Christmas 2008: Things to remember

December has been a full month full of fun and great memories for us. We always have so much to do in December, and this year I just feel so thankful that I did not get tense or stressed about things. I loved how the schedule just seemed to flow and everything we did was enjoyable.

We started the month with the Christmas parade. We also decorated a gingerbread house with the library, decorated our house and tree, made treats for some special people, went to Daddy's Christmas lunch (although we had a boy getting sick that day), and visited family. Caleb and I got off our schedule of doing lessons together. One thing we did do was make a paper chain to countdown the days until Christmas. This was a fun thing to do together. Each link had a Bible verse from part of the story of Christ's birth. He was cute tearing them off each day and bringing the link to me to read. As the chain got shorter he had to get a chair to reach to pull them off.

We started our Christmas celebrations with my husband's family on December 14. We had lunch together and exchanged gifts. This year we drew names for the adult gift exchange. Caleb was excited to get a new fire fighter helmet and had fun playing with his uncles and aunt.

We went to my Mom's house the weekend of December 19. Caleb opened a "fire hose" when we got there. He loves playing fire man! We opened our presents together on Saturday morning. My Mom fixed a nice meal for us Saturday evening and we ate and drove to look at lights with my Meemaw. Sunday afternoon we had more fun visiting with my aunt and cousin and opening more presents. Caleb thought it was grand to get a set of farm animals from my aunt. He was so proud this past Sunday morning to dress up in the shirt and tie from my cousin. Monday we went to visit the cemetery in remembrance of my Peepaw. We placed a little tree there by his grave. We also came home Monday.

Christmas week was a fun week because my husband was home. We had a laid back schedule, staying up late and sleeping in! On Christmas Eve we ate supper at home. Then we went out for dessert and to look at lights. Christmas morning we were at our house (that's our tradition). Caleb was emptying his stocking, and when he got to the bottom he said you gave me an apple again just like last year! I thought it was cute he remembered getting an apple. He loved his gifts and had fun playing all day. In the evening we had supper with my husband's grandmother and some extended family.

It was a blessing that my husband had vacation days he could take off so he was off all week. Monday night when he got back he really cleaned up the kitchen. It was so nice! My biggest surprise came Christmas morning. He bought me two things I'd requested: a hand-held blender (to make his pudding pies!) and new slippers (he gets me house shoes every year because I wear them out!). He got me a couple other things as well and pointed out one gift he wanted me to open last. When I tore off the paper he had covered a box with another box that said Macy's. The first thing I thought of was it had a picture of new dishes and he wanted me to pick them out. Nope! I tore back this box and inside was something wrapped in a sack. I pulled it out and it was an Ipod Touch. I still can't believe he gave it to me. I didn't even know what one was till earlier this month. I really like it though, it is so fun. We've been learning new features of it together. I loved the surprise and feel very thankful that he wanted to get this fun gadget for me!

This past Sunday, December 28 my Dad and his friend came to visit and bring Caleb his gifts. The little fire man is really prepared now with the fire pole my Dad made for him for the back yard. Caleb had asked me months ago if he could have a fire pole. I had casually said he would have to ask Grandad for that, he'd be able to make one. Well Caleb asked and Grandad did!

I have felt so blessed and peaceful this Christmas. I'm so thankful for the inspiring blog posts I've read about our Savior's birth as well as special times you have had with family. This is such a special time of year. I'm thankful for these special memories we've made together as a family.

Have a blessed week!
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"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." Proverbs 8:17