Christmas Day

Christmas Morning was simply a delightful time. The girls didn't awake too early, and we opened stockings, ate breakfast and then opened gifts. I tried to ponder each moment and our many blessings. (Picture warning. :))

 Every year I dream of having a fire place mantel to hang my stockings...

 Ella the Elf jumped into my old Barbie Corvette with the Princess Barbies

 This Santa fills their stocking with practical things like shampoo, body wash, and teeth things. I may be boring, but they still enjoy it.

 Grandmom, on the other hand, gets them things they love. Such as crafts, fruit snacks and mac/cheese in fun shapes.

 Egg casserole that dad made, and coffee cake mom and I made. My favorite breakfast all year!

 Sadie got a new Barbie car, and Maisie will use my old one.

 Sadie asked Santa for an American Girl Doll. I love my daughter to pieces, but I could NOT get myself to pay $110 for one. So Target to the rescue - got this doll for $23, and it's perfect for her, don't you agree? (Hint - look at her name)

 Maisie asked Santa for night vision goggles. She was thrilled!

 Grandmom and Pops got them more Lego sets. Yeah!

 Analise didn't have a request for Santa this year, but she was really happy with this rainbow loom. She has made lots and lots  of bracelets!

A few months ago when Maisie was talking to Grandmom on the phone, she was rattling off all sorts of gift ideas. Many of which were simply silly. One of the things she told Grandmom she wanted was a NE blanket. Grandmom did not disappoint. This was probably Maisie's favorite gift of all the gifts she received. And she now wants to take it everywhere. :)

 Grandmom also made blankets for the other girls as well, and they are also loved. A volleyball blanket made Analise smile.

 And Sadie was giddy about her Hello Kitty blanket.

 Pops is a diehard Michigan fan, but he will also wear a NE sweatshirt.

 And my big gift (to share with the girls) was an ipad! YEAH! I love it more each day.

 The aftermath.

 Here is my pile of goodies. I also got an electric skillet, which I am excited to have. I kept telling Brandon that I wanted one surprise gift from him, since I knew the majority of gifts he was getting me. He spent a lot of time finding just the right thing; he got me a base layer shirt (since I am always cold) that is warmer in the middle, and then the underarms and sides are made of lighter material. Great idea and cute shirt; I felt loved. However, the seams on it were so itchy, I could stand wearing it. Poor guy had to return it.

 For lunch I made homemade tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, using homemade bread. ( I was even able to use my new skillet. :)) It was a nice, yet light lunch. That afternoon the girls played with new toys, I messed around with my ipad, and we watched "Monsters U." Peg gave that movie to Sadie, and Sadie called it Monsters Inc.iversity. So cute. 

For dinner we went to the Luke household, where everyone was there but D since he had to work. It was our traditional candlelit dinner with prime rib and all the fix-in's to go with it.

All 7 grand kids. I am beyond thankful how well all these kids get along. I never worry about them having arguments or issues with each other - what a blessing! My girls adore their boy cousins!

 My sweet family; I love this picture.

That night we went home and crashed. I was one tired and grateful momma.