A Christmas recap....
It's 2 days after Christmas. By now, I usually find myself READY to put away the tree and pack away the decorations. To restore a sense of order to the house. Ready to breathe a sigh of relief that all of the festivities and preparation are over. But this year is different. I'm actually dreading taking down the tree. It was magical here this year and I'm not ready to pack that away just yet.
Ever since the arrival of Tic-Tac, the kids were soooo ready for Santa to come. They've talked about Christmas everyday, with the anticipation building from one day to the next. By Christmas Eve, everyone was so excited they hardly slept on the 2 and a half hour drive home from Grandma's house, even though it was past their bedtime by a couple of hours. On our way home, we saw a bright white streak across the sky led by a flashing red light, and Chloe was convinced it was Santa and his sleigh. Their sense of wonder and true belief have made this year unforgettable to me. And I know that these years will be the ones I look back on with the most fondness in the years to come.
We started our Christmas break by heading to Jared's family's house the day before Christmas Eve. We exchanged presents with them that night and the kids opened SO MANY presents it was hard to keep track of everything. Christmas could have been over right then and they would have been satisfied for sure. On Christmas Eve, we went out to Grandpa's farm to play in the snow and ride 4 wheelers which was such a great way to spend a white Christmas together. The kids had opened snow boots from Jared's sister the night before, so it was the perfect time to try them out!
On Christmas Eve night, we went to Jared's grandpa's house with all of his family for their annual Christmas party. After staying for a couple of hours, we loaded up and headed home to get the kids to bed so Santa could come. My parents were waiting for us at our house and got to spend Christmas Day with us. It was great to share that time with them. The kids were really excited about thier presents from Santa; he brought three things for each of them (if it's good enough for Jesus, should be good enough for them too, right ) :). So Cole got a Wii Lego Star Wars game, a huge Return of the Jedi Star Wars battle pack, and a Bumblebee Transformer. The girls got a wooden dollhouse to share, and then they each got a new doll for the dollhouse and some makeup and makeup bags. It was so fun to watch them open it all.
Like I said, now that Christmas is over, I'm having a hard time letting go of the magic of the last few days. As we were putting all the new toys away today, I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. For our family. And our extended family. For all of our blessings. But most of all, for Jesus. That 2,000 years ago, God sent him as the perfect gift. A gift to which our earthly blessings don't even compare. And that is truly magical.
Merry Christmas Stocksens!!! It looks like you guys had a great christmas. I can't believe you have already had time to go through your pictures! The snow looks like it was so fun! Maddie and Allie were praying very hard that it would snow but I told them there is always next christmas.
Posted by: liz | December 27, 2007 at 04:27 PM
It is such a magical time. Thanks for sharing your photos. Looks like the Stocksens had a wonderful Christmas... glad to hear Mom had time to enjoy the hustle and bustle as well.
Posted by: Jenny Gordon | December 27, 2007 at 06:42 PM
On Christmas eve, when the kids were putting out reindeer food that night along with the cookies and milk for Santa, the excitement in their little faces was just priceless. Dad and I have particularly felt blessed and been especially grateful this year for our family and the times we get to share together. I agree with you that the memories of this Christmas are extra special. love you all so much! Mom
Posted by: Gram | December 28, 2007 at 06:08 AM
I love the black and white photos of them opening their gifts!
Abbey has that same penguin outfit that Kate is wearing.
Posted by: Lacey McKay | December 28, 2007 at 08:48 AM
Looks like you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas! We did here too! I wish I had taken more photos of all of it but I really just seemed more interested in enjoying the moment this year, rather than being behind the camera! Next year I will do better! ;-) LOVE your snow pics!!! You always have the best b/w images too!
Posted by: Shari | December 28, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Wow, look at all those presents under the tree! Glad you all had such a good Christmas!
Posted by: Jeneen | December 28, 2007 at 03:30 PM
Great pictures. Our Christmas felt really magical this year, too. :) And I completely agree ... the blessing of Jesus is the best gift of all. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kris | December 30, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Sweet pics, Kel. I love your recap of your magical Christmas this year. Hmm, maybe we need an elf, too... :) Happy new year, dear friend!
Posted by: jamey | December 31, 2007 at 06:16 AM
You all look great. I cant decide which pic is my favorite... they are all SOOO GOOD! Happy New Year. By-the-way, I really would like to send you an email. Can you send me your email address? Bobby
Posted by: Bobby Cox | January 02, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Such beautiful photos as always! And I absolutely adore the card you posted of the kids - wow!
Posted by: Heather | January 04, 2008 at 07:05 AM
So glad you all had a great Christmas!!
Always such great pictures! We need to get together soon!
Posted by: Marie | January 06, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Kelly,
I've been checking everyday for your new website...and I found it tonight! What a wonderful piece of work! It's beautiful and describes everything so well! Great work!
Posted by: Emily | January 23, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Kelly,
I've been checking everyday for your new website...and I found it tonight! What a wonderful piece of work! It's beautiful and describes everything so well! Great work!
Posted by: Emily | January 23, 2008 at 06:40 PM