Christmas-ish

*I'm doing some marathon-blogging during nap time, so don't miss

this post on getting our Christmas tree.

As I stated in the previous post, I am way behind.

These are a few pictures of our own little family Christmas.

We traveled to see Jason's family over Christmas, so we celebrated a few days before

as just our own little family. We treated the whole day like it was Christmas,

including a big breakfast, opening gifts, and taking it easy-just enjoying each other all day.

It was great!

I titled this post Christmas-ish, because I failed to take ANY other pictures

of Christmas. I did take my camera to Jason's family's home, but did I take it

out of our suitcase?!?!? Nope.

I also failed to take it with us to my family's Christmas, which we

celebrated at the beginning of January.

Present opening and food eating is so overwhelming and

overstimulating, that I guess I just wanted to keep it simple.

Speaking of simple, we have decided to keep gift giving in our home simple.

Even before we had children, Jason and I only gave each other gifts that would fit in our stockings. Over the years we've had a few exceptions, but for the most

part we really do adhere to that rule.

We don't NEED anything, and if we do, we save up and buy it. Neither one

of us enjoys buying gifts just because. Besides, it is fun to get creative and have fun with it.

Some years we've given away gift cards for a massage or to a favorite store,

other years it's been movie tickets or coffee gift cards. This year I

gave Jason a manila envelope filled with 12 sealed envelopes. Each envelope

contains a date that is planned for every month of the year. The plan/hope is

that we make our marriage a priority, in spite of the fact that our home is

busy and growing. He loved it!

For the boys, we decided to stick to the 'stockings only' rule, for the most part.

We did get them a few little gifts to share, but even then, they were simple and

have already gotten a lot of use!

Like any 3 year old, Micah loves band aids. Our rule is, if it's not bleeding, it doesn't get a

band aid. I must admit, I have given in a few times since he got these Cars band aids,

just to make the 'owie' feel better.

Isn't opening your stocking the best part?!?!

Judie taking his turn. Right behind him is a little 'gold coin'. They both got some chocolate

gold coins...and loved them. We also gave them fruit snacks-another hit-, some plastic

farm animals, and they each got a Bible hero action figure. Jude got Joshua, and Micah got Samson...complete with detachable hair. He LOVES Samson now!!!

This kid melts my heart!

Mr. Potato Head was one of the 'shared gifts. I was a little disappointed that it didn't come with

a pipe ;) Just kidding; but the Mr. Potato Head I had as a little girl had a pipe and a hole in his

lip for the pipe to fit into. Oh how times have changed ;)

Their other shared gifts were some mini I-Spy books and a Dr. Seuss board book. All of

which they love.

Micah also received an early Christmas gift from Aunt Carrie and Uncle Robb.

While we were at my parent's for Thanksgiving Micah latched onto our nephew's remote control

Truck. He played with it ALL day.

Carrie couldn't keep herself from spoiling him and came a few weeks later

with this awesome Jeep! It rocks!

The boys have had so much fun with it. They use the remote some, but honestly

they just push it around most of the time...which is fine by me ;)

One day I noticed Micah talking over the Jeep, almost like he was

carrying on a conversation. I looked closer and this is what I found...

One of the wise men taking Mary for a ride. Classic!

We had a great Christmas season. I have to include that I was completely spoiled.

You know how we adhere to that 'stocking only' rule? Well, Jason broke the rules

big time this year. He conspired with his parents and my parents, and they all

went together and purchased me a new set of multi-clad stainless steel

pots and pans! I'm sure you're laughing at my excitement, but

it really was exciting, and a blessing. This fall I was making pancakes and noticed the non-stick

coating coming off onto the pancakes. Needless to say that skillet AND the pancakes went

into the trash. To get these new pots and pans was such a treat, and will

really bless our home for many years to come.

This Christmas season I was most struck with God's grace and loving-kindness to all

of us. We don't deserve it, but he gives it freely.

When those pots and pans wear out, and the Jeep runs out of batteries,

when we've all grown old and died, He will still remain.

His ultimate gift of Christ is the only gift that matters.