Christmas in a Nutshell

Okay, so blogger won't let me upload any pictures, it will let me upload a video, but videos I have none, so this will be a pictureless post, which if you've been around for long, you'll know is VERY rare for me! I'll try again later.

Christmas Eve, we spent the night at Will's parents house. The children helped put sand and candles in bags for the luminaires. We got them almost lit and guess what, TORNADO sirens began going off, YES, TORNADO! We took the children inside and turned on the weather - obviously we had not been watching the weather and this took us completely by surprise. It was headed directly for us, but by God's grace dissipated (sp?) and the warning expired after about 15 minutes. BUT, in it's wake was the heaviest rain I have EVER seen - it looked like a hurricane out there - rain blowing sideways! Needless to say the luminaires didn't stand a chance and the busy, beautiful light show that usually graces the neighborhood was dark. But Christmas Eve it was and we still had a blast. The children took their reindeer foot out in the rain and sprinkled it on the yard. Later, the cousins left to go to bed and we attempted to put ours to bed. Wilson and Henderson went down great, but Emma Claire, now that's another story.... We tucked her in and she seemed fine. Then I went downstairs and after a few minutes (thinking she was settled) began searching thorugh the wrapped gifts for a gift that I thought was lost. All of a sudden I hear "Mommy, why are you looking at all the gifts?" Emma Claire is sitting on the steps watching me - and who knows how long!? I was honest with her and told her that Nana got Wilson something and we are not sure where it is. She seemed fine with that. So.... I took her back upstairs again and tucked her in and said prayers and came back downstairs. After about 45 minutes, my BIL, Stan called to see if everyone was asleep so he come come over and set out "Santa", I said "YES". On second thought, I ran upstairs, JUST TO MAKE SURE. I quietly opened up the door to Emma Claire's room and NO ONE!!! The bed was empty, the room was empty, I looked all over the upstairs, NO EMMA CLAIRE. I ran down the stairs and told everyone - I can't find her!!!! I went to the kitchen where Nana was preparing things for breakfast and she wasn't in there. I turned the corner and screamed! She was crouched down under the bar stools with a sheet of paper in her hands. I couldn't help but laugh. I asked her why she was up and she said she never made her list for Santa. I explained to her that she went to see Santa TWICE and told him what she wanted. She said she only told him ONE thing =(. I told her that Santa knows what she wants and needs and he will bring her many things b/c she was a good girl. She then starts bawling crying, saying she got some spankings last year and that Santa wouldn't bring her anything. - Boy, her emotions were running wild - she is ONLY 4!!!! I took this as a learning opportunity and told her that Yes, she did get some spankings last year, but that Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that those sins would be forgiven and it was by that Grace that she would get any gifts! Then Will layed down with her (to make SURE she didn't get up again) and she continued to talk about not making a list and how did Santa know and what if she didn't get as many gifts as someone else. Her mind must have been turning 90 to nothing - you remember the feeling - I know I sure do! Finally alseep. We did our "preparations", realizing that much too much was bought, and with 7 children in one room - Chaos was very near!

A good night sleep was had by all - Wilson slept til 5:45 am - HUGE - I was expecting 4:00! WE managed to keep our children out of the den until their cousins arrived at 6:45 and they ran in and the rest was history - it was wild but fun! The rest of the day was pretty much spent outside enjoying the mild weather! We are so blessed to have happy, healthy children and wonderful family to spend everyday and the holidays with!

We are now enjoying some time with my parents and Katie (my younger sister) and her boyfriend Matt. I hope you all had a WONDERFUL CHRISTmas!