Christmas!

 It has been a great two weeks. All of the music at church went so well, which was a huge relief and wonderful blessing. We spent the first week of break hanging out with friends, baking, and wrapping. We had the sister missionaries over for dinner one night, I went to book club and we did our fun book exchange, kids had youth activities and Lily did some babysitting. We went to the library a couple of times and Leisa came to the gym with me which was so fun. I made cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning breakfast and bon bons, chocolate nut roll, candy cane cookies and spritz. It was so wonderful to sleep in and not worry about getting up in the morning. 

Josh worked all week but had Friday off. He took the boys to church to play basketball and also had a lot of ward Christmas stuff to do (presents to buy and deliver for some ward members). It took all day and then Lily had her seminary nerf gun party that evening. 

Christmas Eve is my favorite night of the year. We watched Home Alone right after breakfast and then I spent all day doing dinner prep and wrapping gifts. I was missing one from my mother in law for Emma and spent a long time looking for it (knowing that I had never seen it and doubtful I actually had it) but it remained a mystery. My family went to the Zobell's for their soup lunch but I just had too much to do so I stayed home and cooked and enjoyed the quiet. The Wiests came over for Christmas Eve and it was really nice. I stopped inviting people over years ago because everyone has their own traditions and family but I off hand mentioned it to Leisa and she said they would love to come so that was nice. My turkey dinner was amazing--best turkey I have ever made and it made me so happy. Everything was super good and everyone enjoyed it. I make my kids dress nicely for dinner and then I totally forgot to take any pictures. After dinner we did an awesome nativity pageant then some caroling (everyone picked a favorite song) and we read a few of our favorite stories and then we had cookies. It was all wonderful. After the Wiests left we put out our Christmas presents (they just pile up in the dining room since we have a village under our tree so we put them in our spots on the couch) and then cookies/milk and put Emma and Brandon to bed. Lily and Curtis have been watching an episode of Psych with us every night and that has been fun; I love that show. Then after they were in bed Josh and I finished up Santa preparations, which are certainly easier now that the kids are older. 

Christmas morning we got up at 8 (we did have to wake Curtis up) and opened presents and stockings and it was all fun. I always get nervous that the kids are going to be disappointed by their gifts and therefore me but everyone was happy. They all loved their gifts from Santa and from each other and even though everyone got a lot of clothes, they were still happy. I received a new temple bag and there is a new temple dress on order for me but they won't have it available until April. I will probably just order a different one to get it sooner. Josh liked his new suit and work shirts and sweaters and of course the Top Gun DVD. The kids made him peanut butter fudge for a gift, which he loves and it was so thoughtful and sweet. It was a lovely morning then we had breakfast and got ready for church. I was a bit nervous but everything went smoothly. We had four musical numbers and they were all beautiful! I planned a lot of music for the whole month and it was so much work but it all was just what I hoped it would be and I hope our ward family was blessed by it all. Josh spoke and gave a great talk and we were both relieved and happy it all went well and was over. We went home and got right back in our pjs, talked to all of my family and then Josh's and then we had leftovers for dinner and watched Miracle on 34th Street. I'm so grateful for my family, Jesus Christ, the blessings of service, and Christmas music.