Christmas 2014

Christmas!  It felt a bit like being hit by a truck this year!  I don't know what it was about this year but I struggled so much with getting Christmas giving together.  I just didn't feel like I had any good ideas and the ones that I had, I just couldn't seem to implement.  I was working up to the last minute and I didn't have much Christmas spirit to even finish decorating the house.  With a birthday just days before Christmas, long days in town shopping, and then being gone away from home so much including several evenings in a row until late, I am just poopered out!

I will admit, that I sighed a little sigh of relief when it was all over.  I have been anticipating in the week to come putting the house back together, reestablishing some routine and order, relaxing time with my husband and children, some crafty project time, and getting geared up for the rest of the homeschooling year.  Basically, recovery!  What I didn't hope for, and what I was so worried about this holiday season was being sick.  This morning, I have a child throwing up.  We were exposed to a stomach virus over Christmas and it looks like it was caught.  I am trying so hard not to have tantrum at the very real possibility of 7 people coming down with the flu - sleepless nights, endless loads of barf towels, everyone feeling awful, and then our vacation being over without getting a chance to enjoy downtime or get organized for the new year.  

Well, I can be positive in this holiday season because I am very thankful.  I am thankful for the generosity of my family in their gift giving and putting together delicious family meals.  Thankful that we live close enough together to celebrate the holidays with family and have that time together.  Thankful that everyone made my children's Christmas so memorable and fun.   As a parent, piecing together my children's childhood memories and their foundation is of the upmost importance so it always warms my heart when people love on my children and bless them.  Thankful that Phil's job allows him such a nice long vacation! Thankful for our general health and how the Lord has blessed us so richly.  Thankful for Jesus and His grace and mercy toward us. 


"Put your shoes on, we are going to Grammy and Grandpy's for Christmas morning!"


So blessed by generosity!

B is pouting because he can't hold the cat and Evi can't handle the camera flash.  LOL!

Cousin picture before present unwrapping.



First up, getting ready to open stockings!  My parents have always made stockings a fun part of Christmas with lots of goodies.

I have no words....


We try and open gifts one at a time so we can enjoy watching each other open their gifts.  




I managed to pull this poncho together at the last minute!  It turned out really nice and I would love to make one for my girls too.




Glorielle hugged all her gifts.  She was so excited for Christmas.  It had been hard to watch both Sawyer and Evi have birthdays.  The day after Christmas, she came into the playroom where I was working and was showing me all her presents and I asked her, "Who gave you all those presents."  She said, "Jesus gave them to me for my birthday."  LOL.  I love three year olds.

I decided to frame some of my photographs.  I LOVE photography and the art of composition and lighting so I was excited to share this gift.

A collage of the Kelly children during the 2014 year.



New snow boots.  I can't wait to head up to the snow for a hike tromping through Silver Falls.

This was the funnest present!  My dad had seen this at an antique store and loved it so my mom secretly got it for him for Christmas.  He was so surprised.

My mom always cries on Christmas.



This year, Sawyer really wanted to give gifts.  He worked at my parents to earn some money.  In the end, all he was really able to afford were gifts for mom and dad.  It was wonderful to see him wanting to bless others and working to earn it.  




Next year, I am bound and determine to not let Christmas sneak up on me!  I would love to go into the holiday season having everything done and ready so we can slow down and enjoy the time without it being so crazy!

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