it's christmas time

One of my favorite holidays would have to be Christmas.

Christmas 1998

Christmas 1999

Christmas 2001

Christmas 2005

By far!

Christmas is a time to express

love

peace

and divine happiness.

And it's also a time to remember Christ.

One of our many traditions during Christmas is reading the book

"I Believe In Santa Claus" after drinking hot chocolate and unwrapping one gift e-a-c-h.

*a note from the author*

'Sometimes I hear people complain that the department stores put up Christmas decorations too early. Or they say that the merchandisers are only thinking of commercial gain when they advertise with lights and decorations. For me, Christmas symbols cannot be displayed too early or too much. The wreaths, the lights, the red bows, the decorated trees, the presents, all remind me of the true meaning of Christmas. I say 'thank you' to the people of the world who spend time and money and make lovely displays of gifts and decorations. They are advertising the spirit of Christmas. They are reminding me of Christ.'

--Diane G. Adamson

I am so thankful for Christmas. As I've grown older over the years, I've come to realize it's not about the presents at all. . . (although it is nice to get new things).

It's about remembering why we're here, and who we love.

It's about remembering who gave His life for us, and what we owe to Him.

It's about remembering what He did, and why He did it.

You may ask why?

Well that's easy.

It's because He loves us.

And I love Him too.

So this Christmas, I'm doing all I can to keep the spirit of Christ this season. . .

and make sure I have plenty of cookies for Santa as well hahaha!

day twenty-eight & twenty-nine

Day 28: a picture of something you're afraid of

Well, since I already wrote about spiders, I can't choose that. And being alone is another thing, but that's already been done too. . .

Hmm.

Ok, I think I got it.

Needles.

I LOATHE them.

Seriously. And I hate getting shots. Ugh.

Oh! I have another one; I'm afraid of. . .

being in a

dark, cold place.

All alone.

Because my mind has a funny way of playing tricks on me, and I hear things that aren't real.

My imagination is pretty vivid hahaha.

Day 29: a picture that can always make you smile

Now, if I'm correct, I want to say this is my sister, Alexandra.

Who will be 12 in January!!

And let me tell you now, THIS FACE is a signature Jorgensen family face.

We have all done it.

We all have pictures of making this face.

We call it the "scrunch nose". . . I guess hahaha.

But, personally, I think it's pretty darn cute.

day twenty-six & twenty-seven

Day 26: a picture of something that means a lot to you

h-u-g-s

I can't get enough of them.

They make me feel better when I'm down in the blues.

And they're so comforting.

I could hug forever.

Especially if it was with someone who meant a lot to me.

Day 27: a picture of yourself and a family member

This is my little brother, Noah.

Whom I a-d-o-r-e to death!

He is so cute!

And pretty darn stylish!

And I love how he says my name!

day twenty-four & twenty-five

Day 24: a picture of something you wish you could change

Hmmm. . . . . I'd have to go with cliques, and judging others WITHOUT knowing their background.

Such a huge thing I am sooooo against.

Day 25: a picture of your day

DANCING!!!

It's so much fun!!

And acting crazy with the ones I love. . . . yupp.

Then, I'd play piano as much as I wanted to. . .

Next, I'd just chill with friends I adore!!!!

(I'm not putting pictures of them. . . there's too many loved ones hahaha)

My day. . . summed up.

But that fluctuates every now and then.

You know how that goes.

day twenty-two & twenty-three

Day 22: a picture of something you wish you were better at

Singing.

Without a single doubt.

I've never taken lessons, and people are shocked at that fact, but I could be so much better hahaha.

Day 23: a picture of your favorite book

Ugh!!!

So hard to choose. . . I am a HUGE bookworm, let me tell you!

But I'm going to have go with:

The Hourglass Door

by Lisa Mangum

Such. A. Good. Freaking. Book.

And I know a good book when I read one.

Trust me, you're going to want to read it again.

And again. . .

And again. . .

well, you get the hint ;)

day twenty & twenty-one

Day 20: a picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Oh, that's easy!!

Hawaii!

and

Australia!

:)

Day 21: a picture of something you wish you could forget

So, this was a hard one. . . mainly because I was trying too hard to figure out what exactly I wish I could forget!

But I decided to share with you a picture. . .

and this picture is not only tear-jerking to me, but I wish it never happened.

But. . . you can't exactly reverse death, now can you?

My grandpa Joe died this past September, and it killed me inside. I'll admit, I didn't feel like being happy anymore. I felt guilty every time I smiled, or laughed at someone's joke. And I never got to say good bye to him; I took advantage of the time he was here on earth.

But a very good friend of mine told me it was okay to cry. I shouldn't be ashamed to feel sad, but I shouldn't beat myself up for something I can't undo. I should go on with life, knowing that he will always be there. . . I guess my own guardian angel.

I should pray for strength to remember him, and know that he loved me. And listen to music; that was a big one.

The song that will always bring me to tears is "I Want To Hold Your Hand"-Glee style.

"And whoso receiveth you, there will I be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

D&C 84:88

He quoted this scripture to me, explaining that my grandpa would be an angel, bearing me up in time of sorrow.

I will never forget this, although I sincerely wish I could. I wish it didn't happen, but it did.

And life must go on.

I'll always be your little princess, Joe.

And you'll be there, up front and center at my wedding.

Like you promised. . .

only in a different form.

But still.

You'll be there.

I know you will.

<3