I have to admit, I wasn't as excited about Christmas when the season began. The looming thoughts of me working another Christmas Eve were just plain depressing. It would be my 3rd or 4th year in a row- working Christmas Eve. That's just the way it works with my shift- if the holiday falls on my day it's mine- unless, I find someone to cover the shift. So seriously, who would want to work Christmas Eve? and I also felt guilty even asking someone to give up their time so I can be home with my kids and Ben. Arrrggh. It didn't help that the kids kept complaining about it! They weren't even the one working! They just didn't want to wait for me to get home to open presents! So anyways the season started off a little rocky until the night my co-worker called and offered to work my shift. A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE! She is single and had just got back from a big vacation and she needed the money! YEAH! So after a little crying- for joy- of course, I was well into the mood whole heartedly! Christmas Eve, Ben's sister Bonnie and her family came over for dinner and presents (we had their names this year). After they left the kids each got to open their jammies and we tried to read the christmas story and then settled down to watch a cute christmas show. Cookies of course were set out and glitter thrown on the front yard and everyone was off to bed and asleep by 9- not kidding, even Ethan and Jake!
Poor Will was not impressed by his jammies and was pretty mad when I put the on him. He got over it and they are now his favorite pair.
Jocelyn was sooo excited that not only did she get jammies but also her AG doll did also. She had been looking at the catalogue for weeks and noticed the matching jammies. She loved that they match.
The kids were up pretty early - about 4ish and I sent them back to bed. They lasted till about 6:30 and we just couldn't hold 'em back. Our big family gift this year was a trampoline. The kids can't wait for it to warm up. As for each of the kiddos - I had them fill out a christmas list that had four entries-
1. Something I need...
2. Something I'll read....
3. Something I'll wear...
4. Something I really really want...
Santa stuck to that list within the limits that mom and dad set also and each kiddo received pretty much what they asked for....
Ethan has asked for a metal detector for 2 years in a row. he finally got one and has made use of it by throwing money into the backyard and then searching for it. He also asked for The Candy Shop Wars and a remote control helicopter.
Jake - Oh Jake- he could not make up his mind!!!! Even up to the week before Christmas - and I had to tell him time was up! He ended up with a camera(like a gopro) and the Scorch Trails and of course, legos! Something he added a couple weeks before Christmas. I almost made it through a Christmas without legos!!!
Jocelyn- She also kept changing her mind- An AG scooter or pet?! One thing she didn't change her mind about was a sewing machine. She would not stop talking about getting one. She was a very happy girl with her AG scooter, sewing machine, Princess Posey book and a huge surprise- 2 new American Girl Dolls. I told her it was definitely a girls Christmas ( last year santa brought a lot of boy toys- legos, more legos, and tons of nerf stuff, she wasn't too happy) She really doesn't get spoiled- it's a boys world around here. She deserved the new dolls and I love how she has already planned to visit the AG store in Seattle when we go up there this summer for the family reunion. She has started saving up her money. I can't wait to take her. We spent enough time at the lego store this past summer!
Riley stuck to what he initially wrote down on his list. He so badly wanted an outdoor basketball hoop and a Star wars book, that was it. He was excited to also get a new Hero factory guy, Ninjago guy and
new shoes. His ninjago season 1 on dvd came in handy for the 2 days he was home sick from school!
Owen wanted dragons and a viking helmet and a new bike. He was pretty cute when he woke up and wanted to ride his bike. He was so excited while he was looking through his stocking- everything he pulled out put a bigger smile on his face. So Cute!
Will had no interest in his own stocking or even opening his presents when it was his turn. He just wandered between everyone and checked out all their stuff. After a yummy breakfast -pull apart bread and hashbrown casserole- he was all about presents. It was just his way of doing things on his own time like everything else he does! He seemed happy with his buzz lightyear ship and new shoes. Although he now hates those shoes and won't let me get near him with them!
It was a great Christmas for all. We had a great Christmas dinner and later headed to my parents for some pie. We visited and watched Mr Krugers Christmas. I am so grateful for being home for Christmas Eve and spending the day with my family. I loved watching my kids get so excited because they got the things they wanted and I love that they expressed how grateful they were. It was such a good day. I can't help but express my love of the Savior and his birth. He is the real reason we celebrate this day. I am so grateful for my family and a wonderful Christmas Season.
