I wanted to make sure I preserved some of our family memories from Christmas 2009. This year we had three separate celebrations:
The first was spent with my parents from Texas. Since they were already here for Thanksgiving, we opened many of the gifts they brought from Texas just the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here's a collage of some of those memories (you can click on ANY of the pictures or collages to see them bigger):
On December 12th a package arrived from Nana and Pappaw. They told us to open one box in the package to use it right away, so we did. This video was the result of that. The kids really enjoyed making it and EATING it.
The second Christmas was on Christmas morning here with just the five of us. On a very snowy and cold Christmas Eve we stayed up late sneaking around to wrap presents and also setting up the train set that was passed down to us this year by my Dana. It's a special set that can be set on a variety of speeds, it can move forward or backward, it makes noise, and it even blows puffs of smoke (if you get some smoking oil). I'm placing both a photo and video clip of it in action. We'll be setting it up every year just for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
Aaaaaaand after that video you'll be humming "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" all day long. You're welcome. :WINK:
The following morning we couldn't wait to see the kids faces as they came down the stairs. They were absolutely shocked at the presents under the tree and the train set.
We started the morning off with opening stockings before breakfast. Oh what fun!!
We ate biscuits, gravy, eggs, and SAUSAGE. After breakfast, and still in our pajamas, we set up the camera to take a quick family snapshot before opening presents (don't mind our unfinished walls).
Then the opening began. And the kids were just tickled. They received beautiful clothing, jewelry, a watch, bath toys, a train set, a Buzz doll, a Woody doll, a Karaoke machine, and much more... We are so grateful!
Finally, our last Christmas was in January after a surprise package arrived from my grandfather and his wife. I'm so thankful that I caught most of it on video. Check it out below:
And one last video clip...this is of the kids using their new sleds from their cousins in Texas. I just love how she says, "...and we got them from someone." Bwahaha! They really had a BLAST, though!!
Thank you, again, to all of our beautiful friends and family. It means so much that you would think of our children and take the time to send them such lovely presents. We had an amazing holiday. We enjoyed the snow, the snuggles, and the time spent together making new family memories. And, even though I've said it before, Happy New Year everyone! (Now that I finished this post, I suppose it's time to finally get my Christmas cards mailed out. They're written, sealed, addressed, and even stamped. WHY is it so hard to just get them to the post office??)
I’m a joyful woman who wears many hats, including: wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter, cousin, friend, teacher, librarian, and follower of Christ. I’m also an ex-public school teacher turned SAHM turned unschooling mom. Our little midwestern family is tremendously grateful for the liberties we have to home school, 
10 ♥ thoughtful comments ♥:
How sweet! Love those videos -- thanks for sharing them. You have a beautiful family, and we love to watch your kiddos experience these things, too. My fave was the gingerbread house. THOSE ARE WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD!
Oh man! You have a TRAIN! Judah would asked you to adopt him if he knew what that meant... :) He's a train fanatic right now. My grandfather had one, back in the day, but I have no idea what's happened to it now...
Kudos to you for getting such great film of your Christmas. This year I totally copped out and only have about ten, very grainy and blurry pictures.
I was so happy to see you posted something! Seems like we're all so busy lately that posting doesn't happen as often. Sweet memories. I'm so glad we were able to make that trip over Thanksgiving, though now, it seems like a very long time ago. I still need to see what Linda sent...saw it in the magazine, but couldn't figure out how it worked. To sled or scoot on snow? Anyway, I love you. Poppy is feeling better, but still not back to himself. Even now, he is still asleep. That bug really hit him hard - and then he passed three kidney stones. So bad. Rains, it pours. I love you.
Jess~ Thank you, dear. I didn't imagined others would read or watch every last detail of my report, but it means so much that you do. And though I would WALK to your house, blogging still seems to be the main way we keep in touch through the long winter. LOL
Herbie~ That's my middle child, too. He's totally train crazy. He loved the one around our tree, but he was excited to also get one that he can play with year-round. It's so fun watching their little minds work.
Mom~ Thank you for gently reminding me that I forgot to include those awesome things. I can't believe I forgot to include the video. What DO you call them? Sleds? Scooters? I don't know, but they've had a blast. I'll go find it and have it up within an hour.
HOW CUTE!!! LOVE THE ADDITIONAL VIDEO!!! ♥
There was another really great video that daddy shot, but the camera was turned sideways and I don't think you can turn video upright when it's been shot that way. If anyone knows otherwise, let me know what to do.
First of all, you guys are so cute in your pajamas. Love the videos. It's so nice to get a glimpse into all your happy family times.
It's a true blessing to have such a wonderful family! Thanks for sharing with us Shaye :)
wow!! that was a visual trea indeed. loved the reds in all your clothes and the kids in their night dresses all excited near the christmas tree was delightful.
I don't know why it's so difficult to send out the cards once everything is addressed, etc., but it does seem to be very true! and what a beautiful Christmas you had together!
Kelly~ Thanks! I just had to make sure to include it all on the blog. These memories just seem to disappear if we don't document them somewhere.
Sujata~ The holidays are such a fun time. Usually we're down in Texas surrounded by tons of family, so it was quite unique to spend the week here with just the 5 of us. Pretty quiet and cozy. :)
Sarah~ I think next year I'm just going to do digital cards. Postage is much cheaper. LOL
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