Christmas... Is It really over?

Wow!!! Is Christmas really over?!? The week before Christmas was so busy with preparations and celebrations of Christs birth that time flew and I needed it to slow down and let me enjoy these sweet moments a little more before they were gone.

Tinker Bell had her Christmas production at her MDO. She did great and was ready to pose as soon as she saw the camera. You don't think many pictures have been taken of her do you? She relished the idea that we (the whole family, Nana & Papa Hicks and Papa G (Nana G was home sick)), were there to see and hear her sing to Jesus. It is rare that there are moments just about her but when there are, she loves it!

The rest of our week was about Christmas preparations. Nana G and Aunt Mouse came over to make Christmas cookies. It is a family tradition that we have done ever since I can remember. Growing up, my Grandmother would always join us and have a new sweet treat for us to try but since moving to TN she hasn't been able to be with us as much. Even though we had a blast making cookies, it definitely wasn't the same without Grandma. We called her and told her that she was missed and that she better be here next year! In her place, the new sweet twins graciously agreed to step in and not let us concentrate on missing Grandma too much. It was nice to hear the sweet sounds of a baby in the house again. Boy do I miss those noises!

Christmas Eve followed our normal tradition of celebrating with Big Foot's family. For each celebration through out the year we rotate homes so one person doesn't end up doing all the work. Christmas is our time of the year and I love it! I still have a lot to do in the decorating arena but I love filling our house with love and laughter that will hopefully last forever after.

Big Foot's family definitely knows how to bring out the laughs, especially Aunt TT! Very few times in the last 10 years can I think of a time that she didn't have us laughing about something. Laughter is good for the soul but hard on the cheeks! :) Here is a great picture that sums up the night. Whiz kid is opening up one of his presents - a Transformer with Piderman looking on. Aunt TT is in the back ground. Her facial expression says it all!!! What a fun time!!!

Christmas morning - really already? Yep, Christmas morning was already here and the kids were ready! Big Foot and I lay in the bed listening as the kids get up to scope out all that Santa brought them or in Bruisers case to see if Santa brought him anything. Bruiser had been warned that Santa is always watching and, well, there may have been some things that he saw that would have put his name on the naughty list. It was a gamble and we didn't know for sure what would happen ;) Santa must have seen at least one thing that kept his name on the nice list because there were a few presents under the tree for him. The kids then go over to the stockings and have great fun seeing whose stocking is the fullest. You can hear the kids patting at the stockings and giggling with delight. Then all the sudden it gets quiet. I hear them pat and then pat again and then silence. I hear Whiz Kid say, "Santa didn't bring Mommy anything for her stocking!" Princess comes running into our room and informs me that Santa has come and brought lots of presents but "I'm sorry, Mommy - he didn't bring you anything for your stocking!" The look on her face let me know she was wondering if Mommy wasn't good enough to make the nice list this year but she was gracious enough not to say anything. :)

Big Foot and I had not planned on getting each other anything for Christmas but I had gotten him a few things for his stocking which made it all the more noticeable that Mommy didn't have anything. I assure Princess that I am o.k.. Christmas is about giving and about Jesus and I was happy to see all that they had received! Mike and I finally get out of bed and walk out with the kids as they excitingly wait for us to begin our tradition of reading the Christmas story and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Now it's time to open the stockings first. Everyone rushes to open them up and see what Santa has left. As I am watching the scene unfold before me, a sweet little card is brought to me that says To: Heather From: Whiz Kid. I open it up to read: "I'm sorry you did not get a present from Santa, but here is one!" and below is a cut out heart that had written inside it I "heart" You. OK, now tell me that is not the best Christmas present ever!!!! That is definitely one for the scrapbook! I tried to take a picture of it to show you but it was written very faintly on white paper and doesn't show up very well in a picture but let me just tell you - it was PRECIOUS!!! I just love that kid!!! My Christmas is complete!!!

The rest of our day was spent with my family as the tradition continues with steak and eggs for brunch and presents with them This year we had two new members join us! Needless to say, we all had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did too!!!

Though it may be a day or too late, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!