Christmas Day 2008

We had a beautiful Christmas day. It's so amazing to reach the end of Christmas day - the one day that has been the focus for weeks, and realize that it's behind us for another year. I vow every year to do things differently, to take some of the stress off, and every year it is pretty much the same. I handle it better than I use to (I think), but it does get crazy.


Clyde kicks off the gift opening by opening his traditional calendar. This year it is a KSL special.




Carli loves her sweater from Cymony and Danny.










Clyde loves his new St. Patricks Day tie.













I love my key holder from Steph and Tom and family. They also sent pictures of the girls that are adorable.









I can't wait to get Clyde started on the LOST series. He and Chase are busy watch The Marx Brothers for now. Grrrr.








Carli is happy with her fluffy robe.





Carli is always on the lookout for the perfect gift. I actually broke my exerciser a few months ago. She sure got me on this one.




Carli's not so sure she's going to like this. I thought it looks like something she'd wear. We shall see.









Chase with his new guitar. By the time he spent his bonus from his employment he had the guitar he really wants. He's pretty good, actually.








Of course, Christmas Day Tradition is a breakfast where everyone has something they are making to bring it to pass. You guessed it: Hash browns, scrambled eggs, toast and fresh OJ. Yum!

Lybbert's came later in the day and opened their presents. Camber gave tons of shirts to Tyson from the kids in order not to break the rules that they would not exchange gifts. Well, the kids gave Camber towels.






Tyler opening her gift from Carli.







Tanner is thrilled with the art project Carli gave him.









Do I need to say the Table Top Foos Ball game Massaro's gave the kids was a real hit?





Tanner was just as excited about his Webkins dog as his mom said he would be. He is really into stuffed animals and thrilled to have one to keep alive via the computer.






It's not often I get a real ringer, but I got a couple with mom this year. Here she is with the coat I found her. She was thrilled and you can tell she feels good in it by the way she carries herself. My Christmas miracle included this and the boots I pulled right off the shelf that fit her perfectly. She couldn't have been happier.





Jefferson was just as excited with the second toy as he was the first. Apparently, Lybbert's gave him the same little toy.





Little Jake had been awake since 2:30 in the morning and by the time he reached Alpine, he was sound asleep and slept through most of the afternoon. This was about all the evidence we have of his presence and he wasn't all that excited about the Elmo Barn that he got. I suspect he'll be happier tomorrow.

Christmas Eve

This isn't my normal blog page, but it appears the one that is so cute is not available to me to add a post. So here goes. I may have to switch to this again, which isn't all that bad because it has the birth of Gage on it. I'm not certain how I came up with two blogs. It could have something to do with two daughters who are techno savvy and have created blogs for me. :)

Christmas Eve was a calm day until about 4:00 p.m at which time the race was on to get to the church for a quick "community" celebration. This is something my family enjoys a lot more than I do. I could enjoy it if it weren't for the fact I had dinner at home needing attention. I have vowed this year that next year our menu will be changed so that I too might enjoy the festivities and not make everyone miserable because I'm so dang stressed.

The pictures are from Chase's camera, since our camera was stolen on Dad's last trip to Brazil. This first picture is of our nativity. Tyler is Mary, Tyson is Joseph and Jake is an angel. He started out as a sheep, but decided he wanted to be the angel.


This is Jake holding his star in the air. It looks more like a spear, but it is a star at the top. He was quite proud of this little star and we all felt like our lives were in danger as he walked around with it. It wasn't a soft star, but rather a Christmas decoration off the tree.










This is Tyson and Tyler as Joseph and Mary. I hope Child Protective Services doesn't try and make anything of this.








This is yours truly watching my crazy family. Chase is enjoying his new camera and I guess he decided to see if he could catch me enjoying my family. It worked.



Tanner and Tyler are "signing" to Silent Night. Carli suggested we sing before we started our festivities to get us in the right mood. Go Carli! There is nothing like music to bring a sweet spirit into a gathering.

Jake is all about Elmo and he was quite pleased with his Elmos pajamas and slippers that he was allowed to open on Christmas Eve. This is a tradition that has passed down three generations now. It's a good one, too.

This is Jake with his slippers. You can tell he is pleased as punch.






This is the three kids in their Christmas PJs. They are NOT camera shy.