Merry New Thanks Christmas Year

I have tried many times to write a post lately, but just have not been in the writing mood. So here we go again.

Christmas was wonderful. We got to spend it at Jason's parents' house along with Aunt Connie, Uncle Mike, cousins David & Madison, and of course Grandma & Grandpa. I don't like the focus of our Christmas to be on presents and we don't celebrate Santa so we tried this year to get just one main present for each child and a few small stocking items. I felt like we had gone overboard when we started out with a trunk full of presents from grandparents, great aunts & uncles, and all other manner of relatives and friends. I realized, however, when I saw how many presents Jason's sister's family brought with them that our trunk full was mild in comparison. It was CRAZY!

We got up Christmas morning and opened presents. Stopped to get ready for and go to church. Got home from church and opened more presents. Ate lunch and opened more presents! It was a full day of presents! I'm not saying it wasn't fun or that the presents weren't very much appreciated...I've just never seen so many presents for 4 kids and 6 adults. Haha.

We've tried not to focus on the story of Santa (and yes, we make sure to emphasize that it's a story) but to focus on the story of CHRISTmas this year since it's the first year Braxton has really been able to understand what's going on. The society we live in makes it so hard, though. Any stranger in the store that would stop to talk to Braxton would inevitably end up asking about Santa. I've never once heard anyone ask a child "Have you read the Christmas story yet?" as opposed to "Have you seen Santa yet?" or "What gifts are you giving this year?" versus "What are you getting this year?"

One of my favorite traditions is shopping at Jason's store for the Coins for Kids that they do in our town. It's like Angel Tree or any other program that helps families who can't afford Christmas. It was especially fun this year because Braxton was old enough to understand what we were doing and help pick out items. We even got a family with a 3 year old boy that he got to pick out toys for.

We had so much fun at Jason's parents house over Christmas that Jason and the boys decided to go back for his next 4 days off. So I have been at home slowly getting the house cleaned up, watching movies, and working a bit. It's been nice, but lonely. I did get to go to the temple, which is always wonderful.

I missed writing about Thanksgiving. It was a whirlwind time for us. Jason was in charge of "the event" (Black Friday) at his store as well as being the manager of several of the grocery areas so he spent a lot of time on the job. Including most of Thanksgiving and the surrounding days. The little boys and I had a nice dinner with my dad and his girlfriend, her son, daughter and their cute 11 month old girl, and Elmer and Jennie. Braxton had a ball playing with all the toys and Uncle Elmer, Jennie, and, of course, Grandpa. Easton was fascinated by a little person his size. It was the most delectable dinner fixed by my dad's girlfriend, Diane. So good. I feel fatter just thinking of it. Lol.

Elmer's girlfriend, Jennie, has been planning a trip to China to teach English. She will be gone for about 6 months and left to spend the holidays with her family, so we had a little goodbye party for her. I was quite sad to see her leave. I don't think Braxton understood that she was leaving for so long, but I'm sure he will miss her, too.

Tomorrow...or I guess since it's 12:11 am, today - our friends are having their annual New Year's eve party. I can't help but wonder what surprises and curves life will have in store this year. I'm sure there will be good and not-so-good, but I look forward to it nonetheless.