Christmas Day 2013

Most every Christmas, I try to watch "It's a Wonderful Life." It's probably one of my favorite movies ever, not just in the holiday genre. It reminds me that no matter how "crazy" I might feel at times - and goodness I have my moments - I am so blessed. Not just by material things, though I adore our little house. Not just because of my husband, who I grow to love him more all the time. Not just my precious kids, who I thank God for every day and never take for granted. Not just my job, since I am one of those who gets to "do what I love and get paid for it." I am blessed because of HIS goodness, love, and mercy, that came wrapped up in swaddling clothes to be Emmanuel, God with us. I don't want to ever get over it. This year, more than ever, we got to really talk about the true meaning of Christmas with Lailey since she understands so much more. I really want to instill in my kids that the beauty of Christmas is from knowing Jesus, who is our greatest gift. 

Speaking of kids, I don't know how Christmas could be any more fun than with a 4-yo and 2-yo! Oh wait, add in the hubs who loves Christmas and traditions just about as much as they do, and it's always a blast.

This year I tried something new and started a new tradition (new for us, not for lots of other folks). The something new was that Lailey and I decorated wrapping paper (see picture at the top of post). I wanted all my gifts to be "brown paper packages tied up with string." And I had that song running through my head most of December.

The new tradition, which Lailey ended up taking on, was that the wise men from our nativity "traveled" around our living room during the season of advent (this is not a new idea, just new to us). Since she is old enough to understand the Biblical  accuracy of this concept, I felt it fitting. (If you're wondering, the wise men were not there the night Jesus was born; see Matthew 2)  I didn't have too many places to move them since I was nervous that Maddox would get a hold of them and break them, but they still made it around. It was fun to have her move them and explain it to me.

On Christmas morning, after our fun time opening gifts, Grandpa came over for brunch. He also came with presents!

This was actually from Maddox's birthday, but still he loves it.

First ride

Getting the hang of it

Lailey wanted to keep up with the big kids.
I LOVE that we live in a neighborhood where the kids still play outdoors a lot.

Her first and most special baby doll, Lucy, got a ride too.

If you can endure the almost five minutes of video, this highlights some of the musical fun we had during the Christmas season. If you can't take 5 minutes, go to the end to see Lailey's little bit about what she wants for Christmas. I did not tell her to say this, in fact, I was doing dishes when she just started talking about it and I grabbed the camera and asked her to tell me again in hopes of capturing the innocence and truth of her words. Enjoy!