I was actually calm and relaxed and completely ready on the 23rd!! I think this was the first time I wasn't wrapping on Christmas Eve. We had our traditional, nice Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. Everyone was here: Jenn and Adam, Dad, Scott and his kids. It was a great night. After dinner and dessert, we read scriptures and opened pajamas. Then all of the kids went upstairs to watch a movie and wait for Santa.
Christmas morning started at about 6:30 when Jordyn came bopping in to announce, "It's Christmas!! Wake up! It's Christmas!!" We opened presents, ate breakfast, and went back to bed for a nap. Michael was supposed to call at about 12. They had permission to use skype, but we don't have it, so I said we'd just do a normal phone call. Well, Adam came to the rescue with his computer and web-cam, and we were able to skype. It was great to actually see Michael while we were talking to him, and we were able to show him some things too. We talked for 2 hours. It was great to talk to him, and the two hours flew by. He is doing so well, and we are so proud of him. You could tell that he didn't really want to hang up though because he kept saying, "what shall we talk about now? does anyone have any questions for me?" It was a great talk, and we covered just about everything.
Then it was back to bed for another nap.
Everyone just kind of hung out, relaxed, ate and played games. One of the most fun games we got was Dance on Broadway for the WII. Everyone could play, and we all had a ball! Jayme and Jenn were a little put out that Jordyn and Dennis were beating them though. After all, they have danced all of their lives. It was so much fun, we had to go and get the Michael Jackson dance game too.
Sunday, we went to Jeremiah Jackson's homecoming in our old ward. It was great to visit with friends. Then we went to our ward to teach primary/deacon's quorum. After church, more food and games.
On Tuesday we had the Jackson's, Amundson's, Budd's, and Lorrie over. We ate more and played more. It was really fun! We all got passes to Trafalga/Seven Peaks, so we went to Trafalga on Thursday and played mini-golf. It was New Year's before we knew it, and the holidays were over.
It was just so nice to have everyone, well except Michael, here. Jenn and Adam were able to spend a lot of time with us, and Jayme isn't working right now so she was here lots too. I really enjoy my adult and semi-adult children. We are at a really good place with our family right now, and I think it will only get better!! Jordyn is fun and reminds us of the child-like joy and excitement of the holidays. Matthew and Ammon are mostly old enough to play games with the family and behave well (mostly, I said). We missed Michael, but we know he is where he is supposed to be, and it makes it easier knowing that he is doing well. I just see our joy increasing as the other kids get married, grandbabies start to come, and our family just increases along with our love and happiness. Ok, starting to get sappy, I'll stop now.
I never did get Christmas cards or letters written, but then again, we didn't get many this year either. Maybe everyone is just letting them fall to the wayside. I guess with blogging and facebook, no one feels as much need to send cards and letters. I may still write one, just for our own history. School started back today, so it was back to real life. Now I guess I need to de-decorate and get rid of all the crap food so we can detox now.
