Christmas!

Christmas was wonderful.  Nothing makes me happier than time with my family.  As my kids get older I find that I love the days we have at home together more and more. Don't get me wrong, I loved the days with my toddlers and babies, but big kids, teens, and young adults are a blast!  It's fun to work together on projects, cleaning and cooking and of course it is awesome to play with them. 

My favorite part of Christmas is watching my kids love and serve each other and those around us as we strive to give our best in celebration of our Savior's birth. For me, this is the best Christmas gift.

Susanna's teacher sent me this picture from her school party.  So cute!

It is also wonderful to give Christmas to my kids and to see their excitement as they come around the corner to see what Santa brought.

I am also grateful every year for my mother's creative wrapping when we were younger.  She would sometimes use pillow cases, sheets or blankets for larger items or when she just didn't want to wrap anymore.  Eventually, she made drawstring bags out of cute Christmas fabrics.  After a few Christmases with tons of my own kids I made drawstring bags for myself.  This is keeps me sane.  The shopping and organizing is enough for me.  Then I just put it in a cute bag, stick a label on it and I'm done!

My good camera is not working, so we had to use my phone.  It's not a great picture and we miss our Elder Josh, but this is our traditional stairs pose before we go see what Santa brought.  Since Christmas was on Sunday, we told the kids they could see what was there, but we would only have time to open stockings if they hurried to get ready for church.  Daniel was showered and ready to go before hand and the little girls had there hair in curlers still and a few others were barely awake.  It was 7:30 am, usually we don't go down until 8:00 am.  We like our beauty sleep.

They were excited to see Santa had brought a giant white board and a new trampoline mat as well as some favorite books, herbal tea, a tea kettle and treats.

Tim got this cute bow-tie from his friend Rebekah as a gift and he was excited to wear it to church.

It was a beautiful service about the Savior and most of our family sang in the choir. There is just something special about having Christmas fall on a Sunday.

We had a friend snap a couple of family pictures for us after church.  

It will be many Christmases before we have a family picture with the whole gang together again.  Josh comes home from his mission in June and Tim will leave for his shortly after. We miss our Josh but we are so proud of his love and service for the Lord. 

 When we got home, after eating some cereal (we don't buy cereal, Santa brings it), we began the gift opening.  The kids always want to give their secret sibling gifts first.  They are usually dying to see the reaction to the gift they bought for their brother or sister.

Susanna gave Daniel this cute shirt and a watch.

Laney gave Susanna a game, a book and earings.

Daniel gave Laney a watch and chili dark chocolate, her favorite.

Freddy gave Tim a piano book of 40 beautiful piano solos.

Andrew had Freddy this year and returned the fun he got last year in his gift from Freddy.

He gave Freddy Star Wars undies. Last year Freddy gave Drew flaming Batman undies. 

Goofy boys!

He also gave Freddy a watch.

Sara gave Sam a new ASU sweatshirt.  The one he had been wearing is from his senior year and is HUGE on him now. 

Timmy had Sara.

He gave her a beautiful silver ring and a new purse.  It was perfect!

  

Tim had cleverly wrapped secret gifts for Dad and me. He made it look like it was another gift for Sara, but then after she open her gifts, he handed it over to us to open.  It was a sweet surprise. 

 Pistachios for Dad and yummy smelling candles for Mom.  Thanks Timmy.  I love them and you! 

Sam had Andrew.  Drew got this crazy look on his face when he felt the familiar shape and shake of the first gift, a large bottle of Tabasco. He loves HOT food!!!

Sammy gave him a Coyotes jacket, Famous Dave's Devils Spit Pickles, Ghost Pepper Mustard (Drew is crazy for Mustard too) and Chipotle Tabasco.  He was elated!

Then the best part of Christmas came when we got to video chat with Elder Josh in San Diego! It was so great to see him and hear his voice.  He is doing amazing things, working hard and using his talents and having awesome experiences.  45 minutes flies by way too fast and saying goodbye is like ripping off a bandage, a little painful.  Only one more video call before he comes home!

I love that smile!

 We also spent time with many of the Alger and Ely famlies.  Family really is everything and we have such a loving extended family.  We are grateful for the love and generosity shared with us over Christmas.  We wish we could have spent it with all of our family near and far.  Love you All!