~Christmas and it's Eve!~

A few Christmas festivities we participated  in this year included parties, playing in the snow, talking about Christmas, reading a Christmas book before bed each night, singing the songs, AND... making donuts for Santa's elves!

Maddix was rolling the cheero-donuts
in syrup before coating it in
the sprinkles, powder, etc.

Our cute box, full of
donuts for the hard
working elves!

I found that idea in Pinterest, of course. And they actually turned out pretty cute. Now Santa can have his cookies (which Maddix informs everyone will make you fat if you eat), the deer can have their carrots, and the overlooked elves can have their donuts. 

Then we had our annual Gingerbread/graham cracker house building tradition over at my mom's. 

And after that, we had our annual gift exchange with the Johnson's. We cleaned house and were very spoiled, but my favorite were the traditional jammies with their adorable little footies!

Laying in his new blanket/pill/roll-up
from Gma Jo and reading his
new book:) 

It was almost too pretty to open

Digging through his presents
from Gma Jo!
(Thanks for spoiling Us!)

I LOVE all these little slippers!! 

Then once all the little ones were tucked in their beds, Santa came, the night finally ended and it was CHRISTMAS: 

Merry Christmas!

Snuggled with his bear all
night and kept it during the present
opening :)

Nala found her presents

Maddix was so good to put all the wrapping paper in the garbage after
each present he opened. 

Finally sits all by himself!!

LOVES her Frosty baby so much! 

Maddix's loot

Aaron's loot

Nala's loot

And a highlight of the morning was when I walked past my phone to see that someone was face timing me and guess who it was???? My missionary sister, Tayla! Oh it was incredibly wonderful to talk to her, and to see her. She really sounds like she is doing well and I couldn't be more proud of her. Maddix was beyond himself as he tried to keep all her attention on himself :)

After a leisurely morning we went and opened presents at my mom's 

Maddix and Aunt Brenna

My little Newsie and his new cup

New Christmas outfits! 

We didn't get to stay for too long before we made a quick dash back to the house where the DeBuck Christmas party was going on!

Christmas Goodies

Gma Eileen wearing Maddix's
new hat and giving out gifts

Maddix getting loads of attention,
as always. 

Then just as quickly after arriving we turned around and drove to Pleasant Grove for my Gma Wells' Christmas Party!

Isn't he so sexy?? I LOVE having him home,
especially for driving because I DON'T
like to drive. 

One min he was awake, the next
min he has pulled the carseat cover over
his head and is zonked out; poor guy really
just needed a nap! 

-Unfortunately I did not take any pictures the rest of the night-

However, we had a great time being out there just like we did at every other party we went too. For thinking it was going to be such a relaxed, low-key Christmas day, I couldn't have been more wrong. But in the end I was happy we made it to almost every grandparent/parent's home and just got to be around so much family on such a special day. 

I know that Christ lives. 

I know that the SOLE reason for this holiday season is to celebrate his birth.

He lived and died for us. 

And during his life he suffered more, experienced more, and went through more for us.

And he also loved more. 

I know that we need to keep as much love in our hearts for those around us as we possibly can because without unconditional love we'll never be truly Christ-like. I encourage everyone, especially myself, to start now at the beginning of the new year, to practice unconditional love, and to start working on Christ's Birthday present for next year: 365 days of sharing that love with family, friends, neighbors, strangers, co-workers, and everyone in between. 

Merry Christmas, and thank you for the special role you play in my family's lives. Whether you know it or not, you're important. 

If you don't believe me go watch It's a Wonderful Life (I haven't actually seen it, but I hear the message is great ;). 

Oh, and then this was all too cute to not record: 

Happy to be with the boys

This morning Maddix opened one of his new toys, a monster truck arena (Thank you Robert and Melissa!) and Aaron was on my lap. Well, he just HAD to be with his brother and dad and wasn't happy until I put him on the floor... then he gave me this attitude like, "you're exused mom. This is boys time!" It was pretty cute the way he had to be apart of it all. 

The boys have been so happy since Travis came home. I mean Aaron is always happy, but they just seem to be at ease. I'm very grateful for this time he has with us, and so grateful he's only leaving for one month, instead of two like we originally thought it would be! 

We are so blessed, and I just have to say that. Sometimes (all the time) I just step back and think, "How am I even going to pay the Lord back for all he keeps blessing us with." "How can we possibly be worthy of all we have?" And I seriously become guilt ridden with just how fortunate of a life we have. I know I will spend my whole life trying to pay the Lord back for this life, and never even come close. 

But, if anyone out there would like to hear about the Gospel or know anything about Christ's love for you, I invite you to email me and we can talk, or I can put you in touch with the missionaries because I would feel SO ungrateful if I didn't try to share the wonderful gift of the Gospel with those that I love around me! 

Merry Merry Christmas!