She Is No Richard King...

Christmas is full of tradition, memories, and spending time with you family. When I was a little girl, my mom would dress my little sister and I in beautiful Christmas dresses, curl our hair, and force us to sit reverently as we listened to the annual Christmas church service. We were raised Mormon. For those of you who don't know what that means, we believe in Christ- we are Christians. With that being said, this holiday service was filled with little children singing songs of the yuletide and teachers preaching about the birth of the Savior. But, every year there was something special about Christmas. Something unique to being "Mormon." Every year a man, a strong, handsome man, full of testimony would sing in front of the congregation. His name was Richard King. He had the most amazing and mesmerizing voice- deep, rich, emotional. His lyrics would rumble with the spirit of the Lord. This always helped bring the Christmas Spirit to life. It wasn't Christmas until Richard King sang.

Now that I live in Wisconsin, I haven't heard Richard King sing in almost 10 years. I don't know if Richard King still sings every Christmas. But the memory still remains. My husband and I have been taking the kids to church at a local Lutheran Church. This church is small, but full of love. The Pastor is full of enthusiasm and there are lots of kids in the Sunday School that Lucy attends. This year, Lucy was invited to participate in the Christmas Program. Excited and glowing with nostalgia and pride, I dressed Lucy in the prettiest Christmas dress and attempted to do her hair, the way my mom used to. Remember, the key word- attempted/tried.

Here is how this holiday Sunday really went.

He told me he used a baby wipe to clean the shoes. They look good Babe!

I woke up early, excited. I hustled around the house. This excitement quickly deteriorated, into pure frustration. Having laid our Sunday best out the night before, I anticipated an easy morning. I was wrong. Kane either wouldn't wear or couldn't find his dress pants, I'm not sure which is the truth. Lucy wouldn't get out of bed, and when we finally dragged her out by her feet- she wouldn't let me brush her hair. Then came my helpful husband. I'm confused as to how a grown man can loose his black dress shoes, but he did. He then found a pair of old work shoes in the back of the closet. Covered in dust, he put these shoes on and asked- "How do these look?"     ~What do you think?

After about an hour of hurrying my family along with a stern tone and lots and threats of no Santa Claus, we were finally on our way to feel the love of Christmas, and we were actually one time!

Lucy lined up with the rest of her friends in Sunday school and listened to her teacher Ms. Heidi. I smiled and watched as my little girl sat reverently, just like Jillian and I used to.

Church started and as we all filed into our seats. Our whole family was there, to watch as Lucy helped us celebrate Christmas. My mom and dad (meme and boppa) sat with Hudson so that Garth and I could enjoy our little girl- oh, and get this whole thing on tape!

My favorite part is the end, when she wipes the snot off her arm. When I watch this video I am filled with love, pride, and laughter... She may not be like Richard King, but she sure helped my heart feel the spirit of Christmas, just like Richard King used too. If I close my eyes, I can almost see Richard standing tall- singing, "Listen, now the Angels sing...."

Merry Christmas, may you all feel love, joy, and happiness- without sneezes and snot. May the traditions of your families continue, and may the Richard Kings of the world continue to bless the earth with the true meaning the holidays.