Christmas 2008-Do you Believe?

My mind struggles to realize that today is Christmas! Although, our day has been grand! We are all well, and we have enjoyed a wonderful lazy day together opening gifts and playing with new toys.

Today, I drank invisible tea in Kassidy's new "Summer Bug's" tea set, had imaginary steaming hot coffee made in Camden's new stainless steel pots and pans. All day Ethan has held his new Webkinz puppy, "Vanilla," even taking her to Nana's. Mason disappeared often to play his new Nintendo DS, trying to avoid a twin disturbance. Action continued in the jungle on the new Indiana Jones Lego Set while Bionicle creatures have been flying all over the house. Horses were galloping and Princesses were taking rides. Four mini cars have been racing around an Indy 500 Track each time resulting in an exciting and close finish. Between naps, Aly enjoyed a video bought for her by her biggest bubba, Mason, while her feet stayed warm in her new princess-ballerina slippers. And my surprise gift from William and the children now keeps guard by the front door, ready to greet visitors with their nutcracker smiles.

Later, we took a ride on Aly's magic carpet, also known as the Rumuly Rocket, for a short and sweet visit with my parents and my oldest brother's family, eating desserts and treats. In the afternoon sunshine, the children played games of tag and chase in the backyard with their cousins, running and leaving their marks all over Grumpy's prized garden. We even managed to snap a family photo before leaving my parent's house just as we all began to feel the "grouchiness" produced by the inevitable downward spiral left by over-indulgence of afternoon sweets.

For us, Christmas 2008 definitely ranks as the most relaxing and enjoyable. I hope each of you has enjoyed your day, too. But I must confess; I have a favorite among the many gifts opened today. This morning Kassidy gave to us a very wonderful and touching gift that put into our minds the real reason for Christmas. As we unwrapped the box's pretty paper, Kassidy smiled. She had worked hard on her gift to all of us, and she had kept secret its contents for almost an entire week. Inside we found a message on birthday stationary written carefully and purposefully by her hand with hearts drawn across the top: "I Luv You Jesus...K" Wow! I agree, the gift of Jesus is the one that I am most glad to have received.

I hope you opened all of your gifts, too, especially the most important one born over two thousand years ago. Oh! By the way, I guess my Christmas cards might be made and mailed after the New Year. So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, M&R7