Twas a Merry Christmas!!

I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. So much was packed into our 2 weeks off from school. Having such a large family makes it soo much fun!! There was never a dull or quiet moment. Even though a lot of our friends were gone for the holidays the kids were not without someone to play with. Living in Texas where we are blessed with 70 degree weather throughout the year is so wonderful. Though we might not get the snow fun, our days playing outside in the warmth of the sun are so delightful.
I decided to use all of the kids talents this Christmas by putting on a talent show for the family. Reagan, Sof and Caitlin sang carols for the extended family, leading into team games with everyone, concluding the festivities with a solo performance by Blake on his violin.
By far this was one of my favorite Christmas' ever!!! There was so much laughter by all.
It has dawned on my that since Sof has come he has experienced numerous birthday parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas= a whole lot of fun and presents. So now that the New Year has begun and we don't have any big events coming up he is in for a big surprise- party/present withdrawal. In fact he came to me the other day and asked me to buy him a watch, which I replied that we would not be buying anything right now and he would have to wait for his birthday or a special holiday. When he realized that wouldn't be until in the fall I thought he was going to loose it. He did pout for the rest of the day, but resumed a happier spirit the next morning. I had to remind him that he probably did not get everything he wanted when he wanted it when he lived in ET and that is not any different here in America. I can't really blame him after getting so much so quickly.
Blake, Mr. Smarty Pants asked Santa for world peace and therefore received a book from Santa called "How to Achieve World Peace", the second greatest book following the bible. He was not quite as humored by the gift as Greg and I but it was priceless to catch his reaction on video. We will enjoy that for years to come I am sure.
It was more difficult than I thought to get Sof up on Santa and the flying reindeer story. We finally achieved it when we made a night out of it by taking the whole family to see the Christmas lights, watch The Santa Clause movie and drink hot cocoa. It has caused a little confusion being that now he doesn't quite know when something is fake or real. I feel a little bad for that. Reagan and Sof were so funny, they really are two peas in a pod. They were conspiring for days about sleeping in front of the fireplace to catch Santa. Needless to say, they fell fast asleep in their beds that night. It helps to run them like dogs all day long!!! They all woke up to say they heard or say Santa or his reindeer on the rooftop. Caitlin even saw the reindeer on our grass in the front yard where we laid carrots out for them. Little Helena was clueless to all of the antics but giggled as if she was right there with them. It was really too cute and I had forgotten how much fun it was to have a little one around during the holidays. It makes it crazier for sure, but oh so cute!! There is so much truth to the saying "seeing life through the eyes of a child". I wish some days I could stay in the mindset!!
I am so grateful for having such a wonderful big family. When the kids would ask what I wanted for Christmas I would reply I already have it and looked at them. They thought I was being corny, but as I have gotten older there really is nothing more that I could want. They are so precious and my time with them is priceless for sure!!!!
Thank you father God for the greatest gift- your son and for the gift of life each day and all that it brings!!