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Home Ashley grief His Family Holidays Inspiration Patrick videos Christmas season

Christmas season

I haven't known what to think about the Holidays. We haven't put up any decorations. We actually haven't talked much about it. It's easier to avoid it. Then last night a couple stopped by, and gave us a wooden scene of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. It has been on my mind all day.

Tonight Dorsie and Terry (Pat's dad and step-mom) invited us to attend an "Angel Ceremony" in Idaho Falls. On December 6th, at 6:00 PM, people across the world (I think 126 different sites) gather and participate in a small ceremony for people who have lost children. Its based off the novel the Christmas Box. Its held outside, and it was freezing so it didn't last too long, but I thought it was nice. Sometimes its a good thing to realize there are other people who are struggling with the same challenges we are. Its too easy to become consumed with our own problems.

Then tonight, I clicked on this little video. It hit me, I've been focusing on the wrong aspects of Christmas. If anyone should celebrate the birth of our Savior, its Patrick and I. Because of Christ we have eternal families and it's because of Him we've made it through the last 5 months. Our relationship with the Savior has grown immensely. So I may not put up all of our Christmas decorations this year, but I will be putting up the ones focused on Christ.

I thought I'd share this cute little video. Enjoy. (Pause the play list)

// Labels: Ashley, grief, His Family, Holidays, Inspiration, Patrick, videos
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28 comments:

  1. MikelleDecember 6, 2010 at 11:05 PM

    Just want I needed to watch! Thanks so much for sharing. Your are truly an amazing person.

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  2. Craig and CrystalDecember 7, 2010 at 12:33 AM

    I participated in that "Angel Ceremony" when we lost my little cousin when I was 15. It was beautiful. Wow, that was a long time ago...

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  3. KaylinDecember 7, 2010 at 4:33 AM

    I went to email you a few quotes I found after reading your blog that I thought you might like reading... but then realized I don't actually know you and so I don't have your email! What's your email? You can just email it to me if you want at kaylinmcgrew@yahoo.com

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  4. brigetteDecember 7, 2010 at 8:32 AM

    what a beautiful thing to participate in. I wish id known about it and if there was one here in utah. Holidays are so hard with out out little ones. I hope this season is gentle on you. I think your an amazing person! I can just see our little ones playing in heaven together. Much love

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  5. ashleyDecember 7, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    it's so easy for some of us to forget the real reason for Christmas. Thank you for posting the video...I love it! I hope you and Pat have a good Christmas, and I hope you feel Preslee's spirit with you. Merry Christmas!

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  6. AmishkaDecember 7, 2010 at 9:32 AM

    That totally made me cry it was so cute and so true. I have also been struggling with the season and trying to make it as normal as possible for my 4 children here with me. I'm going to post this on my blog also and spread the wonderful feeling it gave me and I'm going to have my kids watch it too so they know what we are celebrating. Thank you Ashley for being you..
    Love Amy

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  7. carolyne bDecember 7, 2010 at 9:35 AM

    This first Christmas without your precious child will be hard for you and Patrick. Even though we have Eternal families it doesn't stop us from experiencing the pain and hurt that goes along with griefing. Remember the good times and celebrate Christs birth, but celebrate Preslee's to. She came into this world; into your family to teach you and to help you teach others.
    From reading your blog, I can see mircles happening. Rejoice and take comfort, He has not left you. Find Peace in the Knowledge the Gospel brings.
    Thinking of you always.

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  8. Chelsea NicoleDecember 7, 2010 at 11:47 AM

    Your post reminded me of the First Presidency Christmas Message. It seems Heavenly Father wants everyone to be focusing on those specific aspects of Christmas that you and Pat are already looking at this season. Love you guys.

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  9. Our FamilyDecember 7, 2010 at 12:40 PM

    That was so precious Ashley...I could just hear little Preslee saying those same words to everyone for she is with Jesus and knows what we all ought to be thinking about this time of year and celebrating! We love you and are thinking of you especially this time of year. the amazing thing is that you are doing such a GREAT work this time of year in remembering Preslee on her birthday which is just 8 short days before Christmas. It reminds me of the scripture that "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God" What an amazing good you are doing at this most special time of year! Love you lots!
    Katie Sommer (see you on the 17th)

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  10. TifaniDecember 7, 2010 at 1:28 PM

    You are soooo inspiring and a testimony of our Heavenly Father!!! Thank u for that sweet friend, just what I needed to focus on!!! Luv ya much
    Hugs
    Tif

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  11. Jamie GerdesDecember 7, 2010 at 2:23 PM

    That video was perfect! My 4 year old son and I sat and watched it together. I couldn't stop squeezing him. Thank you for your incredible words and for sharing your faith with all of us that read your blog regularly. You have been such a testimony for me and hundreds of others i'm sure. Merry CHRISTmas!

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  12. ZoeyDecember 7, 2010 at 5:33 PM

    Thanks for sharing such a touching video. I enjoyed it!

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  13. AnonymousDecember 7, 2010 at 8:13 PM

    I truly hope that you and Patrick can enjoy the holidays together...because that's what Preslee would want.

