Christmas Eve/Day 2010

Does anyone else feel like Christmas time is getting busier and busier? It feels like with all the hustle and bustle and making everything just perfect that it flies by within the blink of an eye. I guess that is all the more reason to STOP, take time, and really remember and teach your children about the reason for the season. It is incredible to me how commercialized Christmas has become. And I fall victim to it just as much as everyone else. However, another wonderful and beautiful Christmas has come and gone, and it was so fabulous to celebrate and remember the birth of our Savior. It was wonderful to spend time with family and build stronger bonds and lasting relationships and friendships. It was wonderful for me to watch my siblings (one in particular) go out of his way to make sure everyone felt special by doing little things that could have gone by the wayside, but still, in the quietness of his character, he did a little more. I was touched this year by the twinkling of lights and how truly it FELT Merry and Bright. I enjoyed seeing the temple lights a couple of times, once with my mother in law, and another with a dear friend. It was special. It was magical to see my kids light up as they saw Santa. Lilly told me almost every hour of everyday that she had been a good girl this year and so Santa was bringing her presents, and to this very morning both of my kids sang Jingle Bells at the top of their lungs. Everyone tells me how cute it is, and usually my reply is "ya, in November it was cute!" But it really is cute. I have caught myself more than once in the past couple of weeks gazing at my kids thinking this is what the Savior meant when He told us to be like little children. Their innocence and simpleness is truly something to emmulate. They are pure and sweet and I am extremely blessed to be their mommy. As I have looked at everyone's blogs about their Christmas celebrations I am so happy to know everyone had such a wonderful time. We are all so blessed to be in this country to be surrounded by friends and family who love us so much! I love all of your traditions!

We started a new one this year. I wish the camara would have captured the magic this little girl had in her eyes when she saw the REAL Santa!

Ho Ho Ho, my dad was such a good sport! Dale found this santa suit and it is legit! Lilly questioned once "papa?" but I think she really believed!

Of course our reserved and hesitant little man was terrified

Christmas Eve: We act out a play my dad wrote 20 years ago, I feel like i have the same pictures of the same things every year, so I didn't take any. My family members all took random pics of things as we celebrated. These are those pictures.

Beatles Rock Band was a favorite.

Nate and Daisy, so long little pup! We told Lilly she had to go back with her mommy. She was totally ok with it. I was so relieved. I thought it was going to be one of the hardest things ever.

Our cute little house this year! Didn't Josh do such a good job?

Can't wait until next year!

P.S. I totally forgot to take pics of opening Christmas presents on Christmas morning! Can you believe it? However, Kathi, we have it all on video!!!! :)