A Joseph Smith Christmas and a Surprise Missionary

Every year when Christmas is past I feel badly that our family did not do a service project.  We usually donate money to the Food Bank, but I want to do something that the kids can help with, be a part of and feel like it was their project.  Additionally, I have been brainstorming ideas of how we can make Christmas more spiritual.  I had an idea of using the book, Christmas with the Prophets, to learn about a different prophet each year and do an activity that corresponded with their their life.  Luckily for me, this year both happened.
This year, our family learned about the prophet Joseph Smith.  While reading these paragraphs, I knew exactly what we were going to do.
"On December 1, 1838, the Prophet Joseph, his brother Hyrum, and several other brethren were imprisoned in Liberty Jail in Missouri on trumped-up charges of murder and overt acts of treason, none of which was ever proven against them.  The Prophet and his companions found themselves in very difficult circumstances.  Liberty Jail was a basement dungeon of approximately fourteen feet by fourteen feet with only a trapdoor entrance from the main floor.  The ceiling was so low that the men couldn't stand fully upright and were forced to sit or lie on the dirty, straw-covered floor, their legs shackled.
There was no stove for heating, and when they used an open fire, inadequate venting caused the room to fill with smoke, which made breathing difficult.  They had few blankets - certainly not enough to keep them warm in the freezing winter conditions - and the food was so bad they could hardly eat it.  It was a difficult time.  Joseph endured five months under these trying circumstances, including Christmas 1838.
The prisoners had suffered a week in the jail when Emma brought her six-year-old son, Joseph, to visit....Emma was able to make a return visit on December 20, just before Christmas.  In the midst of such dire circumstances, the prisoners were cheered by the presence of their loved ones.  Joseph asked Emma if she could possibly bring some blankets for him.  But the request reduced her to tears because the mob had recently attacked her home and destroyed all but two of her blankets.  If she brought those to Joseph, then their children would go without.  Emma's visits were the closest the family got to a Christmas celebration that year."
Christmas with the Prophets, by Laura F. Willes

By the time I was done reading these paragraphs, I was crying (it doesn't take much these days!).  How easy it is for us to put together a quilt, but how much would it mean to someone who was cold to receive it?  I already had a quilt top ready to go.  I pieced together a back and sewed it up envelope style.
For Family Home Evening, we read the story and tied the quilt.  I don't have quilt frames, so we just did it on the floor.  Kate was in charge of the yarn, Enoch was in charge of the needles and Greg, Gavin and I tied.
It was wonderful.  The kids were so happy and excited to have a quilt to give to someone who needed it.  Kate kept asking if a little girl would get it and how much she would love it.  What a great activity for our family.  When we finished, I took it to our Ward Humanitarian Specialist to take up to Salt Lake.  It felt good!

 Enoch was technically on lesson tonight and he was a bit put out that he didn't get to give a lesson.  About half way through the quilt, Enoch disappeared.  A few minutes later we heard a knock at the door.  It was Elder Fowler (isn't he cute?).

He asked Greg if our family would like to learn more about Jesus.  We invited him in and he told us about Jesus and what happens to us after we die. Then Elder Fowler bore his testimony.  Okay, I was crying then too.  What a sweet spirit he is!  I completely credit his Primary teachers for this.  Brother and Sister Larsen have lit a missionary fire in Enoch.  For years he has been nervous and scared about serving a mission.  Since they have become his teachers, he speaks of his mission, he prays for the missionaries, he prays that he and Gavin will be a good missionaries.  It is incredible.  We love it.

Dec 13 - We read of the miracle of the fishes and the loaves.
Dec 14 - We read of Jesus casting out devils and healing.
Dec 15 - We read the story of Peter being called to catch men rather than fish.  Enoch also had his Christmas singing program at school.  He did a wonderful job and had fun songs to sing - Angel Band and Swingin' Holiday.  Mom and Kate enjoyed listening to all the grades, but especially first grade.  I did take video, but it didn't turn out very well.

Dec 16 - We read of Jesus healing the man who was stricken with palsy and lowered through the roof by his friends.  Enoch also had his Polar Express day at school, which he was very excited for and had a great time.  He was so amazed he got to wear his pajamas to school.