Christmas!!!

What a marvelous day we had yesterday!!! Christmas is such a wonderful time -- the overwhelming richness of pondering God's gift of his Son to us, watching the kids learn and put into practice the acts of kindness and generosity that make "giving" the theme of the day, the Christmas secrets buzzing around the house as everyone is being sneaky, enjoying Christmas baking and family traditions I have valued since I was little, watching our favorite Christmas movies, reading our favorite Christmas stories, and then the morning comes........ anticipation builds as everyone finishes up their morning chores -- the moments of reflection as we read the Christmas story ---- Christ's amazing birth, the first-ever Christmas gift, ----- and then the excitement of secrets revealed as everyone shares their gifts.

I love Christmas!

The kids were so careful in choosing gifts for each other, for Tim and for me! I was touched deeply that the kids even filled a Christmas stocking for me; they spoiled me rotten --- a beautiful scarf, and three really pretty pairs of earrings were hiding in my stocking. They were as excited about watching others open the gifts they gave them as they were opening their own gifts. It was a really special morning. Family and friends also spoiled us --- lots of unexpected and special gifts. We really were very blessed by people that care for our family!!

Mark and Lynde's family came over and shared cinnamon rolls for breakfast and we had a simple day together. The boys played a new game with Mark -- it looks like a really fun game and definitely a strategy game which I love. We watched a couple of movies throughout the day. Lynde and I visited and finished up some food items and then just enjoyed the kidlets. The kids played in the house and outside -- Bekah was tending her new "baby" most of the day yesterday. The sounds of bustle, laughter, and sharing together. A great day!!!!

I am pleased to report that the goose was a unanimous success but I will know next time that if we do geese again my crew will need more than two of them. There is not a great amount of meat on a goose apparently, mostly just in the breasts. Grandpa and Grandma Oakley raised geese when I was growing up; Mom and Daddy also had geese but it has been so long I couldn't remember whether I had liked it or not (I know that's terrible but I guess I can only answer that my age is catching up with me!!! :) ) I was a little nervous but all turned out well. I was glad that I made a turkey also -- we started it yesterday and will finish it for leftovers as the geese are but a memory!!!

Some other friends came out to share dessert with our family which was also great -- we hadn't had a chance to really visit with them in a while so it was nice to catch up.

Today we are hanging low, just resting and relaxing. There are enough left-overs that I don't need to cook. In fact I was snuggling Koliah for a bit and catching a few chapters in a new book my Dad sent me for Christmas :) Most of the kids played outside with our neighbor for a couple of hours and are now enjoying exploring the gifts they received. Tim and Elijah are cutting wood with some friends today. Poor Josiah didn't feel well this morning - he apparently has a touch of the flu. :(

Speaking of Josiah he turns THIRTEEN tomorrow --- time has gone FAR too fast!!! Now we will have THREE teenagers in the house...... oh help :)

I hope your Christmas celebrations were as joyous and enjoyable!!!! I will try to post pictures in the next couple of days.
Gotta run - Koliah would like his Momma back!