Christmas Unwrapped

This year we added another stocking to our growing collection. Even though Isaiah is still small, he has already shown some interest in digger trucks, cars, trains, etc., so I was excited to find digger truck fabric to use to make his stocking.

This Christmas was different from others that we have had in the past. We focused on giving and being happy with what we already have. Most of the gifts where either passed on to us by others or they were homemade. Niah made rag dolls for her sisters (actually they are still being made!), and she made ornaments for Daddy and Isaiah. Aliya "decorationed" socks for everyone. I absolutely love my wildly creative and ORIGINAL socks!!! Kiahna made bath salts for everyone--that was a messy project!!! Isaiah just gave everyone some love and joy--it's what he gives best!!!

This year I had the opportunity to give a very special gift to my children. Many Christmases ago my parents built my older sister and I a horse stable along with accessories like water troughs, fence sections, and jumping poles. We also received several horses to use with the stable. It was a Christmas that I will never forget! A few months ago, I had mentioned to my mom that I would like to give something like that to the girls for Christmas this year. I was excited when she said that she thought they might still actually have it packed away.

I was THRILLED when she called a few days later to confirm that they did have it! After checking with my sister to make sure it was okay with her, my parents said that I could pass this gift on to my kids. When the girls opened up this very special gift, it was like I was opening up the gift all over again just like I did many years ago. This Christmas will go down in history as being one of my favorites.

This Christmas also will be a history maker because we had SNOW and lots of it! It started snowing pretty hard Christmas Eve--it made for a wonderful birthday present! By Christmas morning, we had about 14 inches. After the girls opened up their presents, they convinced Daddy to take them outside to play while I finished making Christmas dinner.

They had a great time! Daddy took them on a exploring adventure through the woods. I got many reports of all the WILD life that they saw. I'm not sure how much of it was real...but it was REALLY exciting none-the-less!!! This Christmas will go down in history as being one of my favorites.