Christmas came crazy fast this year. Maybe it had something to do with working 20 hours a week now. Maybe it's that the kids are growing up too quickly and are all involved in their own activities. We dropped a lot of things that we liked to do and went into what (at least to me) felt like Christmas survival mode. We did good, though. There was an abundance of Christmas spirit and we squeezed in Christmas activities where we could. I will admit that it was really hard to let go of decorating my "nice" tree exactly how I wanted to. I don't think I even hung an ornament on that tree until about a week before Christmas. I managed to get a few things on there but it was in no way decked out the way I wanted it to be. Eventually I made myself remove the decoration box from the living room. It helped remove a lot of the stress and disappointment.
We took off to Price on the Saturday before Christmas to spend time with Jeff's family. I got to love on this sweet nephew of mine. Aren't his rolls perfect?!
Chloe and Sophie had so much fun being with cousins. We enjoyed the 2nd annual white elephant-style gift exchange. Nothing compared to the moment we were surprised by someone receiving a box of Grandma Maynes clothes. No one was more surprised than Grandma, though, who wanted to know why Grandpa was giving her clothes away. It was hilarious and we all had a good laugh.
I had to work Christmas Eve. Thankfully it was in the morning so I could spend the day with the family. My friend, Emily, and I decided last minute to wear ugly Christmas sweaters. I really hate this picture of me, but my BFF says that it is all the sweater's fault and I have to believe her.
My favorite thing about Christmas is the love between siblings. They seem to set aside their differences and are lovey. It melts my mother heart. We started a gifted exchange between the kids years ago and it is so fun to watch them really try to pick out the perfect gift for their assigned sibling. Also PJ's are a big tradition. I nearly had McKay and Sophie convinced that I did not remember ever doing this. (Mostly because I was tired and annoyed that they expected it) They were happy to see I was only pulling their leg.
Each year we do a Mary and Joseph dinner on Christmas Eve. This year we decided to add to it a bit. Jeff and I dressed up as Mary and Joseph and taught the kids from the scriptures about the life of Jesus as we served them. We eat by candle light and use paper plates and only our fingers for utensils. It's always a special event.
Christmas morning we had so much fun opening gifts. I think we did a great job and Santa came through on his end as well.
Chloe, Jeff and I all snuck in a much needed Christmas nap before heading out to the Marchant party. In the snow. Ugh. White Christmas's are only beautiful if you stay home. We met at a church and enjoyed visiting and food and more presents.
The 26th is my family's Christmas celebrations. The hit gift this year was the bean bag chairs for the kids. I can't wait for family movie nights now! I can finally sit on the couch again!!
Jeff and I ditched the kids today in favor of a movie and dinner. Unbroken was inspiring. A little long but still good. And have you tried Pie in Five??? Yum! Pizza in 5 minutes. They all come in personal sizes so you get the pizza you want. :) We topped it off with a cupcake from One Sweet Slice.
It's been a great week. I must be getting old though because instead of feeling let down I feel more refreshed and ready to take on the new year, new challenges, and hopefully reach some new successes.
