Christmas 2009

Christmas was wonderful - again. I still didn't feel like I got to enjoy it as much as I could have. Because of sickness and lack of energy only about half of the decorations went up and Christmas shopping wasn't completed until the 23rd. Oh, well. In spite of those slight set backs we had really been focusing on the giving aspect of Christmas with the kids. I seriously just got completely fed up with hearing parents say, "My child asked for this specifically and he/she wants this attachment and this and this to go with it." And then they would brave black Friday and/or shop for days to get that exact thing. This is my personal opinion - not to offend, but for our family that would not fly. That is NOT what Christmas is about to us. We spent day upon day talking and discussing with the kids what the true meaning of Christmas is.

That meant they went to work. They were busy for several weeks drawing, coloring, and creating. They made all sorts of pictures and things to put under the tree. On the 23rd Alexis exclaimed, "Mom, this is going to be the best Christmas ever!" I asked her why and she said that there were so many presents under the tree. I asked her why that was and she said it was because the kids were busy making things and they were excited about giving. I think we finally made our point with them.

Christmas Eve my parents came down to be with us for the evening. They stayed and enjoyed a dinner of Ham, Au Gratin Potatoes, salad and rolls, with Pumpkin pie for dessert. We also fed the missionaries from church. It was great fun. We set the table nicely with the table clothe, matching napkins and rings, China and so forth. It was great to just enjoy everyone's company.

Once the missionaries had to leave, we exchanged gifts with my parents. Then we did our Christmas Eve tradition of having everyone open one gift - with that gift always being new PJ's. It was difficult to get the kids settled down to go to bed. We made sure it was very clear that they didn't wake us up prior to 6am. They finally made it to bed and Grandma and Grandpa had to leave.

The next morning about 4:15 I hear one of the kids get up to go to the bathroom and immediately knew that sleeping time would be over. Sure enough, by 4:30 they were in our room screaming with sheer delight over the gifts Santa had brought them. At 4:45 I told Josh that there was no way we could hold them off until 6 so we decided to get up then to start our Christmas morning.

Santa brought Brendon a train set and lots of tracks! A HUGE hit. He played with this all day long. He sat or laid next to it to play with it. If he wasn't being forced to go eat something, he was by his train set.

Bailey received lots of make up. Scary thought. Santa finally gave in and let her have something he knew she would thoroughly enjoy. Let's just say the kids looked like Indians or scary bandits throughout the day. We would have them go wash their faces and 10 minutes later, they would emerge with more makeup. This picture was one of the first applications of the day.

MacKenzie received a very life like doll, complete with car seat and a filled diaper bag. She was the hardest for Santa to shop for. She was in heaven and loves her gift from Santa. She is a "proud momma" herself!

Alexis got an MP3 player. She has wanted an ipod for a long time. To get her used to the responsibility, she was started out on a cheaper MP3 player. It was already loaded with various Disney songs, including the sound tracks to all High School Musical movies. She had that thing on almost all day long.

Gifts under the tree included pants, books, and various things the kids needed. Then they also received a few movies and games.

The other gift of notable mention was Brendon finally got a Lightening McQueen car. He is like the biggest McQueen fan and has never gotten a Lightening McQueen toy ever. Some clothes and a pillow, but never any toys. That drought has finally come to an end! He plays with that car and totes it around all day.

Just before we started opening gifts that were under the tree I just sat in amazement at how blessed my family is. I know that there are so many in the world that go without and we were sitting in our warm and beautiful home on that cold Christmas morning. My heart broke for all those that don't have like we do. Yet at the same time, I was just enthralled with the joy and laughter from my children as they played with their gifts from Santa. I will love and cherish that moment. It was a great day to reflect on my blessings and the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. I feel His love every single day in my life. I know that my family and I are watched over and cared for. I am thankful that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born, lived, suffered and ultimately died for us so that we can have the blessings of living together as a family forever with our Heavenly Father. I love Christmas - it is one of my absolute favorite times of year!!!! This year was no different.