Starting Christmas off Right

Because Christmas is such a busy time of year we always try and celebrate with my Mom early.  This year was quite early since Mark was off only one weekend!  We celebrated on Saturday December 9th.  The weather was gorgeous, not typical for December.  The kids were outside playing wearing only hoodies.  They played spy's in the trees, jumped on the trampoline and went on the zip line, all while us girls got the meal ready!

The meal was delicious!! Turkey with all the fixings.  Pork loin roast.  Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing and my favorite, carrots and turnips!!!  There were veggies and dip, jello salad with pretzels and buns!!  For dessert we had an array of yummy treats, rice krispie marshmallow balls, cookies, tarts, sweet marie bars and pie!  Everyone pitched in to make it a meal to remember!!

Instead of the cousins buying for each other we did a white elephant gift exchange.  Each kid brought a generic present and I read a story that would say right or left in it.  The kids had to follow directions and pass their present either right or left when the word was said!  They had fun doing it and each got a cute gift!

Everyone then opened stockings.  Mark always puts these together and does such a great job.  Each one of us get something that we really like or need, it goes to show how much effort he has put in to getting to know each of us individually!!  Then we opened more presents!!!  Grandma and Grandpa always get the kids something and then the adults draw names.  We were all definitely spoiled!!

The day continued with games!!  First was trying to remove ping pong balls that were in a box tied to your back without using your hands!!  The next was decorating your partner with green streamer tape to look like a Christmas tree all while wearing oven mitts!  Another game was trying to get a pom pom to stick to your team mates nose, which had Vaseline on it.  And then we ended the night by playing a few rounds of spoons!!  Lots of fun and lots of laughs!!

I am so thankful for family and for the love that we share.  Feeling this love reminds me of our Savior and the love he has for each of us.  And then that reminds me of the true meaning of this sacred season.  A time to be together with those we love and hold dear is the best gift one could receive!