Last night, we went with my Mom, Tom, and sisters to drop off secret santa gifts to 7 older women living in some rather dumpy apartments that my Mom's relief society has taken under their wing. They seemed "abandoned", and we had the sweetest experience as we took these big gift bags around to each of their doors, packed with beautiful blankets, scarves, slippers, treats, and more. We decided that we would sing a christmas carol after we handed them the presents, and I was surprised at how beautiful and special it was to get to sing, acapella, with my mom and sisters. I don't think we have ever actually sung together like that - Hannah even busted out the alto part in perfect harmony! One of these sweet little ladies' eyes filled with tears and you could hear her voice waver after we finished "Silent Night", and she just kept thanking and thanking us. What an incredibly painless and easy thing for us to do - and SO rewarding!! Sometimes I forget how important it is, not only for the people on the receiving end of service, but for ME to do these small things! I was just filled to overflowing with love for these women!
After the secret santas, we headed over to temple square to see the lights, and even though it was bitter, bitter cold, it was such a great feeling to be around the temple. I realized that Max has never seen it before, and he was in awe of the angel Moroni. We stopped in to the Visitor's Center and went up to see the Christ statue. Max was enthralled by the stars and planets and kept looking at Jesus and telling us who it was. How neat that my little 2 year old could recognize Jesus without any hesitation! He was SO happy to be there!
I turned off the flash so you could see the gorgeous lights behind us.
Mom, Hannah, Caroline, and Tom
We're gonna get Tom into the temple one of these days! ;)
My cute Mom and Tom! What an amazing night!!
11 comments:
What an awesome experience! And what a way to get you into the Christmas spirit. And you are so brave for venturing out in the freezing cold!
I love Hudson's hat! It's cute!
Doesn't it make you feel all warm and cozy inside knowing you've done something good? Although it doesn't seemed to have kept you warm at temple square. lol.
What a great thing you did for those ladies, I am sure they really appreciated it!
I miss going to temple square. That was always one of my very favorite Christmas time activities. I loved looking at your pictures it brought back some great memories!
What a neat experience. I love caroling! The pictures at temple square are great!
Beautiful pictures! I really need to get up there before Christmas.
Next year we should try to arrange a Sub for Santa with the whole family. I think that would be really amazing!
i love your mom + tom!
we just got back from visiting the dream house. SO SO cool. it's your mom's masterpiece!
that was so fun! i think we should learn a song together for christmas for mom. i can imagine her crying! lol wouldn't that be fun? w/different parts
What a great experience! Thanks for sharing.
Tee hee, you're making me blush...
What a wonderful experience to serve and take in the fantastic lights with loved ones. Awesome!
i'm so so so excited to take my kids to temple square when we visit next month. maya has a mini Christus statue, and can't wait to see the real thing. i'm sure she'll be blown away!
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