Christmas Bliss!

I think it has taken me until now to catch my breath enough in order to do a Christmas post. It was a nutty week, but I feel like we also took the time to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. I am proud that my kids got really into the gifts they were giving this year instead of just the ones they were receiving.

We spent Christmas Eve at my mom's watching a movie and healing to the wounded--my mom had a skin graft on her ear for a wound that wasn't healing and Bennett decided to one-up her and slice his shin down to the bone playing basketball. So, I got to clean and inspect their stitches before we headed to my dad's house. We had a great dinner and watched my dad (OK, Brandon and I can't handle it either) blubber through a reading of a story he reads every year about a family who stops at a diner on Christmas Day only to have their 1-year-old befriend a bum. Long story, but the essence of the story is that the best presents are often the little acts of kindness. It is impossible to hear or read it without bawling. Makes me realize each and every time just how incredibly lucky I am for all that I have.

I was shocked that the kids made it unti 7:20 to wake up, but it was a nice surprise. Cooper is always our most excited, which is kind of cute since he's the oldest. He about comes unglued with excitement. This year's Oscar performance for best actress went to Kinley who gasped and shouted for joy with each new gift. Even the pack of gum in her stocking was a home run. Seeing that much joy in her eyes makes it all worth it.

I ended up getting called off Christmas night at work, so that was a nice little present for me. I was a little melancholy as I went to bed, though, realizing that it won't be too much longer before these totally magical Christmas mornings racing down the stairs are gone. I guess I'll have to be creative to find ways to keep the magic going. :)