Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy Birthday to Jesus!
This is another one of my favorite days of the year.  There is so much magic and peace and hope as so many people come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

The boys were up at 3:00 this morning ready to see if Santa came and what he left for them.  He had been here and they had a great variety.
Danny's favorite gift was his new laptop.  He also got a watch which he was excited that Santa had set for him.
John Michael's favorite was his new 3DS XL.  Hopefully he will keep up with this one.  He got a 3DS last year and since the move we have not been able to find it anywhere.  I am sure it will appear now.  I really think he left it somewhere.
We also got some great board games for the family.  I love family game night and I am thinking Santa must have known that.  Hungry Hungry Hippos is my personal favorite, so many fun memories with that game.  It also is the game that woke mom up, but we did manage to hold off until 5:30.

After mom got up we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and then opened the gifts under the tree.

Dale, Teresa, Memaw, and Aunt B came over around lunch time and spent a few hours with us.

It was a very nice, relaxing Christmas.  It was great to celebrate Jesus' birth with family and just enjoy each other.

Merry Christmas

So Santa arrived about 1:30 and the boys were up at 2:00, we did get them back in bed until about 4, just to make sure Santa had time to get here. I cannot believe they were up so early. Well Danny was and he waited till 4 to wake John Michael.
It was great to head downstairs and see all of the amazing things that Santa had left. The boys got a game table that has like 12 games they can play. They also got all sorts of legos, Wii Games, DS Games, books, Crayons, Markers, Candy, Nerf Guns, board games, and so much more. Santa definitely made it a great day for the boys, so full of magic. They also are able to keep the elves through the Epiphany which is amazing for them. For these 12 days of Christmas though the elves will give the boys a good deed to do each and in turn they will make even more of a connection to Christ. Next year I think the elves will have them do this through Advent and Christmas.
We came upstairs to open presents, and so I could get breakfast started. We had ham and biscuits, which is Brandon's favorite Christmas morning breakfast. While we said the blessing, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. This is my favorite thing to do Christmas and I always cry during the song. There is something truly amazing about Christmas and the celebration of Jesus' birthday.
The presents under the tree were abundant, and I am so thankful for all of my gifts. The boys' said that it was the best Christmas ever and this made my day.
Meme, Pop, Meemaw, Uncle Brock, and Aunt B came by to visit and see what Santa brought to us. It was great getting to visit with them.
We had a great day at home with each other. This is what makes Christmas so great, we stay home and enjoy the day and each other. There are not many days that we are able to do that so when we can I am so thankful for them. I hope that everyone had very special, magical and Merry Christmas!

The Hidden Blessing

Yes, that is what I am looking for today, the hidden blessing that I know is here somewhere.
So my day started better than on time it was actually a little early. I got Danny up and he headed straight for the bathroom, he never got sick but was persistent that he felt like he was going to. He felt warm so I put him back in the bed. I got John Michael up next and it was the same complaint. So I called Brandon and told him we were home today. I called the school and told them we were staying here and asked them if they could get Danny's work together.
I thought I would use the time and get caught up and maybe ahead on some things that I have happening especially with all of the sessions that I have had. Well, my computer was just not cooperating so here I am still behind. It is frustrating to say the least. It seems to be better now. I sure could use Santa Claus right now.
So Brandon was super awesome and surprised me with my stove tonight. While I knew that he had gotten it as far as I knew we were still waiting on it to come in. So he got Chris to come over and help him get it in, thank you again Chris. Anyway, they were bringing it in and whether it was broken when it came out of the box or broken on the trip in the glass on the top oven door broke. The good thing is it is under warranty, but who knows if they will cover it. The glass is just for looks, so I am not sure if they can just send another piece or if I can even use it without it. All I know is I am a little sad and trying not to be. Again Santa can you hear me?
So you add these two problems to some others and I am just hoping for money in my stocking...and under the tree, and anywhere else.
Well, I am done venting and I know that there is a blessing in today. The sun did come out for a little while, which was great.
Hopefully the boys will be in bed soon! Good night to you all and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!