White Blessed Christmas
Christmas day is typically filled with family, cold weather and possibly when we are really lucky fluffy white snow too. This year was one of those special ones. We were greeted with falling beautiful, glittery white flakes at break of day. Well the opening of my eyes anyway. Hubby went in to his 2nd job to plow the glorious surprise away from the roads for travelers. In my home I received breakfast (cereal) in bed, and watched Miracle on 34th street too. The youngest 3 headed to G-ma and G's for breakfast leaving the house eery quiet except the rumblings of tanks and explosions from the computer in the classroom. #1 couldn't be removed from it if I tried.
Eventually I drug myself out of bed to hide and pretend nap while wrapping presents, etc. Hubby arrived back home in time to watch Marmaduke with G-ma and G, enjoying popcorn and hot cocoa. We didn't make it out to look at the lights and vote on the best house. Another day before the year is over we will do it. Tradition can continue without making the timeline so strict right?
Today I expected to hear excited screeches, feel small children flinging themselves on top of me in order to get up and see the surprises. Yet, none of that happened. Instead I heard a whispering oldest son beside my husband's side of the bed. "Daddy, I think there is a snake in my room. I heard something goes ssssss." Hardly containing laughter we glanced at each other and he responded, "Ok #1." Amazingly enough that was all that needed to be said and he departed getting distracted by the piles of presents under the tree and never mentioned it again. I asked if hubby was gonna check it out (the same hubby who despises snakes). His response, " No way, not if there is a snake in there." Great, ha!
I leave it to that child to never take the road commonly traveled. God bless his little heart. He is trying so hard. Just when I think nothing is happening he has a moment when he remembers and I sigh quietly thanking God for the feedback that seed is being sown even if the harvest takes time. This took place while shopping for his siblings. He actually remembered to say excuse me when walking in front of someone. I even asked the stranger in my disbelief. She nodded and complimented. #1 then added, "1 down only 3 more to go." I really love that kid! I only wish I could be a bit more patient, and a lot more supportive in ways that speak to his soul. This is the tricky part of parenting, teaching or the like...responding to those who are not the same as you in personality, love language and on.
Last year Santa didn't listen well to the things the kids truly wanted and only deal shopped. This year she strived extremely hard to ensure the disappointment that comes from unmet expectations would not take place. I am beyond a shadow of a doubt certain that it was a success. Halfway through opening the 8 presents each (hey I start in summertime and most were bought at a resale shop so don't assume I spent millions) it was clear they were happy already. #4 was the greatest reward of any when she spotted the small rocking horse unwrapped next to the tree. She immediately climbed on, then sought out a lead rope (dog leash) to have it walk on like her real horses. It even traveled to G-ma and G's for our 2nd Christmas and dinner. Well that and the roller blades for #2. They were "misplaced" by Santa and ended up under her pink tree in her room MUCH later in the day. #2 was unaware that she missed them stating herself that they were like camo because her tree is pink and so are they.
#3 enjoyed all his gifts but did say the only thing he missed was a crane. He had gotten one from our faraway friend but it did break and needs to be shipped back so that will be replaced. Otherwise he played nonstop never once being sad. #1 didn't get any Lego Star wars stuff but that will come at the big family Christmas. I even got a homemade certificate from hubby for a years worth of monthly date nights. Here's hoping that too!
I hope your was as blessed as mine. Merry Christmas all!
Eventually I drug myself out of bed to hide and pretend nap while wrapping presents, etc. Hubby arrived back home in time to watch Marmaduke with G-ma and G, enjoying popcorn and hot cocoa. We didn't make it out to look at the lights and vote on the best house. Another day before the year is over we will do it. Tradition can continue without making the timeline so strict right?
Today I expected to hear excited screeches, feel small children flinging themselves on top of me in order to get up and see the surprises. Yet, none of that happened. Instead I heard a whispering oldest son beside my husband's side of the bed. "Daddy, I think there is a snake in my room. I heard something goes ssssss." Hardly containing laughter we glanced at each other and he responded, "Ok #1." Amazingly enough that was all that needed to be said and he departed getting distracted by the piles of presents under the tree and never mentioned it again. I asked if hubby was gonna check it out (the same hubby who despises snakes). His response, " No way, not if there is a snake in there." Great, ha!
I leave it to that child to never take the road commonly traveled. God bless his little heart. He is trying so hard. Just when I think nothing is happening he has a moment when he remembers and I sigh quietly thanking God for the feedback that seed is being sown even if the harvest takes time. This took place while shopping for his siblings. He actually remembered to say excuse me when walking in front of someone. I even asked the stranger in my disbelief. She nodded and complimented. #1 then added, "1 down only 3 more to go." I really love that kid! I only wish I could be a bit more patient, and a lot more supportive in ways that speak to his soul. This is the tricky part of parenting, teaching or the like...responding to those who are not the same as you in personality, love language and on.
Last year Santa didn't listen well to the things the kids truly wanted and only deal shopped. This year she strived extremely hard to ensure the disappointment that comes from unmet expectations would not take place. I am beyond a shadow of a doubt certain that it was a success. Halfway through opening the 8 presents each (hey I start in summertime and most were bought at a resale shop so don't assume I spent millions) it was clear they were happy already. #4 was the greatest reward of any when she spotted the small rocking horse unwrapped next to the tree. She immediately climbed on, then sought out a lead rope (dog leash) to have it walk on like her real horses. It even traveled to G-ma and G's for our 2nd Christmas and dinner. Well that and the roller blades for #2. They were "misplaced" by Santa and ended up under her pink tree in her room MUCH later in the day. #2 was unaware that she missed them stating herself that they were like camo because her tree is pink and so are they.
#3 enjoyed all his gifts but did say the only thing he missed was a crane. He had gotten one from our faraway friend but it did break and needs to be shipped back so that will be replaced. Otherwise he played nonstop never once being sad. #1 didn't get any Lego Star wars stuff but that will come at the big family Christmas. I even got a homemade certificate from hubby for a years worth of monthly date nights. Here's hoping that too!
I hope your was as blessed as mine. Merry Christmas all!
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