A Child's View of Christmas Morning...

Last night and this morning, I couldn't help but reminisce about Christmas as a kid. I had such a dreamy look on my face remembering the excitement of looking for Santa's sleigh in the sky and listening for the jingle bells. I remember being so excited for morning to come that I could barely close by eyes to sleep. I remember waking up early the next day with incredible anticipation of what was waiting in the Great Room for us (my sister and me)!

And then, I had to wait some more - I also remembered that we had to wait outside the great room door for my parents and grandparents to get their COFFEE!! Ray C. said, "That's just wrong!" But you see, they were just as excited to give us the gifts as we were to get them. Seeing the joy on our faces was as exciting to them as receiving the gifts was to us!! Side step here, don't you know that's how God feels when He blesses us? He is just as excited (or more) to give us the things we ask for as we are to receive them!

So anyway, where was I? Oh, we were waiting at the door. Did I mention that we also had to brush our hair, make sure our PJ's matched (that was probably done the night before, actually), and be sure our hair was OUT OF OUR EYES?? Big deal to my mama!! You must look pretty for pictures! Thank you mama. The pictures are nice to look at now!

So, when everyone was ready - seated in their places all in the living room, we would hear, "Oh my goodness." and "Look at that." and "Wait til you see what Santa brought." And I especially missed today from my papa, him singing "Santa Clause has come to town!!" Finally, they would say, "Okay! You can come in now!" We would fling the door open and run to our spots. Santa left my gifts to the right of the fireplace and Jessica's to the left. I still remember how some of the things were even laid out.

So today I enjoyed every moment even though I haven't felt great. We opened each present one by one. The kids had so much fun playing . We had to take a break at one point because they were so busy they didn't want to stop to open anymore! We really didn't spend much on them, and still they got so much!! The kids were thankful for their gifts. I got some great gifts, some things I really wanted and some I really needed - like a massage from a local place!! I gave a gift I was so anxious to give - something I built for my husband. That was the best part! I couldn't wait to give it to him. It might not mean much to anyone else, but it was special because it was a labor of love! (I framed 2 HUGE maps he had so he could hang them in his office.) It was a big deal for me to do it since I've never used a saw before!!

I talked to my family and am looking forward to "doing Christmas" with them soon! It was a great day! We did start with Baby Jesus. He was in all the mangers when the children woke up. They were so excited to see him, finally! Mary Frances said, "Baby Jesus looks beautiful in his manger!" I couldn't agree more! Thank you, Jesus!

Mary Frances got slippers from Papa!
Chase got a few bath toys and then took an hour long bath!
Uncle Glen gave Mary Frances what she "always wanted" - Dora Saves the Mermaids!!
(You can see one of the maps in the background!

The Best Gift Ever

As far as I'm concerned, Jesus was the most incredible gift ever given to me. As I was placing Jesus in all the mangers around the house tonight, I continued to ponder this incredible gift! Over the last few months I have been thinking a lot about my relationship with Christ and why I have such incredible faith in Him.

My parents introduced me to God, and His son, as a very young child. I went to church several times a week and loved it! But more than that, I was taught about having a personal relationship with Him, about how much God loves me no matter what I do.

I always thought I had a boring Christian testimony because I do not have a dramatic story of how God saved me from addiction and torment. I didn't really want that type of story. I just didn't think anyone cared about mine after hearing what He had done for someone else. However, I now believe that God really didn't intend for us to have to be brought out of that. He wants us to just trust Him, take Him at His word, and obey Him. I am so grateful that my parents gave me this gift. Of course, I chose it for myself, but it was undeniable for me. He was so real to me that I couldn't do anything but trust Him. And the amazing thing is that He has never let me down!

I'm tempted to discard this post because I really haven't thought it all through yet. These are just the thoughts going through me head right now. Please understand I am not saying that I am exempt from temptation or trouble. It definitely comes my way and I am not always quick to flee, but I think I learn my lesson pretty quickly because of the trust and faith in God that has been built in me!

Okay, I'll stop writing now because I don't know where I'm going now. Just jotting down thoughts...

Peanut Butter Anyone?

Apparently, Chase and Mary Frances couldn't wait for a snack! I don't think there is any peanut butter left. Since Ray C. was in charge, he cleaned up! He said it was the oily-est bath he had ever seen! What did we do before we had kids? Life must have been very boring!

Father and Son

I just had to add this picture. I think it is so nice. I wish it had a better background, but, oh well! Ray C.'s dad is here visiting with us for Christmas! He took us out for lunch today and the people around us enjoyed watching our circus! Anyway, we're excited he's here!

Christmas Card Attempts

The following are pictures you will not see on our Christmas cards this year!

Okay, this one is really cute, but you can't see the boys' faces. So, we went with a different approach: a newsletter including the best of everyone!!

Hope your Christmas is Merry!

Princess Mommy

Sorry it has been so long. I just haven't felt like blogging! So, I'll start with something small. This morning Chase noticed my wedding portrait, and gasped. Then he said, "Mommy, you a princess." I love that kid!!!