Christmas Joy

Merry Christmas from the Murphy clan!

Christmas morning was as fun and as magical, as always. Hayden awoke extra early, as did Aunt Suzi and Ann. We had to call Grandma Julie to make sure she was on her way over. I told Hayden stories of waiting for my own grandparents to drive to our home before we could open presents and it feeling like an eternity. But I have fond memories of my grandparents at our home every Christmas morning.

This year, we had Max and Maya excited about all of the hoopla. They had no idea what was going on but loved all of the people and attention so early in the morning.

Santa definitely came this year and in a big way. Hayden absolutely LOVED the two scooters left by him and was thrilled to ride them. Luckily Santa knows how to budget shop and got a killer deal on these, cleaned them up, washed them and they looked almost like new. First gift equals major score and approval. Hayden was chopping at the bit to open the rest of Santa's bounty but knew he had to patiently wait stockings to be looked at while he anticipated the gifts awaiting under the tree.

The stockings were great and Hayden was lucky Santa found some $1.99 movies and $5 video games to fill his stocking. I have never believed in a Santa as much as I have this year. He is alive and well in the generosity and good will of others. He also works for our Savior and delivers His miracles and goodness on this beautiful day.

Santa delivered and brought Hayden Infinity for Christmas, much to Hayden's delight, as he yelled, "Yeeeesss!"

When Grandma Julie showed Hayden the monster RC truck she was giving his dad for Christmas, Hayden's response was, "Are you sure you don't want that to say to Thomas and Hayden?" As apparent on Thomas' face, he absolutely loved it and I foresee hours of entertainment for Thomas and Hayden. Grandma Julie also spoiled Hayden with his dreams of beginning to build a computer. He received the coolest black and orange shell and some of the skeleton and brain pieces to begin his adventure. From here on out, Hayden is responsible to purchase all of the rest of the supplies to begin to learn how to build computers. He is so excited and can hardly wait.

And my shirt expresses my life now with my illness perfectly. It says, "I have OCD & ADD so everything has to be completely clean and orderly but only for a short time". Thomas out did himself. Definitely my life.

Hayden was a perfect gift giver this year. In fact, he made all of his gifts. He carefully planned what he would make and for whom and set to creating well loved and cherished pieces of art. Not only that, right after Santa gifts, Hayden searched the entire pile for the gift he made me. He couldn't wait to give it to me. He made me a little box with a picture of us in it. On the outside it said, "Team Mom". On the inside was a huge painted heart with a rock painted red. Oh how I love him and his sweet and loving soul. He made me such a happy mom. That boy loves his mom and is definitely on "Team Mom"!

He created beautiful picture frames for everyone. Grandma Julie was a frame painted green and black with the word Laugh attached and a picture of Hayden and the pups playing and laughing. Grandma Joyce contained a picture of the two of the baking in reds and blues and yellows. Rilla received a picture of Hayden in a purple and pink polka dot two-toned frame. While Aunt Suzi received a frame with two shades of blue representing the ocean, with yellow and orange highlights and flip flops and sand buckets. He also gave Aunt Suzi a bunch of painted rocks he collected on the Oceanside beach. They had different chinese symbols for faith, hope, love, endure to the end, and more. All gifts were loved by their receivers.

Thomas and I also handmade our gifts for others this year. I was the proud recipient of two of Thomas' custom necklaces, both unique and beautiful. He made Hayden dog tags that said, "Be awesome today". Together, we made healing and aches and pain salves for everyone, along with custom bath bombs for different ailments and headache blends.

The puppies had a wonderful Christmas, as well. They were spoiled by everyone. They loved anytime we told them it was their turn and they would put their noses in the bags and Maya even jumped in to pick the best selection. Suzi bought them new collars complete with a bowtie for Max and a bow for Maya. Both Grandmas bought new toys and treats. Santa delivered a 3 month supply of dog food and a bag of their favorite treats and Hayden spoiled them with new bones.

Later in the day, both Grandma Joyce and Rilla came to see us. They both loved their picture frames from Hayden. We loved having them eat Christmas dinner with us and spend time with us. Hayden scored on more gifts. Rilla bought Beats and Grandma gave him a new puzzle to play together and a gift card to Barnes and Noble. Hooray for new books. 

That night the missionaries came over to celebrate the beautiful Christmas Day with us. They loved their stockings and had smiles stretched across their faces. We kept it simple with tons of appetizers, goodies galore, baked potato bar and soup bar for dinner. Yummy and warm just like our hearts. 

Christmas Day finished in Thomas, Hayden and I kneeling down in gratitude for a wonderful Christmas season. We recognize the greatest reason for the peace in our hearts and love we felt surrounded by because we knew we were celebrating the greatest gift ever given. Our Father in Heaven sacrificed His son, so that we could return to Him. 

As we celebrated the sacred Christmas season, we are reminded of all the gifts we are so freely given. Our Savior has walked our road. He has guided us. He has blessed us. He has provided ways for us to return home to Him as well as a path to continue on here on earth. He provides in all ways. He has given us so much from the gospel of Jesus Christ to His atonement and overcoming death and sin for us. He also has provided much needed health and sustained breath as Thomas, Hayden and I have at all needed His life saving for our lives to be spared. And He lovingly makes sure that we are able to have gifts on Christmas for one another and those that we love. He then provides a blanket of peace and a comforter to wrap us in His love. We love our Savior, our older brother Jesus Christ and our Redeemer. It is for Him and because of Him that we celebrate this beautiful day and wonderful time of year. Jesus is the reason for the season and the guiding light of love and hope and peace. 

Merry Christmas! May you always remember Him as we strive to do each and every day. We love our Savior and our gifts to Him are given. Written down and will be reflected on time and time again as we strive to draw closer to Him in desire, will, obedience and actions in the coming year. After all, He is the ultimate source of joy, hope, peace and love. All of the beautiful and wonderful gifts of Christmas.