Yesterday, on Christmas Day, my sweet sweet Grandma passed away. After surviving her stroke last year, I have felt like any moments we had with her since were precious gifts. The times we enjoyed over the past year have been filled with love, laughs and fun and I am grateful for all of it. The memories of her from when I was a little girl until today are all precious and wonderful. Just a few short days ago, the kids and I chatted with her on Skype. They sang Jingle Bells together and Grandma did a fabulous impersonation of Santa. Drew loves her Big Fawa so much. We will miss her immensely. Love you, Grandma.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Morning

Our quiet Christmas at home this year has been really nice. Very mellow, relaxed and fabulous. This morning, Jason and I got up early to see if Santa had come over night. We were happy to see that he did indeed come and brought more than coal. We sat in the early hours of the morning sipping coffee and waiting for the kids to wake up. Drew woke up first and was thrilled to see Santa had come. She went and woke her brother up. Eli was not pleased but when he came into the living room and saw all the presents, he got over it quickly.

The only thing Drew asked for when she sat on Santa's lap this year was the Tinkerbell DVD. Imagine her glee when it was the first gift she picked from under the tree.

 

 

I took Drew out shopping to get Jason a present. She knows he wants a sailboat so when asked what she wanted to get him, she wanted only to get him one. So here is the gift Drew got him this year.

 

 

 

Drew got me a beautiful necklace and matching earrings. I didn't get the earrings in before she grabbed the camera to snap a photo of me in my new bling.

 

Here are the kids opening some of the goodies sent from Grandma Joanne. Thank you!!

 

 

 

 

 

Eli really likes the globe we got for them.

 

Drew got an acoustic guitar from mommy and daddy. She can't wait to play with Gigi. She was rocking out soon after picking it up for the first time.

 

 

A few more random shots of them enjoying the morning.

 

Jason will soon be busy building another house, this time smaller than the one we live in and probably a little more girly :) Drew was very happy to see the dollhouse kit we got for her.

 

 

 

Now, the boys are napping and Drew is playing quietly with some of her new things and I have been enjoying my new book.

A wonderful day so far.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve Cuties

We spent Christmas Eve by going to a church service at the church where Drew attends school. Then we came home and made homemade pizza, the kids opened their Christmas jammies, then played for a bit and quickly snuggled up to go to sleep so Santa can come. They're snoozing, Santa has come and gone and I am headed to bed now. But not before sharing a few photos for the far-flung grandparents who surely miss these cuties right now.

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She's trying to get me

Drew was trying to swing so high she'd touch me with her toes. Eli was trying too :)

 

Love Those Toes

 

The Greatest Gift

Drew got a new shirt with a big red bow on it. She says it makes her look like a big beautiful Christmas present. So she curled up under the tree tonight where she belongs :)

 

Good Morning, Sunshine!