Post Christmas Quiet

Here we are. Christmas is over. Where did the time go? I am still unsure that it happened. I mean my house looks like Christmas threw up all over it, but where did the time go? After chicken pox with Caleb, Cody ran a fever and threw up and was really sick for 3-4 days, all through Christmas Eve and Day and the days after. I did no shopping with my sweetheart this year. I did no Santa with my kids. We didn't go look at lights or go to our traditional "A Christmas Carol". I never realized how much tradition can play into making a holiday whole! LOL

We did have a blessed Christmas despite! The kids all got at least one thing they *really* love - Cam got a Kids Tough Camera and he is taking photos of everything! Emma got a low end camcorder (for her and her friends "music videos" - and Santa got it on a STEAL! $33!! Wahoo!) and it has been capturing daily life at the Dorius' for days now. Cody got the new game for his DS he really wanted and we have barely seen him most of the time - his nose is burried as he figures out and conquers the latest group of Pokemon. Caleb got the bestest gifts he thinks - He got some "Winkin' Wogs" with train tracks (oh boy! He is happy! He refused 3-4 turns in the present opening rotation because he was busy with his logs!) and some plastic tools. He is IN HEAVEN!! It is so fun to see!!

Jestin and I feel very blessed this year - our family and Santa really out did themselves as far as thoughtfulness goes this year! Jestin got the electric razor he wanted and a Wii game, and Jess and Santa went all out for the 1s time ever for me (it was a little weird)... I feel so terribly spoiled! I got the 25th Anniversary box set of Michael McClean's songs, the DVD I have wanted forever (Never Been Kissed) and a new comforter set for our bed! Jess' family went in with him too and got me something I never thought I would ever own: An Artisian Kitchen Aid Mixer! I get all giddy inside just thinking about it! LOL! SO EXPENSIVE!! *blush* I feel such guilt as they didn't need to spend that much on ME! ... & yet I am so very thankful too!! I have been using my bread machine a least once a week (if not more) to make dough for pizza or rolls and often dont do recipe's because my hand mixer is not so great and longer than a minute or two and it will overheat! Anyway!! I feel spoiled and happy. LOL! Things can't bring you ultimate joy - but they sure can make your life a little easier and make you giddy!! *grin*

I have to say my all time favorite parts/gifts this year were: a blanket made by G'ma Ewell, a note and coupon book from my dearest friend (I still cry everytime I read it), an ornament made by Cameron, the pillow Jess made for Caleb (what a good dad!), the book Caleb bought for his aunts to read to his favorite cousin, a gift of pampering to Jess' mom & the joy it brings, cuddle time with kids since we weren't out running running running, a "bag of money" (quarters) for Jess' Dad for truck parts along with some "dino tracks" (he wanted Dina Trax parts - so the kids I got him a dollar store toy dinosaur that grows in water - you know - to make sure it's the right size! *wink wink*) - his laughter was the best!, Emma's face when she saw the camcorder, a waterball from a friend, the pups excitement over their new treats and bed, a heart shaped necklace from Ma for my "year of the heart" - so pretty!, Caleb lost for hours in his new toys... the list could go on and on! I am thankful we are all healthy this week (knock on wood) and today to celebrate the kids being home we are headed to the movies! I will post pictures maybe later today! I hope you all had a fantabulous Christmas as well!!! (((HUGS)))