MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

We made it to Christmas. Where has the time gone?? December just completely flew by. I thought it would slow down once all of our traveling and so forth were done, but it hasn't.




It was such an enjoyable Christmas! On Christmas Eve we started with the reading of Luke 2 and the birth of Christ. We spoke with the kiddos again about the true meaning of Christmas. A tradition that I brought up from my family growing up was to open one gift - always PJ's - on Christmas Eve. The kids were so excited to go put on their new Christmas jammies.

Christmas morning started for me around 5am. No, not because the kids woke up, but because I woke with a startled thought that I thought I had forgotten to turn the oven off the night before after making pumpkin rolls. I quickly ran downstairs, but everything was as it should be. I had just quickly slipped back into bed when I heard the first bedroom door open. Well, I was already awake so I went back out with the girls - yes, somehow all three of them had woken up at the exact same time! We played with their gifts. Daddy got up a short time later.

Santa brought Alexis a High School Musical 3 dance mat (kind of like a Dance, Dance Revolution one, but HS3 characters instead).

MacKenzie received a treasure chest full of dress up clothes. What more could a girly girl in Pink want for Christmas?? Bailey received Polly Pockets - complete with cruise ship, lounge chairs and swimming pool. (You can see Daddy playing with it in the background - I am sure he will LOVE me posting that picture!!) After the girls had been up and playing with their Santa gifts for a while they started getting antsy about opening the rest of the presents. I finally went in and got Brendon up so he could join in on the fun. Santa brought him a circus train complete with clicking Giraffe, Elephant & Monkey. He LOVES it!!

Then Santa also brought the family a Wii with an extra game and controller. Yes - that is right - we have joined the world of Wii. So, now that you know that bit of info - Santa brought Josh another Wii game and another Nunchuck. I will post pictures of having that "broken in" a little later. I received very nice -high tech headphones for my MP4 player (that was exactly what I asked Santa for - he is soooooo good).

Once presents were all opened with various things from books, DVDs, socks, toys, make-up, games, cars (lots of cars for Brendon), other misc. things, and money we headed downstairs and had breakfast - of course it was the Anderson tradition (from Josh's upbringing) MacAndrew sandwiches (Sausage, eggs & cheese on an English muffin).

Josh helped me tremendously in the kitchen with making most of breakfast (I did the eggs - he did the rest!), cleaning up from breakfast and getting ready for the rest of the day. On Christmas Eve I made four pumpkin rolls and the filling for apple pies. So, on Christmas I made the pie crusts and finished the pies. Josh helped me by making the most fabulous salad. I asked him to make it and set out everything that needed to be put in it. He just looked at me as if to say, really? All of this? He did it and it was most delicious. Then while he was doing that I was pealing potatoes and got au gratin potatoes going in the crock pot.

My sister Michelle, and her family got here in the afternoon. Zora came in and what did she find first - the dress up of course.

Spencer wasn't so happy so I asked him if he wanted to help me roll out pie crusts for the pumpkin pies I still needed to make. He was more than eager to help me with that. It sure put a smiles on his face. He grabbed Brendon's apron, pulled up a step stool and got to work with me! Of course, Michelle had to run and grab the camera.

Michelle made a great pistachio dish (and brought me a couple of missing things I needed to make the pumpkin pies). Then we had the salad, au gratin potatoes and then I also did a spiral ham. Then for desert we had apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin rolls. While Michelle and I were down in the kitchen getting everything finished up and the table set the men were upstairs setting up the Wii and entertaining the kids!

We had enough food to feed an army. The meal was delightful. Once food time was over, kids were ready for bed, scripture study and prayer were done and the kiddos off to bed it was time for grown up Wii time. We played a few rounds of bowling and then had some boxing challenges. This was a more mild version of Ben & Josh boxing - but it is still so funny!!

Michelle and I also got in on that action. We did break out the other games as well. We had a fun time competing against each other in the various games. Through the evening we snacked on cranberry salsa and sweets.

What a grand day! I loved being with my family, both immediate and extended. I felt blessed beyond measure. I truly felt the love of my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we all remember all year long that it is because of our Heavenly Father that we are here at this time with our families to enjoy the blessings we do. His great plan of happiness truly causes us to be happy as we follow the principles of the gospel and do the fundamentals that allow His Spirit to be with us at all times. I am grateful for that knowledge, priviledge and blessing in my life!

Merry Christmas to one and all!!