Christmas Eve and Day

For Christmas Eve, we spent time with Husband's family.

Some of the kids got a little excited about all the martinelli's flowing.

Husband's mom made an incredible meal.  We all helped a little but she really blew it out of the park. 

 And they surprised Princess Penelope with a cake and candles and gift.  It was so thoughtful and melted my heart.  So much kindness!

Ev discovered fudge.  And he likes it.  A lot.

James may have overeaten slightly. 

We had a great time visiting with Husband's family and returned home with tired kids. 

***

The kids were not allowed to bother me until 9am.  At 9am, we got a knock on the door.  Now they decide to be punctual...

Off to open presents.

And someone snacked on more of Grandma E's toffee.

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Once Ev figured out what was going on, he got into the spirit of ripping open his gifts.

He got light saber bubbles from his Grandma J.  Ev loves bubbles.  Like loooooovvvveeesss them.

Two of the kids got bikes and they all got lots of clothing and some weapons, games, books, and movies.  They had a good Christmas.

The best part of the day is when K and Anabelle called to facetime for Christmas.  We missed Anabelle this visit.  But we were so happy to see her looking good.  We cannot wait to get together and have another Christmas/Birthday celebration with her. 

We know what an incredible blessing it is for us to have all these people in our lives.  Our families, our kids, our bonus but equal kids, our friends.  The kids CASA's.  We feel so very, very blessed.  They have all come into our lives in different ways and at different times but we truly love them.  And we feel so loved in return.  

I never, never, would have planned my life this way.  I would have planned it neater, easier, more consistent.  I am very type A and good at organizing everything just so...

But God knew better.  He knew the adventures, the trials, the blessings that we needed to help us learn and grow and to feel gratitude for.  I have learned so much from all the hills and valleys of our life.  And there were some days that seemed so hard, so dark.  I love Elder Holland's talk when he spoke of having courage to keep going.  It is so hard to keep going when it is is dark and you feel like you have failed.  But we kept going.  One foot in front of the other.  And life today isn't neater or easier in so many ways.  Everyone has their struggles.  But it is rich and colorful.  And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the whole world.  Not anything.