Our Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! Because we always have other commitments on Christmas Day, our tradition has been to celebrate our Christmas morning on Christmas Eve. We started our morning by snuggling up in our bed, reading the story of Jesus' birth from Luke chapter 2 and a prayer. Then we took the kids downstairs for gifts and stopped for a picture on the way down.

 Daniel and I have been really excited because Will's big gift this year is a bike! After taking him to several toy stores and practicing on many bikes, we chose a Spiderman one. I know, you're not surprised. What's especially cool about this bike is it's white....and Daniel's first bike was white. I just love little nuances like that, makes the moment even more special to me. He got a few other things and stocking stuffers, but this was the big deal.

Yes, this is totally a fake smile. He came down earlier to grab
his toy car  and saw it...he confessed later

Little Miss Maggie Moo received some good stuff too but you know I gotta tell a long story about a gift or this just wouldn't be a blog by me. I wanted to buy Maggie a kitchen for her birthday, found one on Craigslist and almost purchased it, but the seller was kinda wishy-washy. I would inquire, she'd answer, I'd inquire further, she wouldn't respond and this went on for a few weeks before I finally gave up on her and decided to keep looking. Well, at Maggie's birthday party I told this story to my cousin and she told me her daughter has a kitchen that isn't used much anymore. After discussing this with her daughter, talking about a fair price, we decided she would bring the kitchen down at Thanksgiving and I would pay her by crafting party decorations for her son's first birthday! I mean, talk about a win-win!!! So, she and her husband did indeed load it up and deliver to us at Thanksgiving. Daniel and I didn't see any point in making the kids wait until Christmas to play with the kitchen, so we re-assembled it when we returned home. Due to delivery timing, it's like half birthday/half Christmas gift.

So I felt a little bad that Will has more to open than Maggie, but I have to remember that nice, big play kitchen. She did also receive a Little People home and loves it! She really enjoys imaginative play and talking so it's right up her alley!
After Will opened a couple presents he hugged me and said "Oh this is all I wanted!" Now, if you didn't grow up with me, you can't fully appreciate him saying this. I was quite a happy child and when I opened presents, at least at Christmas, I would say "it's just what I always wanted!" To everything. So, either I wanted a lot or I was very appreciative of everything, haha. Also, I kinda squealed the phrase...like I took it up a few notches. Probably broke a window or two. I asked Daniel if he prompted Will to say it and he said no. So my little man caught the excitement!!!

Daniel and I spoiled each other as always. We've discussed holding back many years, but we genuinely enjoy buying gifts for one another. I usually insist on not spending money on myself  throughout the year (though I have actually spent $ on crafting this year) so he doesn't like to miss the chance at holidays. Still, I can't go crazy so when I found a coupon in Clipper for a discounted gym membership I was sold, he's been wanting one for awhile. I also found a great deal on Amazon for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy on Bluray. After a movie from the kids and a couple stocking stuffers, I closed the checkbook.

What did he get me, you ask? Well, let me tell ya. The Help, Facing the Giants, a book and a printer! I know, it may sound bogus and a few years ago I would've thought the same thing. I mean, no way you're gonna get me a printer! But a couple weeks ago I mentioned it to him because mine does not produce the best prints and it's no fun to see your hard work print pixelated and faded. So this was a really good choice...we've already set it up, done some test prints and beautiful!! In fact, I didn't know just how poor my print quality was until I saw the comparison. He really wanted to get me the Cricut Design Studio and I really wanted it, but it was sold out everywhere! Unless he wanted to pay a premium and I want very few things enough to pay twice what I've seen elsewhere.

 Not a big deal to most people or children, but seeing Maggie sit independently while reaching up to play is HUGE! This does not come naturally to a child with tone issues and is a big step for her. I started tearing up and am now as well.

 Will said, "I'm workin' from home today!" then packed up his laptop and said, "bye, I'm going to work!" Yea, he doesn't pay attention to things around here at all.

We've had a great day and still have some Christmas festivities to come! Thank you to my husband for my wonderful gifts and providing for our family, both at Christmas and all year long. I love you so much!! And thanks to my children for listening as I read the bible this morning without complaint. I'm so happy and grateful to have started the morning in God's word and focusing on the reason for this season. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

G's Christmas
The evening of Christmas Eve, we went to G's house (Daniel's mom) and opened gifts. Like the genius that I am, I forgot my camera, so no pictures for me. Normally I let the pics do the talking for me, but I'll have to talk instead. Maggie got an adorable ladybug wheely bug which I remembered to photograph at some point over the weekend! Both kids got books and puzzles plus Will got some cars, trucks and this singing/dancing sock monkey that Maggie happens to looooove. Daniel and I opened our presents as well, it was a good time. We brought our presents the weekend before, so we did all the receiving here. Merry Christmas, G!