My mom

For a girl who has been half way across the country to college, half way across the world on a mission, and now married for over five years with a husband and three children of my own, you'd think I'd be done being homesick. Thank goodness for email, blogs, and cell phones. I have visited with my parents regularly, especially my mom, on the phone and in person since I "left home" more years ago than I can believe.

Since my mom was diagnosed with cancer last summer, I've talked to her several times a week. I can and do talk to my mom about everything. I especially love how mom always shares her testimony with me through her experiences with prayer, scripture study, being a mom, working, serving in her ward, and helping others.

This Christmas we went to my parent's house. Some of my siblings were there also. We visited, played games, quilted, watched movies, baked, ate, shopped, wrapped gifts, talked, took care of children, and did all the things I remember doing and loving as we were growing up. As I have thought about Christmas and what it means to me, I have also wanted to help my children learn about loving and serving others during the Christmas season. I'd like that to be part of our gift-giving to each other and to the Savior.

My sister-in-law suggested visiting a retirement home and playing games or visiting with the residents after having a very positive experience with her family last year. When I talked to my mom about going Christmas morning before opening any presents to sing at a local facility (i.e. doing something completely different than we have ever done before) she immediately said, "Oh, that's a wonderful idea. Dad and I and the boys will come with you."

I made arrangements to carol in the halls of a place just down the street from my parents' house. My newly married sister and her husband decided to join us. Christmas morning the twelve of us walked up and down the halls singing everything from Frosty and Rudolph to Silent Night. We spent less than an hour doing something that I will remember forever and plan to continue doing every year as long as I can.

That activity alone made this the best Christmas I have ever had. I had forgotten how much I love singing with my family and serving with my family, and being able to do both of those things at the same time was the best Christmas gift I have ever received. Thank you for singing with me, and thank you, Mom, for the gift of immediate support. That is what I love best about my mom.