many times in stories, Christmas cards and talks that I have been asked to give at Christmas time.  My favorite line in the story is when Santa asks the boy "Why, why did you come to me?..." "The Child answered, 'To remind you, dear Santa, to remind you, and all the world that Christmas is my birthday...the birthday of the Lord."  I just love the message in those 2 sentences.  It helps to serve as a reminder to me the true meaning of Christmas.