Christmas Morning In Review

 Christmas with kids is the best.  We really get into Christ's birth and the gift of  God's son, Jesus.

I love the wonder, the magic, the excitement, and the joy of Christmas.

Here's some of our favorite 2013 Christmas memories:

• This year we did the angel on the shelf thing, and we all loved our angel, Joy.  She taught us so much about the meaning of Christmas.  Each day she came with a special message, activity, or gift.
• Baking with the kids was a big hit.
• We also watched the popular "Christmas Jammies" youtube video a hundred times.  And we'll be singing that tune all year and shaking our hips.  :-)  "In my Christmas jammies..."  
• We went to Rock City and saw the beautiful lights there.  
• We also did our annual Polar Express Minivan Christmas Light Expedition where we went out and found great Christmas light displays.  Our favorite so far in in Soddy Daisy near the lake.
• And of course Christmas morning!!!

When the kids come down stairs, we first huddle together and pray.  We thank God for all of His blessings that He has given us. We want them to know that Jesus was His greatest gift to us.   Then the kids can enjoy their three gifts.  Clark this year got Skylanders, Legos, and more Legos.  Joel got Skylanders, race track table, and Beyblades.  Levi got Imaginext stuff, plastic animals, and Duplos.  Karissa got a piggy bank, movies, and a doll.

The boys' first look at their blessings

Lego Land--Michael and I built 45 sets the months leading up to Christmas.  We got the sets off Craigslist, and they included Star Wars, Lego City, Harry Potter, etc.

Two Trofast systems filled with color sorted Legos!!!  Another Craigslist purchase that took many late night hours!

Levi hit the mother load with Imaginext (garage sale $10!)

We also found a cool water/sand table on Craigslist.  I converted it to a car race track on the lid, and a monster truck dirt track in the tub.  Yes, my kids play with dirt even inside the house!

Little Karissa Hope loved eating her new doll.  She also got a piggy bank and a few girlie movies for one day.

Christmas was so beautiful this year.  We had so much to be thankful for--our beautiful children, Michael's promotion, good health, supportive and loving family,  and so much more.

  I can't wait for Easter!!!