Christmas 2011

Well another Christmas has come and gone.  I just can't believe how fast it flies by and another year has past.  This year was really different than years past for many reasons.  One, because I didn't go to the traditional German sale (because I was in Hawaii).  Also because Hawaii threw me for a loop and I felt like I was running around trying to get everything done in such a short amount of time.  We also decided not to host our annual Christmas party this year (due to craziness!).  I was really bummed about it...mostly because I came to the conclusion that we probably won't be hosting it anymore, since everyone is so busy this time of year.  And the more kids we all have, the crazier it has gotten over the years just to get a babysitter.  Another difference is that we didn't go see the lights in SLC.  Lots of broken traditions, but we'll live. 

The kids had really small lists this year, but with big ticket items written in them, so they didn't get as much, but they sure got what they wanted!

Highlights: 

Tyson- Kindle Fire, a mountain bike and a unicycle

Brecklyn - laptop and American Girl doll accessory kit

Logan - a motor scooter just like the one Brecklyn got for her birthday (but black)...they look so cute parked together in the garage.  And the Super Mario Brothers game on Wii (keeps him entertained way too long)

Grayson - new furniture and his Let's Rock Elmo!

My parents, Jake's parents and Jake and I all pitched in to get the wanted gifts.  I'm so thankful for our parents...our poor kids wouldn't get much without them!  They sure are spoiled rotten kids.

Christmas Eve was spent at Jake's parent's house and also my parent's house.  Two dinners and the kids also opened their presents at both houses.  It was quite the day/night! 

Then on Christmas morning the kids opened their presents from me and Jake.  Grayson slept in, but the others woke us up with a "MERRY CHRISTMAS" in unison (so cute).  We started a new little tradition this year and had the kids draw names to do secret Santa's for each other.  They were all so stoked about it and loved picking out a $5 gift for their "person".  Tyson had Grayson and got him a critter hat.  Brecklyn had Tyson and got him a sled.  Logan had Brecklyn and got her some pink feather earrings.  And Grayson had Logan and got him some Nerf guns.  It was so cute to watch them give their secret Santa a hug and say thanks.  I only have one sibling and always thought that would be fun to do with siblings, so I'm glad they liked doing that too. 

After presents, keeping in tradition, (YES!) we decided to go to IHOP for breakfast and then went to church afterward.  Jake went to his parent's ward too, to see his dad's choir performance.  I stayed home with a very tired baby boy!  That evening we went to my grandparent's house for dinner and more presents.  I told Omi that I'd like to learn how to make the sauerbraten and have dinner at our house next year and I think she's excited to teach me how.

Yesterday I ran errands and did a little shopping and then we went to Jake's big family Christmas party that they do every year.  It's funny, because every year there's some new person that's married one of his cousins or something.  And always a new baby or two. 

Today I spent organizing and cleaning the house.  We are heading to the cabin on Thursday for some New Year's fun!  And hopefully some needed relaxation!

I have to say how grateful I am for all of my abundant blessings.  Our perspective became really clear when, on Christmas day, we found out that a friend of Jake's from high school's family got in a horrible car accident.  They were hit by a drunk driver.  The parent's were critically injured and their baby passed away.  They also have a 3-year-old, who survived.  The sweet little baby that died was born in the same hospital on the same day as Grayson.  Jake ran into Ryan and they "reunited" over their baby's births.  Jake introduced me to Ryan that day in my hospital room.  When I think of them going through such a horrible thing on Christmas, it just breaks my heart.  I couldn't imagine something worse.  It makes you want to squeeze your babies tighter and just not worry about all the little stupid things.  We are so lucky to have each other.  Jake asked me what my favorite part of Christmas is and it's most definitely the fact that we get to spend extra time with our family.  I'm so lucky to have them and I don't know what I'd do if I were to lose any of them.  If you want to know more about the Pack's, here is their website

Here are some pics...