Christmas Day

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas Day!!! The kids actually slept in until about 8 (this is definitely a first!)  As soon as they had seen what Santa had brought them and just as we were sitting down to open the gifts from under the tree, Nate's phone rang.  Nate was on call so we knew that that could only mean that he was being called out.  It was a bummer and the kids were sad that Dad wouldn't be there to watch them open their gifts (I got video and plenty of pictures for him:)  We saved Nate's and my presents until we could open them up together.  After we opened up all the presents we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Graff's to open more at their house.  We played with the cousins and ate the traditional Christmas breakfast.  We stayed and waited until Nate could call us and let us know how long he would be.   A few hours later(just after twelve) we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Abbott's to meet Nate and to have our traditional Christmas breakfast/brunch with them.  Nate's family does Christmas crackers that you pop open before we eat to reveal a little gift and a crown to wear throughout breakfast.  The kids love "popping" open their crackers to see what they get and to put on their crowns!  I of course had left my camera in the van and so once again, no pictures :(  After staying for a couple of hours we decided to go home to open the rest of our gifts.  We were all spoiled this year and are very thankful that we could celebrate with family around! Can't wait 'til next year!!  

Decorations came down on the 26th.  I am one of those that loves to put it up a little early but when the holiday has come and gone then so do the decorations.  Now back to reality and a week of no school!! and to a whole New Year ahead of us!!!  Happy Holidays to all of you!!

Twas' the night before Christmas.......

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I love Christmas Eve!!  I love the traditions that we have in our family.  We are lucky that we live by both of our families so that time can be spent at both.  First, we stopped by Grandma and Grandpa Abbott's to visit and let the kids share all their excitement with them.  Then, onto Grandma and Grandpa Graff's house.  This year the whole family was here.  Chad and the kids drove up from Texas to celebrate Christmas.  Grandpa Pug was feeling well enough to join us for the night and we are grateful that he was there.  We always start off with my mom's traditional broccoli cheese soup and bread bowls.  Then while the adults are cleaning up, the grandkids go downstairs and start practicing for the Nativity Story.  When all the parts are picked and rehearsed then we all join together in reading the story of Christ's birth.  The kids love being a part of the story.  After that Makayla performed a flute solo and then we all learned about the story of the song, "Silent Night", which we all joined in singing.  The program was cute that was put together.  We ate cheesecake and then as always at the end Grandma and Grandpa give out the traditional Christmas PJs!  We love this tradition.  

After gathering the kids and taking them home, the real fun begins.  Nate and I usually watch a movie as we wait for all 5 kids to fall asleep (this can take awhile) before we begin doing our "Santa" duties.  I love this part!  This year it only took a couple of hours to finish it all.  We love this part just knowing that in a few short hours we will get to watch the kids excitement of it all.

Merry Christmas!!

Have a happy Christmas!! 

It's Snowing!!!

 Yeah, I mean it's not even sticking to the ground very much but hey we will take it!!  Now, it feels like Christmas!!

Christmas preview.....

Well, it's official, Saturday we put the majority of the Christmas decorations up.  We usually don't do it until this coming weekend (you know after Thanksgiving) but for the next three weekends we are going to be way busy and by the time we could have done it, it would have pointless.  Anyway, I am glad that it is out of the way.. We still have to put up some of the outdoor ones (the ones on the house and roof were put up, but not the lawn and tree and porch ones.)  Just thought I would share.  The kids loved helping to decorate.  Karter got to help again this year on the roof so he of course was super excited! 

By the way, I know that the star is a little crooked but after about an hour and a half of putting the tree decorations on (with of course at least 2-3 children at a time) I didn't care by the end.  I will fix it when they aren't around.  Also, don't you love how we have to box our tree in?  We have learned (the hard way:)) that it is a little less tempting for the kids when it is harder to get to.

Our stockings, and yes I do know that there are only five.  Again, another thing that has been on the to do list for at least 2-3 years.  Oh well someday!

One of our nativities (my favorite)!  I love willow tree figurines and collect them.  I love the simplicity of this nativity.

Just wanted to say that I can't wait for December to come.... I love the spirit that Christmas brings!

*BTW, that is just the living room, I will share the rest later.... If I remember :)