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  14. Landon and AlainaDecember 7, 2010 at 10:02 PM

    I've been thinking of you a lot lately. I hope you can feel my love and prayers. I am so excited for pay it forward to have to chance for service for so many people. Love you Ashley, thanks for your inspiration and testimony, it is one of the greatest gifts you have to give and I am so grateful for it.

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  15. Miss CrysDecember 7, 2010 at 10:44 PM

    It is so hard not to have her at this time...I remember having that anticipation on Christmas Eve...I almost felt that Santa would deliver my only wish...

    someday dear Ashley...someday...

    You are so very beautiful.

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  16. RosalieDecember 7, 2010 at 11:13 PM

    Oh hon, that was a BEAUTIFUL video! Thank you so much for the reminder!

    Much love!

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  17. Brumbaugh FamilyDecember 8, 2010 at 9:56 AM

    Another comment from someone you don't know....things were rough in '08 my 5 kids had Christmas thanks to the kindness of others. Now, in '10 I am so excited for the season it has been the longest two years, full of some good moments and many bad moments. Today Christmas has never carried more meaning for me. Life is about the moments, ultimately there is joy in the journey.

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  18. Kip & MelissaDecember 8, 2010 at 1:21 PM

    I'm so glad you shared this video! I loved it!

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  19. The SullengersDecember 8, 2010 at 6:09 PM

    It is true to think of Christmas being totally centered around Christ. It is fun to see decorations and listen to music, but it's also the perfect time to renew our testimony of our Savior. Thanks for sharing and I'm excited to be able to spend Christmas with you guys and to celebrate Patrick's birthday. We love you guys!

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  20. Michelle TannerDecember 8, 2010 at 9:08 PM

    You are truly an inspiration to me! I look foward to reading your posts and am so excited to see that you have posted something new.
    Thank you!

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  21. TiffanyDecember 9, 2010 at 10:48 AM

    Hey Ash, The different Holidays are hard. But you are doing so well. Rely on Him and He will hold you when you can't even see through your tears. So many people love you!

    Loves,
    Tif
    (Jack's mom)

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  22. Kerry and ChrisDecember 11, 2010 at 8:49 AM

    Thanks, I need that sweet reminder of the season. Had to share it again with others who have shared it with others, it seems you have a way of spreading the messages we need to hear and think about!! Sadly I won'tgt to be there next week but I sent some money to help finish up the bag needs. Thanks again for helping me be a better person, by way of your sweet sweet Preslee!!

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  23. tashaDecember 11, 2010 at 11:46 AM

    Hi, I don't usually comment but I wanted to say thank you for all that you share. It has helped me appreciate all of my blessings and my Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks for allowing me to participate in the pay it forward program! I live here in Rigby and am the PTO president at Harwood Elementary. The teachers and staff are very excited to have you come join them this year. I too graduated in Eled from BYU-I and remember doing my student teaching while I was pregnant. I had my son a month later. You have one of the best teachers to work with. Thanks again for sharing all of your experiences. Merry Christmas!

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  24. My 4 GoochesDecember 11, 2010 at 2:16 PM

    Wow. Great outlook, Ashley. It's so true. Good job for being so positive. Merry Christmas!

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  25. My 4 GoochesDecember 11, 2010 at 2:17 PM

    Wow. Great outlook, Ashley. It's so true. Good job for being so positive. Merry Christmas!

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  26. AnonymousDecember 13, 2010 at 2:00 PM

    Thank you for helping me remember it's not about the gifts and the good food. It's about our Lord and spending time with those we love. I know you miss her like crazy Ash. I still pray for you everyday. Thank you for being such a good example. There are thousands of people that look up to you and Pat. Have a happy holiday season!
    -Heidi

    ps- while I was writing this, Mariah Carey's, All I want for Chistmas, came on and I flashed back to you, me, megan and mel cruising around in your alero jamming out to this song. Haha love ya Ash! You're the best!

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  27. NicoleDecember 14, 2010 at 10:54 PM

    I was directed to your blog by accident and I have spent the past several hours reading through all of your posts. All I can say is... WOW. You and your husband are so incredibly strong that it motivates me to become even stronger. I can't compare my situation to yours by ANY means, but I am going through a hard time and have found a lot of strength in your blog. I also wanted to mention that I'm pregnant and will be having my baby boy on December 17th, Preslee's birthday. That particular date was decided by my doctor earlier today and then I came home and randomly discovered your blog and mentally noted Preslee's birthday. I want you to know that as soon as I have my son in my arms, I will be thinking of you and your family and all that you have been through. When one life is over, another begins. I made a promise to myself to take as many pictures of my son as possible and cherish every moment, small or large. I don't want to have a single regret and I want to remember every memory that I can. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me. You and your family are simply beautiful.

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  28. DeAnnDecember 15, 2010 at 11:12 AM

    Merry Christmas! Hang in there--I think you are amazing and doing and awesome job of coping and sharing the lessons you are learning.

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Hi, we're the Sullengers! Life turned upside down for us in 2010 when we lost our daughter in an accidental drowning. Since then, we've documented our highs (life with all five of our kids) and our lows (struggles with grief) but amongst everthing we've experienced, we know as long as we hold on to one another we can get through anything that comes our way. Read More. . .

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