Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Year!

Every year our Christmas tree downstairs is "my" tree. I decorate it myself with all gold and red decorations. I even match the wrapping paper for the gifts underneath. The tree upstairs is the "family" tree. The kids decorate it with all the homemade ornaments and the one of kind ornaments that we've collected over the years. Last year, Devynne and Dylan had no desire to decorate it (to my chagrin) so Dakota and I did it.

This year, there was no room for the "family" tree upstairs since we now have a heavy buffet (which we use for a book shelf) where the tree usually goes. So I decided to do the "family" tree downstairs with all of its wonderfully fun ornaments with lots of character. I even bought what I thought was mix matched wrapping paper for the gifts. (Melanie Cannon said I didn't quite pull it off because the paper was definitely coordinated) Anyhoo, Dakota and I decorated it together and it turned out beautifully.

I mailed out Christmas cards in plenty of time. We made homemade hot fudge, magic cookie bars, chocolate chip cookies dipped in white chocolate (yum, thanks for the idea Missy) and pretzels dipped in white chocolate. I put together our yearly scrap page and made copies just in the nick of time (Christmas Eve) and had all the gifts wrapped and under the tree weeks before Christmas day. We had visits from many friends and neighbors who came bearing all kinds of yummy treats for our family. And we even had a few carolers. :)

Christmas Eve was spent with a stop at Bryce and Keri's for a wonderful visit and some yummy pumpkin roll. We love them tons and are grateful for their friendship. We then went to Steve's mom and dad's house to spend time with family. We had lots of great food, fun games and truly wonderful conversation and love.

Christmas Day we opened gifts around 8:00 in the morning. That is the latest we've done that. Which tells me the kids are getting older although, they were excitedly waiting for us at the top of the stairs so we could all go down together. Devynne got a digital camera, Dylan got a video camera and Dakota got Rock Band 2 for the XBox, plus several other surprises each. Steve had a very, merry Pittsburgh Steelers Christmas. Lots of Steelers gifts and he was very happy. I, in case you haven't read previous posts, got a furry little bundle of joy named Benny. :)

We had a delicious breakfast of crepes and were joined by our good friend Korby Miller. She is always fun to visit with and we love when she comes by. The kids then spent the rest of the day with their dad for more good food, fun, friends, family and a few more gifts. Steve and I went to the movies to see Avatar which we absolutely loved and can't wait for it to come out on DVD.

We truly are very blessed and I'm so grateful for all that we have. I'm grateful for this time of year to remember the birth of Christ and to remember what His birth has meant for all of us here on earth. He is our Savior and has provided a way for us to return to our Heavenly Father and that I'm truly grateful for and feel the blessing of. I'm grateful for our family and friends and the love that everyone shows me and my family throughout the year. I love Steve and my children and I'm so grateful for all that they bring to my life. There have been ups and downs this past year and I feel ready to move on to a new year and look forward to all that the year will bring. I hope we all have a really, really great one. :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!