A Very Special Christmas 2019

We lacked 6 days this Christmas season, which meant it came up quick. And now it's over.  I think we're all a little blue!

But it was a beautiful season this year.  So much going on, so many activities, but also lots of fun as a family.  Our Christmas Eve and Christmas morning just included our little family of five, with lots of tender moments (and presents...so many presents!!!)

Christmas Eve we headed to church for candlelight service, reminding ourselves why we celebrate and where our hope and peace this holiday season comes from.  The children looked so sweet in their matching plaid...which I have no proof of because no one would sit for a picture. :) We went to the Nash's annual Christmas Eve event where we saw friends, ate a quick bite, then left with a delicious Boston Butt (which they smoke for each of their friends and family).

The children did oblige me for a few pictures in our Christmas PJs before bed (although Wesley wasn't about to give up that Paci for the pic!)

JB wrote a letter to Snowflake, and then we left cookies out for Santa.  Everyone (including Wesley) took a long time to say goodbye to Snowflake, knowing it would be a year before we see him again.  (They are still sad and talking about him!)

The next morning....whoa...Santa was good to us.  Snowflake texted me a picture!

Maryn only wanted a Barbie Dream Camper, and her lip immediately quivered when she came out and saw her pile.  Fortunately JB ran over and read here the note (which said "look outside") and then the hunt began!  She noticed it right away outside the front door, and all was right with the world again.

JB got his Nintendo Switch, plus a "real shovel for the farm".  Wesley loaded up on everything tractors and trucks.

Wesley also got a lot of help opening his packages...which I don't think he appreciated...

From his Daddy: a real BB gun!  JB cannot wait to go target hunting with it!

And then Daddy can't wait to go hog hunting with his new thermal scope. :)

But the sweetest gifts of all this year: JB had been making and wrapping gifts all season for us, putting them under the tree.  We didn't know what they were, but when we opened it we found all sorts of notes and pictures from him, telling us how much he loves us and how we're "his favorite".  I mean....cue the tears....they will be framed and put up in my office until the end of time.

Another funny story:  JB had also told us all week that he had an announcement to make on Christmas morning. He'd say "now, don't forget, I have my announcement" (but would give us no clue as to the topic!) Then, late in the morning on Christmas, I reminded him of the announcement. He sheepishly admitted that he was going to announce that we - the parents - could open presents first on Christmas morning....but that he totally forgot and tore into the presents anyway.  HAHAHA, what a sweet boy and who can blame him - presents are too wonderful to wait!

We had a smallish crowd this year (and I forgot a picture, grrr):  Ms Therlon, Gia, and then Donna and Ashley.  But we had a lot of good food!

Gia came midday with lots of presents. Everyone knew exactly what to do!  We also FaceTimed with our Texas family while we opened their presents.  These children were spoiled with lots of love and thoughtful gifts.  

We had such a wonderful day - just the perfect Christmas!  We're so thankful for all our many blessings, including the most special one that came to earth over 2000 years ago, Who fills our hearts with love, hope and peace this and every day.

Merry Christmas!