Christmas has come and gone, and I must say despite my scrooginess...it was wonderful! Just having my whole family together was the best gift anyone could ever give me. Pure joy!

We have a family tradition every Christmas morning. It starts out like this-Jay and I usually get up around 7 and make a nice breakfast. Yes, I know most people are done opening presents and have climbed back in bed by that time but my children are kind to us. Most Christmases we end up waking THEM up! It's crazy and I don't really know why they are like that, but it's been that way since Jayson and Cecy were little. I used to get so anxious waiting for them to wake up Christmas morning and many times I've finally broken down and woke them up because I couldn't contain myself any longer! This year was no different. So, back to the tradition...we make a nice breakfast and everyone attempts to eat a little something before going downstairs to see what Santa brought. It's funny because the kids always have specific requests on what to fix and what not to fix for breakfast. This year's fare was muffins, eggs, sausages and hashbrowns along with a platter of orange slices. When everyone had finally satisfied their bellies, the kids all lined up on the stairs from the youngest to the oldest. They had to wait till Mom had taken the obligatory Christmas morning pictures and then the race was on! Janzyn, of course, made it into the room first. He didn't quite know where to find his Santa stash so he ran around in circles for a moment as he checked out everyones piles. Last Christmas was an entertaining one with him but this year he kind of "got it" and was so excited about everything. Each one of the kids seemed happy and content with their gifts, and even the big ones enjoyed the spirit of the day right along with the littles. It was great! By the time we finished unwrapping everything and gaining an upper hand on the mountains of boxes and wrapping paper, it was almost time for lunch! Jayson and Jordan Lee had spent Christmas morning with her family and we weren't expecting them till later in the day but they surprised us and showed up just after we finished opening the presents. The day was perfect then because we were all finally together.

The best part of Christmas, to me, is seeing the wonder and joy in my childrens eyes. The adult kids were just as cute as the younger ones and I couldn't help but feel so blessed to be the mom to these incredible kids. I really don't know how I got so lucky! Christmas, to me, isn't about the gifts and the parties, or even the treats. It's all about being with the people you love the most. We've spent the last few days just laying around, watching movies, eating leftover candy and just enjoying the time together and it's been perfect! At least, for this mom anyway. My kids are growing up and it won't be long before they start families of their own. For now, they're still mine and I treasure each and every moment I have with them.

From our family to yours

Merry Christmas!

Christmas time!

It's definitely Christmas time around here. Except without the snow..... The house has been decorated for weeks, ornaments are now missing or broken, lights on the tree have burned out, the gingerbread houses have been nibbled on and excitement is in the air. For the first time in my life, I think I'm ready! Just have some wrapping to do and a little grocery shopping and I'm set. Whew!!! Getting Christmas ready for such a big crew is exhausting.

Little man romp