Christmas '08

Please don't mistake my lack of blogging for a lack of fun things to blog about! We had such a wonderful holiday - so wonderful that I can't seem to get my groove back. But really, you bloggers all know how daunting it all gets when there is so much to post about. I really didn't know where to begin! I should have sorted through it all a long time ago but truthfully, I was too busy enjoying it.

This picture is for Carrie. She did a cute tag about taking a picture of your tree and then one of your favorite ornament and then posting it. I love our tree this year! I may try to see if I can convince the Mr. to put more lights on next year. These fake trees in all their "pre-litness" really put ours to shame! But I love my real tree.

Choosing a favorite ornmanent is tricky. I have a lot of favorites! I love all my ballet ones - it doesn't feel like Christmas without some Nutcracker memories. I also love my Waterford crystal ornament that Peg gave me the year before Patrick and I were married. It made me feel like I was part of the family even though we weren't engaged just yet.
My new stockings! In my family, the siblings draw names (spouses included) and my SIL Carrie made these stockings for me since she and Scott had us this year. Are they not awesome?! And no, she will not make any for you. She said they were a true labor of love. And she does not love you. Okay, well some of you readers she might but you'll just have to wait your turn!

So our Christmas was so fabulous! We stayed home and didn't go anywhere for the first time ever. The best part was Grandpa and Grandma Motley deciding they would spend Christmas with us. So they drove/flew to Arizona and helped us create the best Christmas ever! We had so much fun. There was lots of cooking, playing, talking, golfing in the freezing cold (not the girls, thank goodness), eating, hiking and just plain hanging out. It could not have been better, except maybe for the freezing cold. We did a Christmas Eve nativity which was narrated by Grandma and photographed by Grandpa.
I hadn't gotten to be Mary in I don't know how long. Do you love that the closest thing we had to a doll was Woody?

My favorite was that our 3 shepherds then magically turned into 3 wise men. Worked out good, didn't it?

Could my wise man be any cuter?! I could eat him. Seriously.

On Christmas morning, the kids got us up at a very sensible 7:30 a.m. They were excited and adorable and I will never forget Carter's face as I carried him down the stairs to see his full stocking. It was like he realized the magic for the first time. The older boys were totally into the magic and I loved seeing them excited about what Santa brought them.

Tearing into gifts from Santa.

What is in this ginormous present for all three of us? A new T.V. for the loft!!

And in this one? Guitar Hero for the Wii!! But where is the Wii? We quickly opened a present from Grandma and Grandpa Burnett and there it was!!


Our new sweet set-up! You can totally come over and play if you want. The boys got some great games - from G and G Motley and Aunt Sara - and they set out to play them as soon as Patrick could get it set up. They played so much that first day it was ridiculous!!

Jake had played before so he was a pro. Very serious Guitar Hero face.

A little tricky for Dylan and his smaller hands but he had the sweet moves for sure. He definitely moved like a Guitar Hero! He has since gotten a lot better and has beaten three songs as of yesterday.

A lot of our grandparent fun wasn't documented. We were just having fun being in the moment. We were all majorly spoiled and received so many wonderful things for Christmas. Grandpa and Grandma Motley are just so much fun to be with and my kids love playing with them. I love having good talks with my mom and dad and just getting a chance to be together. It was special to be with them and to enjoy the magic, while also reflecting on our many blessings that we have because our Savior was born so long ago. We were grateful for the time to slow down and savor these moments together.