Christmas Chaos

We've been pretty busy the last few days, but had a very enjoyable holiday. We kicked off the celebration on Christmas Eve when Wes' parents and sister joined us for chicken enchiladas and gifts. They gave Grace an awesome bed for her baby doll along with a whole new wardrobe for her babies. She loved it. Hunter got a cool Eagles football neon light and a cool looking football player to hang on his wall. He was also very happy with his gift. They gave me a tri-pod which I desperately needed that can hold either my camera or the camcorder, and they gave Wes a VISA gift card. We were all very excited about our presents. Oh! And Kim gave us a board game.

After they left, we continued with our X-Mas Eve traditions. We all opened up our new pajamas and the kids opened up their new ornaments. I had bartered for some of their gifts this year including their pj's, which my friend Jackie made for them in exchange for some board books. They LOVED their new pajamas--both the print and the comfort. We tried to watch Polar Express, but it seems our copy is scratched up, so instead we watched the last half of Santa Claus starring Tim Allen before the kids headed off to bed.

While they were sleeping, Santa Claus snuck in and left them some gifts. I can't tell you how blessed we have been this holiday season by the generosity of others. Santa was a collective effort this year, thanks to some very special people. Not only did Santa leave some gifts, but Gracie awoke to 6 boxes from her friend Jasani's mom packed to the rim with some beautiful new clothes and shoes. Hunter is friend with Jasani's brother, Gary, and he and is dad had shown up a few weeks ago with the drum set for Rockband as a gift to Hunter. He has been playing that game non-stop since he received it. Thank you to all of our wonderful friends for making this year extra special for us.

After presents, Daddy fixed everyone breakfast on his new griddle. Then, we headed to my grandparents house for lunch. We all had a fun time hanging out and the food was delicious, as always. My kids had fun playing with Trey's new drum set, and I had fun goofing off with my brother and sister during picture time.

Hunter ended up staying at my grandparent's house so he could spend the night with Trey. We headed home for some rest, then went over to Ashana and Chocolate's for a while. Grace had a blast playing with all the kids that were there and riding around in Jasani's new Corvette. Hopefully, I'll have some pics to post later. My camera was dead, but Ashana took a lot of pictures.

On Friday, we went and picked Hunter up, then went and picked up Hudson so he could spend the weekend with us. There is absolutely no denying that he has officially passed me up in height. He just turned 12 on Dec.1st and is not only taller than me now, but he is also wearing a size 11 men's shoe!! Hunter had talked to Hudson about skateboarding and so Hudson ended up asking for a skateboard for X-Mas. Paul, his mom's friend, gave him one, so he brought that with him. On Saturday, I took the kids (along with Hunter's friend Gary) to a local skate park.

Later on Saturday, Wes' family came over so they could see Hudson, and we gave Chloe, our niece, her gift. I'm not sure the last time that all of the cousins/grand kids were together, so Loyd and Mary wanted some pictures.

On Sunday morning, we all got up and put on our "fancy" clothes, as Grace calls them. We were invited to Friendship West Baptist Church for the baptism of one of Hunter's team mates. We really enjoyed the sermon, as well as the entire service. Congratulations Derrian! We are all soooo proud of you and your commitment to serve God.