Thursday, December 25, 2008

Yes, It IS a Wonderful Life

9:30 Christmas Night.... and this day is finally wrapping up (Christmas truly is the longest day of the year, isn't it?!)...
Christmas was different for us this year. I spent about HALF what I normally do. And I didn't put ANY of it on credit cards (Dave Ramsey, you would be PROUD!). Hubster and I decided not to buy each other anything. However, the kids saved up their allowance and bought us little gifts: I got a coffee mug with shells on it and Hubster got a stuffed lobster from them (?!) - really adorable and so sweet. We will treasure them both.

Another gift the kids gave us was sleeping in until 8 AM this morning (we were shocked and thrilled!) The day was nice. My mom arrived around 10, then my in laws, and then later my Dad and step mother. We had a casual, relaxing lunch, and plenty of family time. The dogs destroyed their two massive rawhides.
Basically, a wonderful time was had by all. I was happy that all my little birds were in the nest.
We were going to go see "Marley and Me" tonight but we're just all too pooped to do anything further. Hubster is already asleep. J. is playing some new video game on his Nintendo DS, and S. is trying on all the clothes she got from her 3 grandmothers. :-)
Hope all y'all had a great Christmas too.... blessings and hugs to my blogosphere buddies!

S with her "very favorite" gift...


J. with his "very favorite gift"... (and no, we're not NRA members, nor do we have "real" firearms... this is just a standard pellet gun... for target shooting in the woods, etc.)

Christmas Eve dinner at the (dreaded) "Kids Table" - J & S and 2 of their cousins. :-)



My Dad on Christmas Eve (isn't it a gorgeous table??? My step-mother is a WONDERFUL hostess and cook, and quite an entertainer.... and Dad enthralls the guests with his fabulous story-telling... it's always a Good Time!)



Dad & Mom (yes, they are divorced, but still good friends!)

8 comments:

Zephyr Girl said...

Hi Friend,
Its nice to read ur post.
Hope u had a wonderful christmas this year. Nice to see ur family members enjoying the eve. I Haven't given gifts for my family members on festive celebrations. Hope i'll follow this for New Year and other upcoming festivals. Thanks...i have learnt something good from ur post.
I wish to share my blog with u.
here is my URL: www.cycadelia.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Awwwwwwwwww. I love happy kids with presents : ). (even guns)

The table does look fabulous! I am glad you had a nice time!

Christmas is an exhausting but wonderful day, isn't it : ).

Gberger said...

It all looks beautiful, and yes, a gorgeous table. So nice to see your family gathered together. Happy memories for all of you!
God bless you.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Sounds like a glorious time. We also spent at least half as much as usual.
I love the pictures...your dad and mom are so cute...still so cute.
So great that you can all enjoy each other together! Yes, the table looks wonderful and kinda Martha Stewartish.
merry Christmas.

Laurie Brandriet Keller said...

That's a really pretty table and I'm luvving your Dad. We are totally on the same page as to how we shopped and spent. Doesn't it feel great to not have that dreaded "I don't want to see the Visa bill when it comes" feeling. xoxo.

Boquinha said...

So many comments. That's so cool about your Mom and Dad. To your daughter--I love the bag!! To your son--"You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" ;) To you and your hubby--Merry Christmas!

ChiTown Girl said...

Wow, how great that your parents can be "nice" to each other. How great for your kids to get to have 3 sets of grandparents to celebrate with for Christmas!

Me said...

Looks like such a warm setting with happy faces all around. Amazing your mom and dad are still able to be friends and enjoy their family. We could all learn a thing or two from them!

Glad your Christmas was merry.

:)