A Very Merry Christmas Indeed

Merry Christmas everyone!
I have been trying to be a better steward of my time lately, and in line with that, I have not been on Facebook at all today. I wanted to give this day to myself and my family instead. And because this blog is for my kids, and they are now all in bed. I want to share here the many precious pieces that made today a great Christmas.
I awoke to Emi coming in to see if I was up yet. She and Lexi and I cuddled for a while in bed before coming to the livingroom to begin the celebrations. I let them open their envelopes (gift cards) from their grandparents and then heard Nater, so they invited him to join us.
We went through stockings and then, after Liam joined us, opened a few presents. Later, when Philip is home, we will get to have Christmas again with the remaining goodies.

-Alexis is filled with posed expressions today. I was only able to get one candid shot of her because as soon as she opened anything, she put on a pose and held it until I snapped a picture. She is growing so fast. I love that she still feels the magic of the holidays, even if she is questioning where the magic comes from. Today she asked if I did the presents or if Santa did. I later learned that she had seen some of the stocking stuffers downstairs. I turned the question back to her (as I do all Santa questions) and she decided that we probably worked together on it. Later she was excited that Santa "knew she needed shoes".

-Emily so often reminds me of myself. I still open presents and stack everything in a collection of piles for the day. She did the same thing. First she tried to shove all of her stuff into her stocking, and when it would not fit she began her pile making. She posed genuinely for pictures and was thrilled with her gifts all day. Several days ago, she set aside special outfits for the upcoming days, that have included winter hats that she wears indoors. She was so excited to wear her Christmas outfit today, and later to change into her new pajamas and matching socks.

-Nater, unlike Lexi, was filled with endless candid moments worth capturing today. He was thrilled for the surprise of Christmas and loved every moment of it. He has always had a great sense of quantities and was so excited to find his "sets of two" in his stocking today. It began when he pulled the second of his suckers out. He went on and on about having "two, momma, two!" He also found two playdoughs and two mittens. He laid them out side by side and counted, "two, free. two, free. two, free. TWO momma!" I also chuckled when he talked to my dad on the phone and decided that Grampy's voice "Cares me!" (scares)

-Liam enjoyed his day and fought so hard to open his presents on his own. Though he did not get upset when others helped. He mostly relaxed today, and refused his morning nap for the first time. He is learning to take his diapers off and wanted to be naked most of the day. But, at bedtime, when he put on his new footie pajamas, he was happy as could be to have clothes on. He stuck out his chest and tapped his foot. He gladly showed off how handsome his new pajamas were and it was clear he loved them.

-We got to talk briefly to Philip this morning and more tonight. I talked to all of my sisters and my mom and even got to talk to Philip's dad. It was a great day and I am glad I dedicated it to my family.

-We happen to be reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Tonight we read two chapters. Those of Aslan's death and resurrection. In discussing it with the girls, they knew instantly that another who had died for others and was resurrected was Christ. Emi pointed out that Christ died for everyone. I am glad to have had the chance to talk to my kids about the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ today. I am grateful for my testimony of such an amazing man. I am grateful for all that He did, does, and was for us. I love the opportunities we take to truly celebrate Him.