Christmas 2014

One of our Christmas Eve traditions is to bring out all the presents from Mom and Dad and friends and family on Christmas Eve night. Santa leaves our kids one awesome present unwrapped and stockings.

 We had a talk with the kids that because Dad was working we talked to Santa and he would come early this year for our family on the night of the 21st because he knew how important celebrating together as a family is and that he wanted us to all be together. It was a great way to tie in what is really important during Christmas time and show that Santa wants us to be Christlike. And stop by our house he did on the 21st. Eden did get her "real" camera, Elara got her puppy dog, and Kael got a "real" baby bearded dragon.

Every year seeing the tree lit up with the presents around it on Christmas Eve just seems so special to me. It is a memory I always want to remember. It's more of a feeling than anything. When you look at the picture it just doesn't do the moment justice, but it does bring back those happy memories.

 Christmas morning before the madness.

We blocked off the stairs with a bed so that the kids couldn't come down until Mom and Dad slept long enough. We made it to 7 am if I remember right. Me and the kids are sporting our Christmas Eve jammies.

First view of Santa stuff. We let the kids play with their Santa presents and stockings while Mom and Dad make bacon and cinnamon rolls.

Playing with Santa stuff.

Christmas breakfast!

After all the other presents were opened.

 Kael and Derek put together his new lego set. This cool robot can also be built into an airplane or a car.

We played lots and lots of games during the whole of spring break.

Christmas dinner

Homemade TOMMY'S!

Those who have never traveled to Southern California, you don't know what you are missing with this greasy deliciousness!

Christmas was memorable and so special. Each year it is a wonderful time to reflect on our blessings. We have been so blessed this year. I love the opportunity Christmas gives us to teach the kids and ourselves to be a little kinder, selfless, and just Christlike. 

Something we learned with having little older kids this year. The whole naughty and nice or Santa won't bring you presents was so overwhelming this year. It took away from what the real meaning of Christmas is about the Savior. Something we realized almost too late. It wasn't helping our kids or ourselves. We then evaluated our situation and decided what would Christ do? Christ would forgive, and so we decided to do the same for our children. We stopped using Christmas as a threat. Instead, we used it as a time to forgive and love. As we showed more love to our kids there was a huge change. They still had several "naughty" moments, but were quick to change their behavior and there was more peace at home because of this.

It truly was an amazing experience and an eye opener for our little family. How cool that we can learn so much from our kids.