At 4:30 am not long after we went to bed the kids came rushing into our room announcing that Sanata had indeed came and that we needed to get up and see! Joe went out and told them that they needed to be patient and let mom and dad sleep just a bit longer. I, mom, was awake by that point. I do not do well when I don't get at least 8 hours of sleep. So I tried going back to sleep but was afraid the kids would start opening things so I decided to wake up and join the kids.
I had the kids open their stockings to help tide them over for at least ½ hour. I turned the local fireplace/Christmas music channel on for the next couple hours and at 5am had the kids wake daddy up.
Then they proceeded to show daddy what they got in their stocking and then asked if they could open their gifts. Kaden still wasn't up, and rightly so, but we decided to wake him up and get started.
As for me. Not getting the sleep I need left me napping all day long and with a headache. After presents I napped for a couple hours (Thank You Joe) and then Joe woke me up to help with our traditional big breakfast. I made the Scrambled eggs and sausages. Joe really went out on a limb today and did a lot. He made the pancakes, thawed the strawberries and raspberries, cooked the bacon, and cooked the hash browns. He also practically set the table with the drinks. We had the girls set the table and help when we could pry them away from their new toys.
We ate until we were stuffed! We didn't feel like eating again until about 1-2pm. I of course napped again after breakfast after helping to clean up a bit and Joe finished cleaning up (for the most part). Then around 1-2pm Joe started getting the veggie and fruit trays set up while the kids and I played some of their new board games. Whack-a-mole, Chutes and Ladders, Operation Simpsons edition, and Connect Four.
The kids and us munched on carrots, green peppers, broccoli, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, apple slices, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. We had caramel dips for the fruit and a ranch veggie dip for the veggies even though the kids experimented with the dips and food. The blackberries also ended up in the carpet so I am not too pleased with that. Now I kind of wish I had gotten a spot bot for Christmas, LOL.
When dinner rolled around we ate turkey and chicken sandwiches. Mason was already passed out by this point and slept all night long. From about 4:45 pm until the next day!
We had the kids clean up at one point but by the time they went to bed it didn't look like antyhing was cleaned. We gathered about 5 bags of garbage for the day just from paper and boxes alone.
The worst part of the day was unboxing those damn toys. Mine and Joe's fingers hurt all day long and were red and slightly swollen from all those wire ties, tape, cardboard, and more. We even had wire cutters and needle nose pliers to help with the job but we still "injured" ourselves. I absolutely loath that part of Christmas. I don't think my parents had this much toy security to get through to get to our toys. What a PITA!!
Well that was basically our day. Hope your was filled with fun and magic too!
Merry Christmas! For Pictures of the day Click Here!
December 24, 2005
Christmas Eve Day!
Joe went out last minute shopping while I stayed home and baked some sugar cookies for Santa to eat when he comes to visit.
Joe gave the boys a bath like they needed and we got ready for Christmas Dinner with Grandpa and Jan. We went to dinner at a Chinese Buffet. it was prtty good but the after effects the next day were brutal. Liam's diapers stank so bad from the dinner. blech!
From the restraunt we headed over to Grandpa's to open and exchange presents. You can see some of the nights events here Christmas Eve at Grandpa's
From there we stopped by Aunt Michelle's and Uncle Dan's to drop off their gifts. Mason insisted on coming in with me to drop off gifts. itr was a pleasant surprise to all of them since Mason is such a shy little guy.
We soon were headed home and the kids all fell asleep. Once home we had them open Grandma Johnston's PJ presents and change into them so they could finish opening the rest of the family gifts.
Once they were done opening gifts we made some reindeer food from oats and red and green sprinkles (since mom couldn't find the glitter). We then sprinkled them out on the front lawn. The kids then set up Santa's plate of cookies and mug of water.
From that point they were more than eager to jump into bed and get to sleeping!
Mom and Dad stayed up long enough to clean up the livingroom and kitchen some and then we were off to bed too.
Well not sure how these holidays are gonna be happy around here but I am sure I will try to do my best.
Today was a very cold and snowy day. I was able to sneak away and get some if not the rest (depending on the $$ situation) of the Christmas presents for the kids.
With the very wintery weather I had a couple traffic scares with sliding into the curb. Thankfully one was in a bank parking lot and the other was in front of our house. The other was a bit more scary with it being in traffic but I was smart enough to keep a safe distance. Why do some people feel the need to slam on breaks in icy weather is beyond me. It was close to becoming a good 3-4 car pile-up. I am so glad it didn't turn out that way.
I was able to take my 10 dozen cookies to the church on time. I left at 3:30-ish and got to the church after 4:30. Normally it can take 20-30 minutes (depending on lights). I didn't get home until after 5:30, the time I had to have the cookies to the church. I am glad I set out early like i did, but my ankle is really paying the price for it now. All that stop and go traffic has done a number on my ankle. UGH!
I got the chance to walk through the Creche exhibit too while I was there and it was so nice to feel a little peace and sanctity after this week.
The Christmas shows on TV have begun too. So that means a couple of late nights for the kids. So far they've caught Rouldoph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Liam never makes it through awake. Mason and Kaden didn't make it either this time. The girls make it into a party. LOL. It's too cute.
