Christmas

Christmas Morning - for the first time EVER, I let the kids come downstairs in their pajamas.  With church, it made sense not to get changed twice, so with crazy bedhead and a sleeping Cade, our 3 anxious children dutifully posed for pictures, sang a Christmas song, and scrambled down the stairs as we tried to capture the action. 

 Max was ecstatic about his electric scooter - he had really wanted it but wasn't sure that it was on Santa's ok list.  Kenna got Julie's best friend, Ivy - just what she wanted.  She even found that the stocking she had left out for her American Girl doll, Julie, was filled with Christmas goodies - a book, a gift with earrings inside, and a bracelet too.  Brett (who isn't too sure about presents in general) enjoyed looking at everyone else's stuff and then discovered his hot wheels garage and scooter.  Mike and I found ourselves owners of a huge new TV for our bedroom and sleep-eyed Cade wandered down into the chaos but happily embraced the chocolate, presents, and new scooter.  We enjoyed yummy hot chocolate along with waffle casserole, had a bit of time to play, and then prettied up so we could head to church. 

 

The kids were a little hesitant about church on Christmas morning but it turned out to be a great way to celebrate the Savior's birth and share your Christmas with dear friends.  It also helped stretch out the celebration - we had lots of presents under the tree still to delve into.  The bounty was great and the kids happy.  It was nice to relax and enjoy just being together.  Maybe we should clear our schedules and just hang out a little more often.

The day was full of surprises and togetherness. We definitely do not lack for want or need.  What a full life the Lord has blessed us with, our challenge now is to live our lives in such a way that we can make them our gift to Him.  Tuckered out by the time evening came - we collapsed full and content and left much of our mess for another day. Tonight we will sleep in peace.