Christmas '09

Wow...it's already twenty-ten and I just realized I never did get my Christmas pics up. It's been CRAZY here with the boys at home for two weeks. I can't believe Connor and Coby will be going back to school tomorrow (Cale only goes on Wednedays and Fridays). Overall, I am ready for them to go back so we can get back to a "normal" schedule, but as I went to bed last night I realized I was also a little sad that Christmas break is already over. I wonder if anyone can relate? Anyway, here is a little recap from our Christmas (there are many more pics here)...

We let the boys open all of their presents from Darren and me a few days before Christmas. The pic above is the only one from that day shared on here (I know it is not the best pic of Coby) but I loved what he said as soon as he opened his new BIG boy Bible. He asked me if we could read the Christmas story. I was so glad that as the kids were opening their gifts, that the TRUE meaning of Christmas hadn't been lost on them. I asked them just this morning what the most important thing about Christmas was and both Connor and Coby said without hesitation, "Jesus birthday!" Notice I'm not sharing what Cale said! ;)

Santa came...and surprisingly no one was left with just a stocking full of coal. It was iffy this year for sure for two of the boys (not mentioning any names)!

Why did I not have them dress in cute pajamas for Christmas morning? Oh well. (Cale was in his room having a time-out when the above pic was taken...story of his life I'm afraid).

We had such a beautiful view of the snow while the boys opened their goodies from Santa.

they were all happy...Cale got more dinosaurs and Leapster games, Coby got Legos, Wii and DS games, Connor wanted DS games and Tech Decks. But I think the things they enjoyed most were the fillers in the stockings...that was always my favorite part as a kiddo too.

this was at mom and dad's house (see post below this about how much work it was to get there)

Connor was cracking up when he unwrapped his present from Kennard and Kristen to find a diaper box...

No diapers here though...just this cool helmet to go with the skateboard they got him! Thankfully we have good insurance because I have a bad feeling we'll be seeing out first ever broken bone/trip to the ER after receiving this gift!

Coby got TONS of Star Wars legos...he was thrilled!

Cale was so excited to get this light saber set for the Wii (and they also seem to work well for hitting brothers too...did I mention that most of Cale's life is spent doing time-outs?)

On the 26th, we went to Clint and Michele's for the Heath family Christmas (while everyone else was eating, Connor just sat by the tree...he couldn't wait to open presents...I can't say that I blame him)

Connor helped pass out gifts....until he found some of his own to open that is!

Cale opening his new fishing pole...can't wait til it warms up so we can use it.

Coby got TONS more Star Wars Legos
(surprisingly we only got one duplicate)

Cale enjoyed cousin Braden's new elephant rocker. Poor Cale, he never did have a rocker. He's so deprived! ha

We had a wonderful Christmas. In all honesty, I'm thankful that a new year/decade has begun. Last year was a mixed bag of good and bad (no complaints though, God has always been so faithful to us), but I do look forward to a new beginning. My goal for the year is this: Be more positive. I want to try to see the good in things and people where in the past I much too often only saw the negative. I think changing this ONE thing will make a dramatic difference in not only my life, but the lives of those around me. Of course, there are other things I want to do differently as well, but this is the only one I'm sharing here.

Also, I read this on another blog the other day and I want to try to remember this and take it to heart on tough days with the boys...although the days may be long, the years are short. So true. I needed to be reminded of that. In fact, I think I'll write it out and hang it on the fridge because truthfully most days seem to be really long around here lately, but I still need to cherish them.

Happy New Year!