Christmas

I can't believe that Christmas is over already. I can't believe that Jesus has been born and now Mary is having the same sleepless nights that I have had. Wait, her's would probably be worse considering breast feeding was probably her only option and breastfed babies eat more frequently. Then I forget it was more than 2,000 years ago so her sleepless nights are over, at least here on earth.

This was the hardest Christmas for us yet. This was probably the best Christmas we have ever had. Strange that it turned out that way. We have had some really hard times this season and the out pouring has been amazing. Mackenzie's school did so much for my kids this year that I am blown away. I am moved by the generousity of those who did not know us and gave to us any way and those who did know us and our situation.

Avery is able to wear a clean diaper now every time she poops because of their gifts of diapers. Okay, I'd change her every time she pooped beforehand. No need to go call CPS. I think we got 5 packs of newborn diapers from the school. I went up to the school the Thursday that school was letting out to pick up the items that people had bought for MY kids. Connie, the school's right hand lady, was so excited about the gifts. She was just as excited as I was. An entire table was set up with the items.

Avery got receiving blankets, diapers, and a few clothes. Jackson got the huge Jungle Imaginext toy, Batman mask, 2 batman toys and a backpack. Mackenzie got jeans, marshmellow coat, a couple of shirts, and a keyboard. One lady heard that we had just had a premiee and she had a premiee a few years earlier. She gave Connie a Walmart gift card to give to us. It was one she had gotten when she returned some items, thus the odd balance on it. It was for $109.xx. Over a hundred dollars for us. That left me speechless.

My parents also bought each of the kids one "big" gift for us to give the kids from Santa. Thankfully each of their big gifts were less than $50. Not because I'm super cheap (which I am) but it's what they wanted and M's happened to be on sale.

Thankfully I had already bought the kids a few gifts before we went broke. I found a great website for books that are dirt cheap. M loves to read and I had gotten her around 25 books for $2 or less each. She was so excited about the books. I am so glad that she loves reading. Jackson also got some books and while he wasn't quite as excited about them as she was they are great. I cannot wait to read him the Veggie Tales books. Not to mention they are hardback and $1.50 each. Yes, love bargains.

M. got her first bras and panties from Victoria's Secret. Lee has a hard time with the fact that she even has to wear a bra. I did at that age so it doesn't bother me as much and besides that I'm her mom. I had gotten the 2 bras and 3 panties for less than $15. I got 2 extra bras but I accidentally got the wireless but with a formed cup so I have to exchange those.

We had a great Christmas. The kids had a great Christmas. The Christmas eve service was really nice. I just wish they had a nursery. Kids were making noise over the entire church which drives me crazy. I think it's from my dad being a pastor. Jackson couldn't sit in the auditorium type chairs because he didn't weigh enough the chairs would pop up. He was moving around and when he sat in Lee's lap he kicked the back of the chair for the poor guy in front of us repeatedly and kept saying "Shhh...." with his finger to his lips. Yeah, that's not how to be quiet. Needless to say we didnt' quite make it all the way through.

We left at the communion part. I wasn't in the mood to explain to Jackson why he couldn't have the bread and why it was so small adnd the fact that there wasn't any butter and no seconds. And try explaining to him why he couldn't have some juice. Whew... more than we could handle. Note to self I will only go to another Christmas eve service when he is either 10 or is tied up with duct tape or I'm with my parents. For some unknown reason my kids listen to them better than to me.

Oh and I had to explain to Jackson that we just had to go to the service at 7pm before opening gifts because it was to celebrate Jesus' birth. We got there and he wanted to know where baby Jesus was because it was his birthday party. Then he wanted to know if we all got to wear party hats. Gotta love kids at this age.

Christmas was perfect. Even more so because we got the chance to see my family and spend time with Avonelle and Wilson the week before. I don't think it could have been any better.