Christmas 2008

Christmas this year seemed to come and go so quickly this year. We had lot's of fun preparing for Christmas and taking the opportunity to try and continue to teach the kids the real and more important reasons we celebrate Christmas and the importance of giving, not receiving.

Our normal traditions start by having stew on Christmas Eve, but this year we decided to change it a little since the kids really done care for Vegetable beef stew. We made taco soup and let them dip chips in it- it still wasn't handled well since there were beans in it- but they ate it with out the fight we usually have with the stew. The kids get to take a bath in my bath with the jets then put on their new jammies they unwrapped. I was so excited for the jammies this year- I love Children's Place $4.99 sale- can't beat getting cute warm jammies for that price! The girls favorite part was the matching scrunchy that came with them- I didn't know they even still made scrunchies!

We then watch the Luke 2 movie since Carly can understand the movie better then us trying to fight with her to listen to the scriptures. It always makes me emotional each year how quiet and how strong the spirit is after we watch it and have the chance to share our testimonies with the kids of the Savior. Even Carly was very calm and quiet. It's a great time to help teach them about feeling the spirit also. They then get to have a cookie and open one more present of their books they get each year. I love listening to their excitement as they go to bed, it brings back so many memories of when I was little and remember that same feeling as I went to bed Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning they aren't allowed to come out of their room until 7, yes, that is considered sleeping in. They love looking in their stockings and then they have to take turns oldest to youngest unwrapping all the gifts from Santa. They are only allowed to ask for 2 things and this year Lexi and Ashlee realized they can ask for bigger things, but don't get as many gifts. Lexi asked for a Nintendo DS and a Spa kit- but really wanted to ask for an ipod shufffle. Ashlee asked for a Nintendo DS and some Easy Bake items, but also really wanted an ipod shuffle. Carly asked for a big blue chair for her room and the pooping Baby Alive doll. I still am wondering how she convinced her Daddy she needed that baby! They were all very excited to get the things they asked for and more.

So excited to have a shuffle!

The Nintendo DS's

Santa must have known it's better for Carly to have one so she doesn't take her sister's!

Pooping Baby- Carly LOVES this doll! I've seen it poop way to much already!

Finally has her own chair in her room!

Lexi and her gifts from Santa

Ashlee and her presents from Santa

Carly and her gifts from Santa

It is always so fun to watch their facial expressions- I wish I was quicker with the camera to catch it! The big surprise gift came from Grandma Wiser- she gave us a Wii- the kids were in shock and so excited! Well, really Carly didn't know what a Wii was- but she does now. We all have really enjoyed it and I am incredible sore! I have taken 3 months off at the gym and I can feel it!!

It was a great Christmas- and a great year! We are excited for what 2009

brings us and hope you each had a great Christmas also!