We tried to make the most of our Christmas but I would be lying to say there wasn’t a constant nagging that someone was missing.  There were lots of prayers throughout our festivities and we managed to have fun and make memories.  Thankfully, we had some dear friends who were in Y’s country and they arranged to have a gift mailed to our brave one while we wait.

A fun time at the lights.The kids finally realized that they could get up early this year and wake us up too.  And so they did.  When we get up, we read the Christmas story before heading downstairs to open gifts. Already for Christmas!  This year was the first year since the kids were really little that we actually wrapped presents before Christmas Eve.  It was fun watching the kids try to figure out what they were getting.  Then again, Frodo the Cat ruined the surprises by opening up a couple of gifts.   She knows where her gifts are! Traditional picture in front of the tree.  Malachi has a matching shirt but it “was too big.”  We pick our battles around here. Burying the Malachi in presents. He broke free. A box.  Woo-hoo Fuzzy blankets And something for Bitty Baby to ride in.
This wasn’t really a gift.  Our mixer that we have had since we were married started to go bad.  We had a friend who was able to fix it, but we started talking about the need for a larger mixer.  The holiday deals meant we could get a larger mixer for less than one like what we already had.  It’s proven to be a wise investment.
Mark decided a few years ago that he wanted to get me something every year that we could add to.  He knows I love nativity/creche sets and so he researched.  After some time, he settled upon the Fonatanini sets.  I received Mary, Joseph and Jesus and then the wisemen (an inside joke on why they had to be second), he told me they needed some shelter.  I look forward to these each year. After all the gifts and a yummy brunch, Mark needed a nap.

Even Frodo the Cat got a gift.

He also enjoyed the kids’ gift.