Christmas Day

We stayed up late putting together Santa presents to leave out for the little ones'  discovery.  I loved every minute of setting up the wooden train, the mega shark rig adventure, and the Disney princess songs palace even though I was exhausted.

I hoped everyone would sleep in...and they did...all except for me and Patrick.  We woke up at 6:30 and tossed and turned until 7:30 when the boys came in to wake us up. :)

Christmas morning was perfect.  Just as magical as I had imagined and even more so.  I love Christmas as a mother!  I distinctly remember thinking as a child that I never wanted to grow up because I always felt bad for my poor mom who worked so hard to give us such beautiful Christmas and only received a few small presents herself.  I wondered how she loved Christmas so much.  And I wondered if I ever would as a grown-up.  But time gives us new perspectives and blessed paradigm shifts.  I love Christmas more than I ever could have imagined as a little girl.  Because to see the lights twinkling in your own children's eyes is the most exciting and wonderful and thrilling thing that a mother could ever imagine.  The giving of gifts is far more satisfying than the receiving.

After our sweet little Christmas morning, we gathered at Nana and Papa's house to spend the rest of our Christmas day.  We were so grateful for all of our gifts!  Maylie loved her baby doll and the boys loved their scooters.

Then we all got to participate in a family nativity.  Patrick, me, and Easton were the three wisemen (and very interestingly dressed ones might I add).  Tate, Natalie, and Jon were the shepherds, Colie, Jason, and Abi were Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, and Maylie was the angel.

 And the best part? I got it all recorded on my phone!

I loved the after part of the Nativity as well, how we all shared insights into the roles we played and were taught from dear Papa about the symbolism of bread, and how we can reflect on Christ every time we eat, or cut, or make bread.  It was a challenge we will take.

Then we ended the little "meeting" with the most beautiful Silent Night I've ever heard.  Papa played it on the guitar, just as it had originally been performed by Joseph Mohr while Colie and Jason sang the first verse in German, Patrick and I sang the second verse in Portuguese, and Natalie and Jon sang the third verse in Spanish.  Then my Dad and I played a verse with just the piano and guitar, and we finished by singing the last verse together in English.

We had turkey dinner, mashed potatoes, cinnamon bread, strawberry cake, and so much food I was more than a little bit full.

We finished the evening with a hilarious game of Telestrations and then traveled home tired and happy.

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Yesterday was the day after Christmas, which is always kind of bittersweet for me.  I love how the littles have an amazing array of new toys to play with, and the excitement of Christmas always carries over just a little bit.  However, I don't like sending my sweetheart off to work after any holiday, especially Christmas.  I always miss him extra special.

So we were blessed with a visit from Gram and Pop who brought more presents and the presence of their sweet company.  We loved having them!!  We are so blessed to have three sets of wonderful grandparents to make memories with.  We can never get enough of special family time!  It makes life so worth living...

The End.