Christmas 2008

Christmas has come and gone. It was a beautiful time of year for me. The season was full of wonderful music, nice decorations, way to many treats, lots of cooking, more parties than I can count, more shopping than I like (none would be fine with me) but, the best part by leaps and bounds, would have to be Reflecting.
Reflecting on season's past, on charity, and lastly , most important, the Birth of Jesus Christ. The Savior of the world, Only begotten of the Father , Prince of Peace, Messiah, Mediator, Redeemer, Jehovah, The carpenter’s son, The Lamb of God, My Friend, My Brother.
Every Christmas as long as I can remember back, Christ has always been the center of our Celebrations. I have many memories of being dressed up as Mary, and sitting on my dads back (he was the donkey) and reenacting the Nativity. They are some of my fondest.
This year we opted to stay home as a little family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Wes and I want to start creating memories for our kids and starting our own traditions. Last year we had no choice because we were all alone in Iowa. Looking back, it was my favorite Christmas since being Married. We had other plans this year originally. But Hayden and Gracie started asking if we just couldn't do it the way we did last year. Candle light dinner, sparkling cider, Christmas carols, Christmas Stories, and just talking. Of course the kids got to open a couple presents. Their new PJ's. It was a fun night and a new tradition. When the kids finally got to sleep, Gracie was up until 11:30, Santa came and got to work. He finally left around 1:15. At 2 am Hayden and Gracie were up! They came in every 15 minutes and asked me if it was time! At 4 am I finally gave in. Wes and I drug ourselves out of our warm bed, and by 6:30 we were back in bed. We woke up later in the morning and as Wes put gifts together, I made breakfast. The rest of the day, we just hung out. It was all very nice.