Christmas Day (2009)

This was a very special Christmas in many ways. I didn't think Ashley, Jason, Paisley, and Spencer were going to come home for Christmas this year. At 10:30 pm on Christmas Eve I was wrapping the last of the gifts in my bedroom. Little Paisley walked up the stairs and was coming into my bedroom. I thought I was seeing things and strained my eyes to see who it was because she looked so much like Paisley but I knew it couldn't be her.... It wasn't Adalei or Brielle.... Who else would be at my house that late at night - I hadn't even heard anyone at the door..... As Paisley got closer, I questioningly said, "Paisley?" When she immediately replied with "Grandma!" I knew without a doubt it really was her then and ran to pick her up and hug her. She really did surprise me and I was thrilled to find Jason, Ashley, and Spencer downstairs. I sure wasted a lot of tears over them not coming home..... What a great Christmas surprise for me! Then I began to understand why Jason had been interested in what we were doing during Christmas..... I am so grateful they came so we could all be together.

The two pictures above show all of us opening our gifts on Christmas morning. We decided to have each person open one gift at the same time and then show everyone their gifts before going on to the next gift. The thrill for me in giving is seeing how happy the receiver is to get my gift so I missed some of those moments but we quickly opened all of our gifts. I think everyone was quite pleased with their gifts. I gave Nate a special sports watch and Casey/Jenna a camera - both gifts were recommended by Jason who truly knew what would make them happy. Jason wanted to make sure everyone had the best Christmas ever. Charity got a lot of books for her job so she was happy as well.
The picture below shows how talented Nate was - holding Elijah with Brielle on his shoulders and opening his gifts at the same time. This picture shows him checking out his sports watch. Nate pretty much opened all his gifts with Brielle and Elijah just like the picture shows. He is one amazing dad.

The picture above shows Charity's big smile after opening a text book - I think Nate and Misty got her this special expensive one.
Below, Casey and Jenna had just opened their camera.......

Cute little Spencer with Ashley............ Spencer was sick and scared us quite a bit over the Christmas holiday. Later Ashley found out he had pneumonia so there were lots of prayers for him. I hear he is still a bit sick so my prayers for him continue.

Jason and Paisley................

In case you are wondering why my Christmas tree is strangely decorated, there's a story behind it..... Weston just loves balls and throwing balls. He thought my round ornaments were balls so one by one over several days he took ornaments off the tree and threw them. When we put the ornaments back on the tree, we always put them higher so he couldn't reach them to throw them again. By Christmas the ornaments were almost all on the top half of the tree. Weston didn't break any so we were all happy.........

All by herself, Jenna cooked us a delicious Christmas dinner. Her rolls were so awesome in looks and taste that I just had to take a picture. She made ham, potatoes, awesome broccoli, etc. It was a feast and we enjoyed it very much. Thanks to Jenna for a great job!

Above, Jason was bouncing Weston and Paisley on my exercise ball. They were having fun and the kids took turns. Below, I caught a quiet moment with handsome Spencer and his mom.

I just love to read to my grandchildren. The Dr. Seuss books are my favorite. I just loved this picture with Paisley's and Weston's facial expressions. We were having a great time and I was thrilled to have them with me for the holiday.

This picture above was taken the day after Christmas at Who Song & Larry's Mexican restaurant. It is our tradition to eat at this restaurant anytime Casey and Jenna are in town. Adalei, Brielle, Paisley and Weston were having fun with their balloons while we waited for seating.

Precious little Spencer above and Princess Paisley below all ready for bed. I miss all my family when they are gone. I am just grateful for a wonderful visit - to be together and to enjoy each other's company.

I'm starting to make plans for next Christmas already. I think we will take a trip north - perhaps to Seattle / Vancouver, B.C. We will see what the weather conditions are but hope we can make this trip since icy roads kept us from going last Christmas.