And you thought your house was a mess. Happy children, happy day and I have a bright orange, waterproof hunting coat to call my own. (And a bread machine, he didn't totally go off the deep end.)
I'm not sure what made this maybe my best Christmas ever. I just know that as I sit here tonight, I am happy. I'm not sure if that has to do with brainwashing my kids over the last month into repeating the angel's praise to the shepherds, "Peace on earth, good will to men!" Or their random attachment to the not-quite popular Christmas hymn, "Far, far away on Judea's plain" which they and sang to me-- while giggling -- on their way to bed tonight, their not quite in tune "Glory to God!" mingled with the "tee-hees" of a happy day. I'm not sure if it was the week I spent preparing for the day, up well past midnight to make sure things were clean and tidy, presents wrapped, dinner prepared. I just know that today was magical. Every part of the busy last two days went smoothly, from getting to the city in time for the annual radio show, to the kids actually enjoying their radio time and not melting down, to getting ready for Santa, to making sure I could put Christmas lunch on the table at 1 p.m. to help the older kids meet their other obligations. The exhaustion was worthwhile, the joy genuine, the gifts loved, the feeling of giving priceless. The happy relief of a successful and wonderful day is met with a great desire for sleep...but also to sit, crochet and watch "The Christmas Story" for the first time. I know, I know...but it's on the DVR and that's where I'm headed now. Cozy fire, the vestiges of presents still strewn about. The love of our Savior in my heart. Joy to the world, indeed. "Let every heart prepare Him room!" Merry Christmas!
Favorite toys I would recommend for your next birthday/Christmas:
Robbie is hard to shop for. However, the little ball popper thing has been a source of amusement for all my kids all day. Unlike most ball spinner thingies you can take the balls in or out. you can watch the balls go around or open the door and let them fly. Seriously. All of them. All day.
Jack: The Bat Cave by Imaginext. Finally a toy that doesn't break in the first five minutes. Solid plastic, a million different little cool "look what this does" parts...an elevator, windows that open the works! Batman, Robin and the Batcycle. All of them loving on it all day!
Ellie is so smitten by the jewelry box with the traditional ballerina dancing to "Swan Lake" she made short work of finding every piece of jewelry or other treasure she had and then carting the box around all day (wearing a Cinderella costume...). Jack was so taken by Ellie's adoration of the box, he asked if he could keep some of his "collections" in it. Jack's "collections" are mostly comprised of rocks, twigs and dried leaves. I suggested we find him his own box.
2 comments:
I had no idea your heart pined for an orange hunting coat. I thought I knew you.
Glad you had a good day.
I didn't know I needed one either. Nor did I know I was pining for one. However, I will say this: I shoveled snow in that coat today and was as warm as I have ever been. so you can see me from the space station, I was warm. ;)
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