Christmas Memories: 2011, Part 2

Christmas day was magical...really...I know it sounds so corny, but it was such a wonderful, peaceful, perfect day. Here's how it went...

We slept in until passed 8:00...so NOT expected. Some of the kids were up at 6:00 but they were quiet and nobody came to wake us up. We even had to wake 3 of the kids up after we got up.

Because we had church at 11:00 we decided not to rush the day along too fast. The kids opened their stockings then we made a nice breakfast of french toast and eggs, then we got ready for church. The presents waited untouched in the front room.

They were untouched because they were gated off from these two little partners in crime. But here's the HEAVENLY part....No one complained. No one asked if we could open presents before church. No one complained about going to church...(not a favorite of mine, when I was a kid)...but here's the thing, my kids get it better than I did. They are way smarter than Ken or I were at their ages. They know the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. What could be a better day to do that than on a Sunday?

Church was beautiful. The choir was heavenly. The chapel was full to overflowing. The pews were filled with families. I watched as some older couples who rarely get to sit with their growth children, savored every minute of that meeting. Many with grandchildren sitting on each knee.  A spirit of peace, reverence, love, and gratitude abounded. I for one was truly grateful to be able to worship the Savior on this Sabbath/Christmas day.

After church we went home to continue our Christmas festivities. Some of the kids went straight back into their pj's, others remained on their church clothes.

The kids had a great time opening their gifts. Ken and I always have a great time watching them. It's so easy to feel happy when you watch your children get so excited, happy, and grateful.

This year we wanted to focus more on the spirit of giving rather than receiving. The kids earned some money by racking leaves for a friend this fall. Our friend was very generous in her payment and we thought about all the fun things that could be bought with that money. Then one of the kids suggested giving the money to someone else and all the kids jumped right on board with that idea. They needed no prompting and I heard no murmuring or regrets. They were so excited to share what they had worked so hard for. Ken and I told them about a family that could use some help this year. We agreed to add to their money contribution if they understood that by doing so their own Christmas would be smaller. Again they jumped all over that idea and we had the wonderful opportunity to pay forward some of the many acts of kindness that have been shone to us over the years. The kids really loved having the experience of being "the givers" this year. And I was true to my word...I shopped very frugally...I had to tell myself -NO, NO, NO, about 100 times whenever I was tempted to overdo it and buy more than they needed.

We were also blessed this year to be on the receiving end. We were visited by secret elves one night who left us with some very nice Christmas goodies. We were blessed by other Christmas angels as well. I can't help but feel so loved by the people in our lives. We have awesome friends. I don't know who to thank, but I wish the choices blessing on each of you, whoever you are. Thank you so very much!

We spent the remainder of the day eating yummy leftovers, playing with new toys, resting, visiting, reading, and enjoying each others company.

It couldn't have been a better day. I'm already excited for next year! 

G & G Robert's sent Aftyn a new Christmas dress so of course I got the camera out. She is not highly cooperative these days when it comes to pictures but I got a few anyway.

Last year at Christmas time I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little darling. I am so glad she is here. What a JOY she is!

Oh, what the heck...I might as well make this post a mile long and add some more...here goes.

I think Kay is on her tippy-toes. :)

The End!