Merry Christmas

There was a time when our Christmas mornings were very rushed. We have slowed down. The kids woke up and ate their breakfast while checking out their stockings.

When everyone is ready went and opened presents. Tasha's family and Joselin were expected in later and we weren't expected to wait for them.

I handed out gifts and we watched each gift get opened before starting on the next. Benjamin got lots of help with his gifts.

Benjamin kissing Elmo

and hugging him.

Larissa realized that she didn't finish her project for Tasha so she worked on it.

She also got frustrated at times with all the ties and matching them up.

Regardless, she continued with it and finished it.

She was very proud of her gift.

Emma shared with Larissa. They play together pretty well and I think that is a product of homeschooling together.

Anthony got the shoes that he wanted.

Michelle's big gift was a bike which she was delighted with.

Emma was excited about her dress-up stuff.

Larissa got an iPod.  Her first reaction was to ask if it was fake!

The rest of the kids showed up and unwrapped their gifts.

More friends showed up and unwrapped our gifts to them. Then they had a wrapping paper fight.  Yes, wrapping paper balls were flying around our house. Benjamin's aunt showed up and some family friends who wanted to share the day and meal.

We were in the final stages of meal preparation when everyone started lining up!  They said that the smell was making them all hungry. We had Honey baked ham and turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, asparagus, corn, green bean casserole (green bean with Velveeta and french onions on top), macaroni and cheese and broccoli casserole. We forgot to get rolls and didn't get the desserts in the oven! We fed at least 24 people.

It was nice that all the kids were able to be here at the same time. I feel so blessed to have positive relationships with each and every one of my children. We have had struggles and I know that more will come, however in the end we make it through and grow closer.

It was a fantastic day, no fighting and a lot of happiness at our house.  

The kids were even happy with their socks!