Christmas

CHRISTMAS 2009

This year was very different for us. It was the first time we have spent a Christmas without being close to extended family. It was hard being away from everyone. Missing out on all the holiday traditions we've shared over the years. But it was also nice, we had a very simple & quiet Christmas. And we started some traditions of our own. One of the kids favorites was reading a Christmas story every night in December by candlelight. This Christmas was probably one of most relaxed I've had since we've been married. Christmas Eve we went bowling with the kids, when it got dark we supplied ourselves with some hot chocolate and went and looked at Christmas lights, and then came back and retold the story of the birth of our Savior. The kids opened one present on Christmas Eve and then to bed for the anticipation of Christmas morning. Christmas Day was quiet and we had some good friends over for dinner. I made my first prime rib ever! I was SO nervous, mostly about ruining an expensive cut of meat. It turned out great, thanks to Paula Dean. (One of the few recipes that doesn't require adding butter, cream, or frying.HAHA!) I was so sad that I forgot to take pictures of the evening with friends!

Making Christmas goodies, or should I say eating Christmas Goodies. Ellie licking the bowl of Christmas sludge. That is what she called the fudge. Too cute!
(Yes, she has crazy wild hair. I only do her hair if we are going out in public because she screams and cries everytime I even think about doing her hair.)

It was so fun to make goodies with Rachel. She is finally old enough to actually do things on her own. She kept right up with me.

Christmas Eve. The kids acted out the story of Jesus' birth.

Christmas morning. Ellie opening up her presents.

Jared got a guitar for Christmas. I think I have enjoyed listening to him more than he has playing it. He said he wanted one so that he could be like his Uncle Colin and write songs. And be like his Uncle David so he could impress the girls. I have caught him singing a couple of songs that have just cracked me up. One was him singing a song for Kylah (a friend that just moved to Washington with her family. He misses his friend) Jared was singing 'Oh bring her back..just bring her back..." and another funny song was a song about life and distractions. (I have no idea what kind of distractions a 6 year old has but it was entertaining)

Rachel has turned into a little creative crafty person. That's what she wanted for Christmas.

Ellie wanted a princess dress.

Jared has been asking for a BB gun since June. We told him that he had to show us he was responsible and that if he really wanted it he has to save up for it. I think it was around October that Rachel decided she wanted one too. So, they pooled their money together and started saving. They had almost $40 saved up for the one they wanted. They were just $10 shy. A week before Thanksgving, Grandma Denos had a stroke. We were trying to figure out how to make it down to see her for Thanksgiving. Jared without hesitating said, "Mom, you can have my BB gun money." I was so touched that he would be willing to give up something that was so important to him for something that was truly important. Something, as a mother, you can't put a price tag on. Christmas morning, Santa surprised them with a BB gun.