Finally, Christmas.

Every year Nate and I start the Christmas season off with a desire to be simple and focus on the birth of Jesus. We think of ways to teach our children about His life and what He has done for us. We imagine homemade gifts and carols at Nursing homes, handwritten cards sent to loved ones the week after Thanksgiving, delicious neighbor gifts hand delivered at least a week before Christmas and more. Doesn't sound so simple anymore,does it?
This year our Relief Society at church sent home a scripture advent with a scripture and thought from Christ's life to read each day. We read that with the kids each night and my holiday expectations were on their way.
As the day approaches, however, the goals become less ambitious and I just get so excited for that WOW factor of the morning. I want my children to be dazzled and in awe of the treasures under the tree. This year Christmas morning was as magical as I remember as a child. I did make Ryan a batman cape by hand of which I was extremely proud! But the WOW factor for us came when we watched our kids so anxious for the gifts they gave away to be opened. They could hardly contain their excitement!
I love Christmastime and as I read blogs and Christmas cards, I have a whole new set of goals for next December, but one thing is for sure-with 3 kids and a Husband I love, it is always a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Nerf Guns- these were the best gift providing hours of Daddy battles.
Christmas cookies. Love Cara's winter outfit? Tank Top and scarf!!

This is Ryan waiting for Cara and Shawn to open his gifts. He was jumping all over the room!

The Christmas loot. It's an optical illusion! I love how the kids decorated the tree. It only needed mardi gras beads and a Lego nativity to equal the redneck tree of '95!