This Christmas was one to remember. Not only was it Halle's first Christmas but we were able to celebrate with both of our families. It was perfect. The Sunday before Christmas we actually celebrated with my parents. We did this because they were going to be heading to North Carolina to celebrate the holiday's with my brother and his family. We had a great dinner... and then opened presents. Halle got three different toys: the barn yard singing toy, the stack able ring toy, and this other annoying singing doll. She also got a pair of pajamas. Alan got a pair of boots, a leatherman, and Brain Reagan tickets. I received UGG boots, a french butter dish, a bread plate, and also socks. It was a great time to be with my parents and celebrate this wonderful time of year. (AND I AM THE BAD MOM THAT DID NOT GET ANY STILL PICTURES OF HALLE AND HER PRESENTS).
Then on Friday we headed over to Austin to spend the Christmas weekend with Alan's family. Friday was the usual pizza night. Saturday we went over to Albert Lea and ate at Wok and Roll. And then Sunday cam around... We woke up and enjoyed the Christmas lights in the upstairs of his parents house. While sitting up there with our little family we continued our tradition of writing our testimonies down. There is always a special spirit that resides when Alan and I share our testimonies with each other on Christmas. This year was no different. Alan is much better with his words... but we both know that what really matters is the things that we believe in and the things that we have learned over this past year.
Here is Al's testimony: Timefiles when you're... living life. To say "having fun" would be an understatement. Life is all emotions wrapped up into a precious stretch of time that we have been given by our Heavenly Father. This year, I could say has been perfect sculpture of life. Brittney and I were given a new life this year. Her name is Halle Elizabeth Blake. She is out whole world and we love her more than life. And it is more than evident that she loves us! Parenthood is one of the most sacred and joyous opportunities we can have in this life. Out Heavenly Father raised us before we came here; so to get our feet wet, He let's us do it here. I testify that the restored Gospel is here! On the earth today! And on this special day, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the reason we can be saved through His Atonement, where , we can be forgiven of our sins thru repentance and turning our hearts to Christ who is mighty to save. He is my friend, my Brother, and I love Him. Our Prophet today is Thomas Spencer Monson. He is the Lord's mouth piece and our watch man on the tower. Appointed by Heavenly Father Himself. He teaches us, He guides us, and He loves us. I love Him with all my heart and I testify that WE NEED HIM. Now to my sweet bride. She is my eternal companion. I love her. She is my world and my life. She gave me a beautiful daughter. Se is the one I share it all with; everything we will do in life we do together. She is beautiful and I love her. We share a love that will never be broken, that is storng, everlasting, and real. Dearest Halle, we love you! You are the Lord's miracle give to us. You make us over joyed to be parents and watch you learn and grow. Be wise, be an example of the believers and stand for the right if there is nothing else to stand for. I love you and can not believe that I am sealed with you and you sweet mother forever. I know this is the true church. My redeemer lives! We can return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father once again when the great and earthly work is done, forever in eternity, eternal life. There is not sweeter gift. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Here is my testimony: This year came and went and brought many new and excited changes to my life. The most obvious change was being able to be a mother. May 23,2011 will forever be a date that will ring in my head. It was the day that I was blessed with a miracle from my Heavenly Father. It was a day that I have dreamed about for many years. It was the day that I met my first born daughter. I know that Halle is a daughter of our Heavenly Father. I know that she was sent here to gain a body because it is part of our Heavenly Father's plan of all of us. I know that she came right from the presence of our Heavenly Father and because of that is she clean, pure, and perfect. I know that there is no need to baptize her because she "will be baptized for her own sins and not for Adam's transgressions." I know that she came to earth with a purpose and I will do my best to help her complete that purpose. I thank Heavenly Father daily for the blessing of being able to be a mom to Halle. I am also grateful to my Husband, Alan Spencer Blake. He is my life. He is my companion. He is my best friend. He is loyal. He is hard working. His love is everlasting. His love in non judging. I am grateful to be sealed to Alan and our children for time and for eternity. I know that when we keep our covenants that we have made with our Heavenly Father that we will be able to be reunited with Him and be able to live forever with our families. What a sweet and precious gift that has been given to us. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that he is our Savior. He is our elder Brother. He is our perfect example. He is our friend. He was born in humble circumstances, lived a life of perfection, and was crucified. All fo this was done for us. I know that Jesus Christ still lives and loves us all. I know that Heavenly Father is real. He is the creator of all things. He is our father who we need to continue to call upon, talk to and trust. He knows all and he loves all. I knot that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. That it is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth at this time. I know that when we live by its principles and follow the commandments that our lives will be filled with joy and happiness. I am grateful for the Gospel in my life, my testimony in Christ, my husband, my family, and my sweet daughter. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Alan and I have done this tradition for three years now. It has been fun to go back and see how our testimonies have grown and matured over these past three years.
The other tradition that we have is to add an ornament to the tree that stands for an event that happened over this past year. The ornament that we added to the tree this year was Halle's blessing shoes!
After attending church on Sunday. We went back to Alan's parents house and ate appetizers and opened up presents. I actually took some pictures today to document Halle's first Christmas.
Halle and Alan. Playing a duet before church!
Halle and Uncle Carson... she LOVES HIM!!!
Blake Cousin Picture!!!
Halle opening up presents!
got a little scared.
Thanks Liv.. for the cute pink pig!
cuddling with Grandma Blake
Since there was no snow.... Alan decided to make a sled that could be pulled behind the four wheeler on the grass. IT WAS AWESOME!!! Thank you Al for making that sled and pulling me around the fields.. it was a a great way to celebrate the holiday.
Even though this was a Christmas that was not adorned with snow... I actually am missing it right now... I was very grateful to be around family during the season. I am grateful that we celebrate Christmas every year and that we remember Christ always. That you Jesus Christ for being born. And Thank you Jesus Christ for being our Savior.
