Another Christmas past... I have to admit that going into this holiday, I didn't have a lot of the "Christmas Spirit" I usually have over the Holidays. It hit in waves of excitement and concern over the usual things and the added stress Christmas can bring financially. Everything worked out as always, and the holidays turned out pretty great as always.
This Christmas Eve was spent with the Burrows/LaTurner bunch. It was our first Christmas Eve together in a LONG time - at least four years. Unfortunately Shayne was scheduled to work and it changed our night a little, but we still had a great time together. Mom cooked a perfect dinner, we played the Twas the Night Before Christmas "Left/Right" game, and made time to search for a pickle on hidden on the Christmas tree to bring us a year of good fortune. Shayne left for work around 8:00 p.m. and I was on my own the rest of the night.
My hair stylist (who was a much better talker than a hair-cutter *sorry to say*) gave me a great idea for a new Christmas tradition. She said in her home growing up, the table was always set for Christmas breakfast when they woke up and they ate breakfast casserole for breakfast with a simple recipe. Her recipe sounded enticing, but I found one online that could cook all night in a slow cooker. PERFECT! Do the dirty work Christmas Eve, and wake up to a really tasty hot meal. I even used the crock pot slow cooker bags to help with clean up the next day. I was so excited to set up for my family on Christmas Eve.
Being alone, I guess that made me Santa's helper too. Helping Santa without Shayne was extremely strange to me, and truthfully, kind of boring. Santa had it all put together the night before (thank heaven) and it made it so much easier. It was a little disheartening to go to bed knowing Shayne would be at work all night.
Shayne and our family enjoyed the wonderful candle lit breakfast that had cooked perfectly over night. Danelle was too excited to eat (which inspired next years rule to eat her breakfast before opening anything). Shayne went to bed for a while after that and when he woke up, although we were showered and hair done, we stayed in our pajamas for unwrapping just as if it was the early morning.
Everyone got wonderful things. Santa brought Danelle the Siamese fighting fish she had so wanted, and named him Gill. Kaitlyn got a pink and blue Cozy Coupe car from Santa, and loves it! I finally got Danelle the perfect gift for her; a deluxe "everything" art set. Paints, markers, colored pencils, crayons, paper, scissors, and all the accessories all together complete with easel for the artist's comfort. Best $20 ever spent! Kaitlyn loved her play smart phone... I think I did pretty good picking for the girls this year. They got many more fun toys and activities as well.
Shayne and I got our gifts last minute, but found some really fun stuff. I think Shayne's favorite gift I bought was the remote control helicopter. He said that he always wanted one, but never got one before and it meant a lot to him. It was fun see him flying it in the house... until hit the ceiling, fell on the floor, flew back up and ricocheted off the table breaking a piece... Poor guy has been looking for parts ever since. He also got a shaver, shirt, and some pretty great jeans.
It's hard to say what gift was my favorite. I am enjoying my hair dryer with a brush attached so much more than I thought I would. It's great to straighten my hair, then curl it all in 15 minutes tops. I actually find it easier now than curling it like I usually do. I got some much needed jeans from the second hand store. I could have bought a brand new pair and a shirt but for the same price as that outfit I found four pairs of jeans, one used shirt, and three cheaper WalMart shirts. I felt like I scored, considering I needed clothes that fit (everything else was way too big now). I also got a Campbells Recipe Collection cookbook that I am LOVING. Most of the recipes have pictures included and they are all "real family meals" that I know my family would actually eat. I might blog about some of my findings.
I should add that my Dad drew my name in our Burrows/LaTurner drawing, and Shayne and he went in together on a really amazing gift; a SodaStream. I am loving it. As far as soda is concerned, this is the way to go. It's not made with high fructose corn syrup so its naturally lower in calories; 35 calories vs the 100 calories in the same 8oz of normal soda. Where diet is concerned, SodaStream is the way to go. It's made with Splenda, not Aspartame. Plus, it's good for the environment saving bottles.... OK, OK, sorry I know I have turned into a commercial and your probably wondering what this has to do with Christmas, but I AM way excited. Oh and for the record - it's delicious!
We got many great and wonderful gifts from great and wonderful people. I would name them all but I know I would forget someone. The girls were especially spoiled. I enjoyed watching them open their many gifts and seeing the excitement in their eyes. Minus Shayne working, I think this was a pretty wonderful holiday. I enjoyed having so many family out to share it with us! Tyler, Jessica, and family came from Oklahoma. David from Texas, and later that week the Chadburn brothers and Rebecca from St. George.
It was over in a flash. I look forward to 2012. I have a feeling a lot will change for the better by next Christmas for EVERYONE in our families. We are expecting two weddings, Tyler and Jessica moving back, Evan and Monyka buying a home, and although no one has said for sure - many "possible" pregnancies... ;) Did I mention? Shayne graduates in 2012 as well. Much good is coming! We hope you have a wonderful 2012 and a happy Christmas.
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