The Countdown Is On: Day Twenty-Five

So there was a gift on Christmas Day too. (Well besides the big gifts they got from Grandma later that day) But, in the excitement of Christmas morning - we may have forgotten to open them. And then when we realized our mistake, it was time to head out the door.

So, I had the kids open the gift in the car. Thank goodness it was a small gift and the kids didn't mind that we weren't doing it like we normally do.

Also, I forgot to take a picture of all the kids together with their gift, so you get what I could get a few weeks later.

DAY TWENTY-FIVE

SCRIPTURE: Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 and Romans 8:16
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;"

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that WE ARE the CHILDREN OF GOD:"

SONG: Every Star Is Different - Verses 1&2
"Ever star is different, and so is every child.
Some are bright and happy, and some are meak and mild.
Every one is needed for just what he can do.
You're the only person who ever can be you.

A shining star, shining brightly, not so very far,
Shining brightly; be a shining star.
Shine so brightly;
Shine right where you are, brightly!

I can shine for others and let them feel my love,
Follow the commandments that come from God above.
I can help another to learn to choose the right.
Having faith and courage will let my star shine bright.

A shining star, shining brightly, not so very far,
Shining brightly; be a shining star.
Shine so brightly;
Shine right where you are, brightly!

I thought this was one of the best gifts ever. I just wish my mom would've got one for me too!

What Happens Next...

Peppermint Holly: Night Twenty-Three

She's lucky the weather didn't get bad until the next morning...Brrr.

"So, somehow I got locked outside. I don't remember how it happened though. Will you please let me in? It's cold!!!"

Poor elf. You'd think she'd be used to the cold.

What Happens Next...

The Countdown Is On: Day Twenty-Four

DAY TWENTY-FOUR

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5: 14-16
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

SONG: Shine On - Verses 1 and 2
"My light is but a little one,
My light of faith and prayer;
But lo! It glows like God's great sun,
For it was lighted there.

Shine on, shine on,
Shine on bright and clear;
Shine on, shine on,
Now the day is here.

I may not hide my little light;
The Lord has told me so.
'Tis given me to keep in sight,
That all may see it glow.

Shine on, shine on,
Shine on bright and clear;
Shine on, shine on,
Now the day is here."

It was a glow stick in the shape of a candy cane. Pretty darn cool!

What Happens Next...

Peppermint Holly: Night Twenty-Two

It took the kids awhile to figure out where Peppermint Holly was hanging out again. She must really like our bathroom.

"A girl's always got to know how to accessorize. So I borrowed some of your mom's jewelry."

Still not sure how I feel about her getting into my jewelry.

What Happens Next...

The Countdown Is On: Day Twenty-Three

DAY TWENTY-THREE

SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 31:6, Mosiah 2:17 and Ephesians 4:25
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee, he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another."

SONG: Our Primary Colors - Verse 1
"Our Primary colors are one, two, three -
Red, yellow and blue.
Each one has a message for you and me.
Each is a symbol true!
Red is for courage to do what is right,
Yellow for service from morning till night.
Blue is for truth in our thought and our deed.
We will be happy when this is our creed."

What Happens Next...

Peppermint Holly: Night Twenty-One

Maybe I'm extremely sleep deprived, but I thought this was pretty clever...

"Hey, look I'm a Candy Cane! Hahahahah!"

See, it was clever.

What Happens Next...

The Countdown Is On: Day Twenty-Two

DAY TWENTY-TWO

SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3:10
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

SONG: I Want To Give The Lord My Tenth - Verses 1 and 2
"I want to give the Lord my tenth,
For every time I do
It makes me think of all the gifts
He gives to me and you.

He gives us life,
This lovely world.
And though my tenth seems small,
It shows my faith and gratitude to him,
The Lord of all."

SPECIAL NOTE:
"This is all about learning how to give 1 of every 10 back to the Lord. That is all He asks for. Fill out a slip and take the coins to your Bishop. I don't think he wants your candy, but then again...? Doesn't matter that it's a small amount, you are learning to be obedient! Grandma and Grandpa have been blessed greatly for obeying this commandment. IT IS A TRUE PRINCIPLE THAT BRINGS BLESSINGS!

About The Candy...
I want you to continue to practice this principle by choosing to give 1 of every 10 pieces you have to someone else who is sad, who feels left out or who just needs a friend or a happy thought. (Might even be a parent) Remember that when we pay our tithing it blesses the lives of others too. I'm trusting you to do this!

People used to pay tithing on their animals, their crops, their milk, etc...

My kids are pretty great and I think each and every one of them gave me some of their candy. They must've known Mom was having a rough go of things.

What Happens Next...