Christmas 2009

The last couple of days have been a sugar-filled and fun-packed celebration of Christmas. A house full of five year olds + all that Christmas entails has been non-stop excitement!

Daddy & I went ahead and unveiled the new bicycles yesterday afternoon. Partially because the forecast called for rain and cold for the next 24 hours and partially because we were worried that R would be unable to keep his secret much longer.

This is what happens when you ask a literal (and hammy) child to 'pose in front of your new bike."
Around 3pm Christmas Eve, Santa discovered that P's big gift had a major electrical problem that required a replacement. Unfortunately, the closest store that could help was 50 miles away. My precious spouse spent the afternoon driving there and back to retrieve the new component. The expression this morning over a 'working' toy versus the inevitable tears over a busted one made his work worthwhile.

I was left to take the children to the Candlelight service by myself--which under normal circumstances would have been doable--but the excitement of Christmas + sitting still and quiet for an hour + candles and fire made for a bit of a stressful evening.

After the service Daddy joined us for our annual trip to the childrens' home for caroling. Last year, K started a tradition by singing a solo in the living room before 20+ adolescents and another dozen adults. This year she sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" and the boys followed with "Happy Birthday to You." The highlight was P's constantly reminding K of the words during her solo (it was sweet not obnoxious) and his low bass attempt at "and many mooooore" complete with hands!
This morning was everything I expected in terms of their excitement. What fun!!!
R got his dream drum set and 'de-wux fiya station." Santa neglected to bring me earplugs and Advil!
K was thrilled to receive the very large stuffed animal from Kroger she had asked Santa to deliver. It took a big talk tonight to convince her that "Ellie the Elephant" or Big E as my husband has dubbed her, could NOT share her twin bed. K has a bit of a history of rolling out of bed as it is...adding Ellie would certainly not help her tendencies. We convinced her to lay the elephant on the ground next to her bed, so she will have at least have a soft place to land.
And their reaction to the Zhu Zhu pets? Worth every crazed parent effort involved.

The Scotts joined us for a brunch and birthday party for Jesus this afternoon.
It was a peaceful, blessed day full of laughter and joy. It is so surreal in many ways to finally be at that place in my life where I am completely unconcerned with opening and receiving gifts. I love, love, love giving them--that really is my favorite part.

As I stepped back to take it all in this afternoon I could really identify with Mary, who on that first Christmas "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. " I have a lot of memories to treasure and ponder tonight. (Including what on Earth to do with the 8 garbage bags full of trash we managed to make since our pick up is 6 days from now!)
That sugar-glazed and over-played face says it all. Merry Christmas!