Christmas Chaos

Did I mention I have the best husband ever? More on that later. Christmas highlights:

family party, complete with a visit from Santa and acting out the nativity.

My dad's Sunday School lesson, powerful, eloquent and beautiful with just a touch of humor and a great deal of passion from one of the greatest story tellers and teachers I know. And he didn't even miss a beat when my little Ladybug toddled up to him, pulled on his pant leg and tried to give him her Noah's ark book instead. (he goodnaturely declined her suggestion)

Visiting Temple Square (also known as the "temple castle") to see the beautiful lights and nativities. I thought the girls would go nuts over the lights and they did enjoy them, but Butterfly was most interested in the nativities. "where mary? where Jesus mommy? oh joseph?!" and more.

Baking Christmas treats. I got to have a baking day with each of the grandmas, trying new recipes, learning family secrets and experimenting, often assisted by a very short but very cute little chef who loves to cook. So tasty.

Zoo Lights. If you've never been, its definitely worth the $3 to go see the fun and unique lights (my favorite was the snake climbing the Christmas tree to put the star on top). Very cold, very fun. And we even saw real reindeer. but no, they didn't fly. maybe they were tired.

Wrapping presents, I don't know why I like this so much, but I really do. And Butterfly loves to help. And even better, then she's so excited about getting to give the gift to its intended recipient.

Christmas Eve traditions. these have changed since my childhood to accommodate building my own new family. My childhood Christmas Eve was always shopping for siblings' gifts (and trying to keep each other from finding out), delivering secret santa gifts and McDonalds (first out of convenience and later, because it's fun, silly and unique). I loved it. this year, we spent Christmas Eve with my in-laws. the girls helped grandpa put together a toy train, had homemade bagels and enjoyed other family traditions.

But Christmas morning, for the first time, we had planned to spent at our own home. So we went home, tucked the girls in bed, got all of our Christmas festivities ready and then sat down to snuggle on the couch. Smokin hot husband asks if I want my present now. Kind of surprised, I decline, wanting to wait until morning. When he asks again, hinting I may want it before then, I agree. My amazing, generous, thoughtful (and very good looking) husband gave me a new camera!!! Which we immediately opened, played with and used extensively ever since. (I now answer to "paparazzi".)

My parents and sister joined us, arriving early in the morning, about half an hour before the girls woke up. They woke up slowly, and not fully awake, just wanted to sit on the couch and cuddle, staring at the decorations and gifts. Eventually they warmed up enough to investigate and they were thrilled with the "just their size" four wheeler. Butterfly crashed into every wall in the house repeatedly before getting the hang of it and giggled every time. After breakfast, we sat around, leisurely opening gifts. Mostly leisurely. If it was clothes, Butterfly tossed them aside and dove into the next present, whether it belonged to her or not (she was very good at "helping" people open their gifts). Ladybug opened a gift and wanted to play with it the rest of the day. So we let them take their time and just enjoyed the morning. The unexpected hit of the day was "Jenga". The girls sat at the table building towers and squealing "man down!" as the towers toppled and crashed nosily to the floor.

We barely made it through the stack of gifts before it became blissfully quiet for naptime. Even me and daddy got to crash for a little while. Then I played in my kitchen, very much enjoying hosting a holiday dinner for the first time. Even Butterfly helped, pitching in to peel potatoes, poke at the dough for rolls and arrange the veggie tray. Ladybug was the official taste tester. Except she really only "tasted" grapes and olives (in large quantities). Dinner tasted great and we were so full that we never did actually eat pie (dutch apple and key lime, not a likely combination but both favorites) and had to send pieces home with everyone instead.

After the turkey coma subsided (time spent playing and relaxing), we went to my in laws home to spend the evening with them. Dinner was wonderful, despite still being mostly full, as grandma made the traditional and delectable duck for dinner. I enjoyed it immensely but the girls mostly just snacked on gingerbread cookies (another family recipe, soft, chewy and light). After dinner there was a frenzy of more gift opening (had to wait until we brought it all home and put the girls to bed to make sure I saw and appreciated everything). The girls were thrilled and mischievous, getting into everything and generally being two. They fawned over their baby cousin and chased their aunt's cat.

As far as gift giving, I won't brag specifics, but I was especially touched by the thoughtfulness of our parents and siblings, from both sides of them family, who had chosen meaningful gifts and tokens that we needed or had special significance and they were each so greatly appreciated. And I really enjoyed being able to give gifts that we had chosen and prepared throughout the last several weeks, choosing things for their significance and usefulness, delighting each time we found that "perfect" item for someone. We are blessed to have such amazing families.

So another Christmas comes to a close. I'm so grateful and happy for all that we have been blessed with and have been able to share. (we even managed to get out a Christmas card this year) Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!