Christmas and some other stuff......

Oh, December!  I do believe that this is probably the most busiest month of the year.  Now, don't get me wrong.  It is also one of the best feeling times of the year as well, but it does get busy.  Most know that I have been subbing.  Sometimes I sub a ton.  Other times, not so much.  December I think I subbed everyday that school was in.  Now, I'm not complaining.  I really do love being in the classroom, but when it comes to getting things ready for Christmas, it really can be more hectic then usual.   Even with that, we made it, and it was a great Christmas time as well.  Before we celebrate Christmas, I must first talk about the day that came a few days before.  Our anniversary.

On the 20th of December, Jeremy and I have been married for 14 years now.  I know, right??  It seems like just yesterday.  It's crazy how time has gone by so fast.  Well, we have had some ups and some downs.  I will say that I believe we have had more ups then downs.  I hear people say all the time that marriage is hard.  I myself don't think so.  I have been blessed with a fantastic husband (and Jeremy, when you read this, remember that you have been blessed with an even more fantastic wife.)  We get along so well.  He is my best friend and even though I tease him a ton, I really wouldn't trade him in for Robert Pattinson.  We had a wonderful anniversary.  I wish I could say I got him something.  Nope, remember that busy month I told you about earlier......but he not only got me a little something, but he brought me home a beautiful bouquet of Roses (which are pictured above).  I think I will keep him....for now.

Before all the madness began, my dad had come to visit for Thanksgiving.  He stayed for about 3 weeks.  He helped us with some things around the house, we took him up to Nashville, he did some fishing with Jeremy and we were able to take him to the Christmas Festival at the church and listen to the choir.  It was great and can I just tell you how much I loved listening to the choir.  It literally brings tears to me.  What a great way to start out the season before all the madness begins.  We had a good time with dad and we can't wait to see him in May.

.....and of course, we had to visit Santa and tell him what was on the list.

Christmas Eve.  I was still shopping!  So was everybody else!  I finally got everything done and even had time to make our annual sugar cookies for Santa.  He must have like them, 'cause they were all gone the next morning and the egg nog was gone as well.

I'm not sure how it works at your house, but every year, we get a visit from some sneaky Pajama Elves.  I'm not sure where these elves came from.  Every year the kids think they are going to catch them.  Well, maybe next year.  We went out to dinner Christmas Eve and then off to see the Galaxy of Lights at the Botanical Gardens and when we got home, those sneaky elves had made their delivery.  I sometimes think the kids are more excited each year for the Pajama Elves then they are for Santa himself.

....not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

That Santa made it and filled up the house.

Since Christmas was on Sunday this year, the kids had to wait until they got home from church.  Not long though.  Our church was at 9 am and we were home before 10:30.  I do believe that might have been one of the longest hours of their lives.  In the meantime, they did look good in their new Sunday clothes.

The kids had to make sure that Odie had a stocking.  If you ask me, I think Odie should have been on the bad list, but no.  Santa must have a very big heart.  Odie's stocking was filled with some treats, a toy, and this very cool looking sweater.  Odie does not like the sweater.  As soon as the kids put it on him he went a sulked in his crate.  For awhile we thought that maybe he didn't feel good, but after the sweater came off he was bouncing off the walls again.  I think I might have found my tool to calm his behavior.  (hehehe)

As soon as we got home from church, off came the Sunday clothes and the pajamas back on.  Don't they look cute in their hats.  Megan already had one, but Santa gave Emilee and Hunter one in their stocking.

Above is just a quick overview of Christmas.  The kids all liked what Santa gave them.  I think they were even surprised that they got many things on their list.  How 'bout that??  We had a wonderful day.  We played some games, had a great dinner, and played with some fun new things.  Most of all, we remembered our Savior.  We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that the new year brings you much happiness.