All I want for Christmas is.......

Ahhh...the joys of Christmas. I get so excited for my kids for Christmas. It is a different excitement than when I was a kid, but excited enough that I can't wait for them to wake up and therefore, Christmas eve is just as long a night as it was when I was a kid.

We do the usual tradition of Christmas pajamas. Here are the three in their new jammies.

Christmas Morning Harlee was so surprised to find a new (new to her,anyway) desk. And (what you don't see) a walkie talkie so that she can converse with her best Friend across the street, a pillow pet (if you don't know what one is, consider yourself lucky).

Bodie was elated to find a Lightning Mcqueen race track and a barn with all the cowboys, cattle and ranch equipment to play ranch with.

Jax opened his noisy tractor and played with that until Bodie got all his stuff opened and spent the rest of the morning taking Bodie's loot and playing with it. He was happy to get a 4-wheeler in his stocking, a motorcycle and a couple of tractors to push around. It's just always more appealing to see what the other kid has.

Travis gave me this beautiful painting by Clark Kelly Price. I have wanted it ever since I first saw it 8 years ago or so. The caption at the bottom says, "It's true sir, all present and accounted for." I love it! It brings tears to my eyes each time I look at it. Just thinking of what a blessing it was to have all these boys protected from harm. As a mom, I can only imagine how hard it would have been to see my son go into battle and what joy I would have felt to see him safe and sound.

I didn't get pics of Travis opening his stuff, I was too busy filming him on the camcorder. But he got some tools and a portable air tank, some Mt.Dew and donuts. Since he claims he starved himself after that diet he put himself on, he asked for junk food. All the things he missed. I did get a couple of pics holding Tayah, his sister, TIffany's baby. She is so adorable! And so is he holding her.

So that was our Christmas. We were able to spend time with both families. I think it is such a blessing that we live close to both sides of the family. I love that our kids are so close to their grandparents. I didn't have that growing up and so I am glad that my kids have that opportunity. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and that your new year is especially HAPPY!