Christmas!!!

Our Christmas was a little different this year! The kids and I had planned a ton of things to do the week before Christmas. Library, door bell ditch goodies, bake cookies, zoo, science fair projects, gardens and the list goes on. Of course the first day off of school we start getting sick. That's right! the FLU!!! we passed it around and around and finally today (the day after Christmas) we are well! THANK HEAVENS!!!

We didn't get Christmas cards out, or door bell ditch our friends. But we did get to spend a lot of quality time helping each other feel better.

For Christmas we transformed our front room into a game room. We got a tv moved the dvd's and music into that room. Moved the sound system in there and moved the couch around and put in a new rug. it looks great. we will want to put up floating shelves, but ran out of time.

This way when the kids have friends over or sleep overs there is one more place for them to be without everyone having to be in the living room.

On Christmas eve we did our same stuff. Ate pizza for dinner and dressed up in costumes to act out the Nativity Story. Jeff ready from the bible, and we each took a part (or two). Lukas was Joseph, Kellsie was the donkey and wise man, Jakob was an angel and wise man, Logan was the innkeeper and wiseman. Jeff and I were shepherds (and photographer and director). It was a little hard with Lukas running off script, but once he figured out what we were doing, he did great!

After the story we opened our Christmas Eve PJ's. aunt Kim buys them for the kids. Jeff and I buy for each other. That way on Christmas morning when we are taking pictures, our kids have cute pjs. The pajamas were so cute. aunt kim always does a great job picking them out for the kids. Pictures to follow!

Jeff then took Lukas up to bed while the older kids brought all the gifts down and put them under the tree. Then we put all the gifts int he stockings. This is another cool tradition we have. we each pick a name and we have 10.00 at the dollar store to buy stocking stuffers for that person. Then the kids went to bed and Jeff and I reorganized the room and put up the TV.

Christmas morning Jeff was the first one up (too excited I guess). Then we went down stairs. I am grateful that I have such good kids. We took a long time opening gifts so we could make sure everyone said thank you and saw what each other got.

Lukas got clothes, shoes, books, action figures and nerf gun. Aunt kim bought him toys and clothes.

Jakob got clothes, books, nerf gun, Xbox games, movies and bay-blades. Aunt Kim bought him a jacket, shirts and gift card

Logan got clothes, books, nerf bullets, Xbox games, movies and action figures. Aunt Kim bought him a jacket, shirts and gift card

Kellsie got books, books, more books and even some more books, t shirts, Xbox games, movies and camera. Aunt Kim bought her shirts and gift card.

Zofia got plates and spoons for when she is ready to eat and clothes. Aunt Kim got her clothes and this adorable glow worm (but it is a glow sea horse).

From my parents the kids got Xbox games and some clothes.

Uncle Tim and Aunt Kim send a box of hickory farms meats and cheeses. YUMMY! the kids have been eating them for lunches.

Uncle Randy and Aunt Caitlin bought them Xbox games

My kids are so blessed to have such great family that loves and cares for them. And thinks about them this time of year.

Since Jeff and I were still sick we were unable to attend church on Christmas day. We were really sad, but we didn't want to get others sick. We spent the day as a family. Playing games and reading books. We even got to talk to Aunt Kim and Until Tim on Skype and see our new nephew, cooper. He is adorable and we were so excited to see him. We talked to Aunt Kim, Uncle Mark, Grandpa Logan and it sounded like everyone was having a great Christmas.

Now that we are all healthy, we have to cram everything into the next week! We can do it! I've got great kids and an amazing husband!

Lo