CHRISTMAS

I have never seen kids get tired of opening presents, but it happened today! That makes me happy. Jake and Zoe slept in this morning. It wasn't them that woke us up, but a phone call from Grandma that got me out of bed, then woke everyone up. Jake was the first one out of his room and to see the presents. His reaction was great! He couldn't wait to start opening them, but luckily Zoe wasn't far behind. We must be raising really clean kids, because instead of throwing wrapping paper everywhere, they would hand it to me or to Steve for us to throw away. It was really cute. The kids loved their gifts! Jake got more Cars cars. And some Leapster games. Which he has now played everyone at least once. And a new computer game, Blues Clues. He also got Memory for Grammy and Boppie, and did pretty well for playing it the first time and a book. Jake also got lots of new clothes and a Christmas tree ornament from Grammy and Great-Grandma Wickie. From Grandma and Grandpa Coster, he got K-Nex, which we'll be saving for him till this summer. From Grandpa and Grandma Richins, he and Zoe got a book. Which Zoe really like flipping through the pictures. Zoe got a new baby doll from us, along with three puzzles and a pop up ball. From Grammy and Boppie, she got a book, clothes, and a Christmas Teddy Bear. From Great-Grandma Wickie, Zoe got the pink heart Care Bear. Which she really really loved! From Grandma and Grandpa Coster, Zoe got discovery measuring cups, and Baby Einstein animal discovery cards. Along with more books. Steve got more pj's from my parents and an ornament, but it fell off at their house, so he'll have to wait until they come down again, probably when the baby is born. He also got socks from his parents. I got him some video games which he has been wanting for a while now. I got pots from my parents, an ornament, and nursing bras! I'm excited for the nursing bras!! I haven't gotten new ones since before Jake was born, so the other ones, we'll just say they've been used well! From my in-laws I got two more Nativity characters and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They also gave us something I've been wanting for a long time, a date! They gave us some money to go on a nice date with. And I'm thrilled!! Steve gave A Christmas Story on DVD. I love that movie, but can only watch it on Christmas day. 

All in all we had a pretty good Christmas. There are more stuff that we got, but I just can't remember what everyone got. And I know that there are a few more in the mail. Steve cooked dinner today for us. We went a little off tradition and had Cornish Game Hens, stuffing, corn and homemade rolls. It was delicious!

Yesterday, our friends and neighbor invited us over to the church to have Christmas Eve dinner with her huge family and some other neighbors. It was wonderful to be able to spend that evening with her and her family. The food was great and we had a good time as well.

We truly have been so blessed this year. What an incredible year we've had. For the kids, today was mostly about opening presents and playing with their new toys. For me it's a time to reflect on all that has happened to us this year and see the blessing that have been giving unto us. We've had quite a year, and next year is going to be big one for us. I can't wait to see where we'll go, meet our new son, the blessing that we'll get. Christ is always there guiding us and helping us out. Without him, we wouldn't be where we are today! Merry Christmas everyone!!!!