Joy to the World...Christmas 2013

As a kid, you think nothing can beat being a kid on Christmas, but I now know differently. Nothing beats being a mom/parent on Christmas. There is so much more joy in giving, than in receiving. Just seeing the delight in my children's eyes and the sheepish grins on my teenager's face. I know I'm creating memories for them that will last a lifetime. Being part of the magic of it all, is gift enough for me.

Christmas eve...

A lovely afternoon...outside before church.

These two love sitting together at this table!
Eating all the goodies Nana made.

As if playing violin and viola weren't enough,
he's teaching himself piano!

Jonas is excited that Santa arrived!

I finished getting everything ready by 11:00 p.m.
The earliest time in the past 10 years!

Christmas morning...

This is their fake look of shock!

Jonas put together this basket for me! So sweet.

He can be grumpy, even on Christmas morning.
The only picture I got, because he didn't want it taken.

Finland the Elf left a Christmas card for the kids.

Savannah made a cake for dinner at my sister's house.
Lorelei and I decorated it.

It was two days full of pure joy!

Today was fabulous too...we did NOTHING! Really. I didn't even get out of jammies till 4:00 (which I'm not sure why I even bothered!). It was a necessary recovery day, from all the excitement from Christmas Eve and day.

Wishing all of you joy the rest of your holiday season!

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The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Mother

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