Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve was perfect. We had a nice sacrament meeting to really focus on the reason for the season. There were great talks and a beautiful musical number. Our ward is tiny and it has changed dramatically from when we first moved here. I'm not wanting to stay here because of the social situation. But Christmas Eve was just what it needed to be and we were happy and felt the spirit.

Well, hang on. I can't say it was perfect! What am I thinking? Tanner broke the washing machine the night before in an effort to fix it! So he had to take ALL of our piles of laundry to the laundromat on Sunday morning before church to get it all done before we left for Idaho. It was crazy but we got it done!

After church, my parents came over to enjoy a turkey feast with us. Tanner smoked the turkey and my dad said it was the best meal he'd eaten all year! And I agree! It was so delicious and totally hit the spot! Ella set the table. Jack lit the candles. Ray peeled and mashed all of the potatoes! We used our fancy glasses and cheered with sparkling cider. We ate peppermint ice cream and Nothing Bunt Cake for dessert and opened up the fabulous gifts that my parents got for us all. A journal and a wax warmer for me, nice shirt for Tanner, sunglasses and snacks for Parker, a phone case and snacks for Ray, magic tricks for Jack, and a squishmallow with babies for Ella. It was soooo wonderful having my parents over for Christmas Eve. I loved being able to share with them the special Christmas decorations and festive vibes in our home and they just make everything better!

After they left, the kids sat in the hot tub for a while with Tanner while I finished up a few things. We said goodbye to Happy, our elf, who watched us all season from different hidden places in our home. We read Luke 2, left out cookies and milk for Santa, and tucked everyone in to bed. Ella had a harder time falling asleep (so cute) but we eventually made it and Parker and I wrapped up the stairs just in time for Santa to arrive!

But I was devastated in the morning when Ray sneaked down and spoiled the surprise for everyone. She came up and told everyone what Santa brought them and even sneaked Ella down, too. When I found out I started crying and had to lay back down. I cried and cried and I couldn't stop. I was so sad! Ray felt horrible and I gently explained to her that we follow rules for a reason. I think next year is going to be very different but I told everyone that we only get ONE Christmas morning a year and that we have to try our best to make it special. We finally went downstairs (without the celebratory tearing down of the wrapping paper) and the kids were so happy. They were gracious and kind and we had a very lovely Christmas morning. But man, it took a few hours for me to stop crying and I was in a mood for a few days. (Notice how I took like ZERO pictures all day) Parker got a mini fridge, Ray got a stuffed axolotl, Jack got a hover board, and Ella got a realistic doll. Tanner and I planned dates for each other so hopefully we have a fun full year of dates to look forward to. 

Tanner made a yummy breakfast and we got all loaded up for our road trip to Utah. We drove straight to Ogden and made really good time (took about 9.5 hours). Kassidy was so sweet to let us sleep at her house. The kids brought a bounteous amount of pillows and blankets and we all slept well. The kids actually brought a ton of random crap too (Ella brought a ceramic rainbow that she painted at her playdate?????) because I was in the shower as they made their last minute additions to their stuff. 

But all in all, I have to say it was a very successful Christmas season. We packed in a lot of fun and I believe we did an awesome job of lighting the world and keeping the season focused on Christ.

There are things we will probably do differently next year and thats ok! The kids are growing up and I've loved each and every stage they've had and I know I'll continue to love all that is to come.

Above all, we love and cherish our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His miraculous birth is a render reminder of the magnificent love our Father in Heaven has for us. The lights, sights, and smells of Christmas turn our hearts closer to Him and it truly brings so much joy to our lives! 

Until next year!