Merry Christmas to all my dear friends and family near and far! We had a fantastic Christmas here in Morgantown and love our friends whom we have to share it with. While my one Christmas wish would be for all of us to be together, we were far from lonely here on the East coast.
We did lots of fun thing leading up to Christmas. Gingerbread house decorating is something that the kids always look forward to every year. While it's not my favorite, I still comply with my kids wishes. I love how each of the houses turned out.
We had several Christmas concerts to attend. Both Loraya and Isaac performed in their school Holiday Program. I couldn't get a picture of Loraya because she was dead center and the music teacher was always right in front of her. Loraya had her Morgantown Children's Choir performance later that night.
Loraya looked so small compared to the two tall girls beside her. Probably my favorite song they sang was from The Sound of Music...is it called Doe a Deer?? Anyways, you know the song right? I was greatly impressed and so proud of Loraya's talents that she is willing to share.
Here Loraya is with one of her BFFs.
We've had snow! We all enjoy sledding and have a great sledding hill just right down our street. All our kids are fearless and will literally keep going up and down those hills until their cheeks are rosy as apples and can't feel most of their extremities.
Finally we have Christmas Eve! I invited 3 families over to our house and we had quite a houseful, but I loved every second of it!! I was busy baking, cleaning, and preparing all day and just couldn't stop the feeling of happiness inside of me...no stress, just so happy! We had the Hensley's, Curtis's and Kimble's over for food, games and great company.
Here is everyone playing Santa Bingo. Loraya helped me make several more bingo cards so we would have enough for all the kids to play. While my prizes were not as good as mom's, I think it was still fun to have something to open once you won.
The other game we played was 'Merry Christmas.' We played this game a lot growing up with my family and always had fun playing. It's just like the rules of Bunko, but instead of yelling "Bunko" you yell out Merry Christmas instead.
Here is the whole gang! I love my friends!!
Once all the party guests cleared out and we got the home somewhat picked up, it was time for Christmas jammies! The kids are at such a fun, fun age! Love their excitement! Once our jammies were on and Polar Express was read, we tucked the kids in bed. Jacob and I had a little bit of wrapping to do and we watched Christmas Vacation while finishing up things for the morning.
Christmas morning! I told Loraya and Isaac they had to at least stay in their beds until the clock read 7. At promptly 7 o'clock Loraya tip toed in our room and patiently waited for everyone to wake up. By 7:45 everyone was up and excited to see what Santa had brought!
Macey got her Doc Mc Stuffins toy!
Loraya was very surprised with her American Girl Doll. I bought this and was going back and forth what to do with it and who to give it to. I'm so glad that I gave it to Loraya! This has been by far her favorite toy and
will carry it around with her EVERYWHERE and is now American Girl Doll obsessed. She was a whole slew of outfits, accessories and other dolls that she would love to own. I have to keep reminding her that Christmas JUST happened and she needs to be happy with what she has (also her birthday is in a few months...)
Isaac's favorite things he opened was his Star Wars Episode 4,5,6 Bluray. He screamed and ran around the house and wanted to start watching the movie right away. He has already told me he wants to be Luke Skywalker for Halloween.
My favorite gift was a speaker dock from Jacob. I can now listen to my music while I'm baking and cooking in the kitchen. I also love the scarf and coat Becky got me (scarf seen in this picture, you can also tell I've been taking advantage of all the good food around the house. Ha!..) Thanks everyone for your Christmas cards, gifts, and money sent! xoxo
While I didn't document the event with a picture, I did go see Les Miserables Christmas night with my dear friend Merysa. We cried through it and I was touched and saw deeper meaning in some of the songs that I've heard 100s of times before. Wasn't Hugh Jackman AMAZING??! Not as good as the stage production, but deeply enjoyed it.
To top off the events of the week, we finally took Loraya ice skating. She has been dying to go with her friend Nyla. I'm glad she is willing to try so many new things.
Saturday was spent cleaning up and taking down Christmas. It always makes me a little sad to put everything away for another year, but I do love how organized and clean everything looks now.
I got a text from Merysa Saturday afternoon saying she was going to watch the kids that night so Jacob and I could go out without having to pay for a babysitter! To top it off, she also gave us a gift card to eat at Red Lobster and free movies passes! She is so so sweet and I will miss her and her sweet family so deeply when they move. It almost seems a cruel twist of fate to meet someone so wonderful whom you feel so connected to, just to have that said friend move. Sappiness aside, Jacob and I enjoyed a free night out eating and seeing The Hobbit. Loved it!...Can you believe I haven't even read the book?! It's next on my list for sure.
We didn't get home until close to 1AM and sleep didn't come right away. At about 4 AM Macey comes into our room. She feels wet so I think she just wet through her pull up. Upon closer inspection (and smelling ..bleh!!) I realise she need a full on bath to get cleaned up. (I'll spare you the details) So I put in a load and laundry and give Macey a bath at about 4:15 AM. I am a zombie, or at least I'm pretty sure this is how zombies would feel. All in the name of Motherhood. Gotta love it!
2012 has been a wonderful year for our family. I'm sorry I didn't get to sending out Christmas cards this year, but most of you who read this blog know what we look like and what we are up to. :)
My love to all of you!
