Christmas 2011

I know, I should've had these up weeks ago; before all of the birthday, racing and odds and ends posts. Truth is, I should be flogged! I was so wrapped up in being in Christmas, that I did a despicable job of capturing Christmas! So I have a handful of pictures to document the days, which were magical and fun and sweet with my little ones near. Ashton loved the tree this year.  Loved and loved it and loved three glass balls onto the floor, shattered into pieces.  I couldn't get too mad - the tree is so inviting and sparkly.  It taught me that the glass ones have to be WAY out of his reach.  The amazing thing is that Neither child bothered any of the presents under the tree.  I continue to wonder how long that will keep up.

A few days before Christmas, we had a special visit from Uncle Nick!  We had dinner of Cafe Rio-esque burritos.  We were all stuffed and glad to see each other and visit.  Nathan was especially enthralled, sharing ALL of his coloring  pictures with Uncle Nick and even having some Wii time with him.  Even Ashton had some words for Uncle Nick and was quite glad to have a visitor!  Then the little boys performed their nightly RUN ALL OVER THE HOUSE ritual before bed to Nicks amusement.

 
 
 

 For Family Home evening one night, the boys and I did a ginger bread house (kit.) They did great! Note to me, glue the pieces together and let it set before the decorating commences. I had to hold the house together for about 30 minutes while the jubilant kids got down with the details.

 

Christmas eve and Christmas Day afternoon we spent with the Shepherds!  It was fun to celebrate and play games and reenact the Christmas story with them.  They have particular fondness for the "shepherds in the fields."  We enjoyed the bounty of great tastiness!  Christmas morning began wtih BACON and other deliciousness.  Hot chocolate, waffles, fruits treated us on Christmas Morn. 

Soon the present opening began.  The boys were delighted, and even though you never feel like you have enough - there always seems to be too much! This year NQ received a transformers watch, a camera/video recorder for his Leapster Explorer, some clothes, a new coat, since his disappeared from preschool, a transformers electric toothbrush, a robo dinosaur, a hot wheels garage, some stick on tattoos, some super hero books, and more!  Aston received a Diego toothbrush, a hot wheels race track, a Ming Ming, super hero books, an remote control choo choo train, a cowboy coat and more!

Above all we try to relate the importance of living a Christlike life.  And that Christmas is a special season to remember the birth of our Savior and that we should do all we can to serve those around us with honesty, integrity and without seeking personal gain.  We also try to remind the kids how blessed we are every day.  As a mom, I see little bits of heaven in my kids everyday - even if it's a FLEETING moment of love towards each other, I'll take it!