Christmas/New Years in New Harmony

Merry Christmas!

 So we were home for Christmas this Year, and it was wonderful!  I don't have pictures because my camera was out of commision for a while, but I can tell you that the children got everything they could ever imagine and more.  Joseph got a train set complete with table.  Isabel got a baby Bell doll with a holiday dress, and a little toy elf, just what she asked for.  Maximus asked for a million things, and got one of them from Santa that he really wanted.  It was an automatic rapid fire Nerf gun.  They got a billion other things that I wont bother mentioning, and they were totally occupied the whole day!

My parents were kind enough to drive up for a visit on Christmas day, and stayed over night.  We did a few fun things, and then my parents left...with the kids.  We were planning on going up to New Harmony on Thursday, so we let the kids go up early with my parents.  It was a nice little break, for me.  So while in New Harmony we had a little late Christmas with the whole family.  Sharley and Jonah were able to come, and Mavis and Stan and the girls.  We opened presents on Friday, here are a few pictures.

This is JoJo, saying: "Let's open presents!"

 Pinkalicious doll

 Mom got a nutcracker from Stan and Mavis, it was awesome!

 Harry Potter Lego set

 Hex Bug

Here's Maley

 This is the quilt my mom made me.  She made 3 quilts, one for each of us.  Quite talented that girl!

 I didn't get a lot of pictures while we were visiting, because I was having too much fun!  I did however get some pictures of the kids doing their nativity skit, with the new costumes that Mavis made.  Awesome!

 Joseph was a shepherd

 and Max and Isabel played the part of Joseph and Mary

I love Christmas time.  If we can make it through the stress of presents and partys, and just sit for a moment and enjoy the spirit of  peace and love, and time spent with family, it is quite an amazing time of year.  It's wonderful to have time to sit and laugh with good friends, and have the kids home from school to spend more time with them.  I'm grateful for my family, for my children that constantly teach me love and patience.  For my husband who works all hours of the day, and then comes home and gives his all to his wife and children.  I'm grateful to my parents for their love and support, as well as Reece's parents for their love and support.  All of our brothers and sisters who we don't see very often, but who always love us unconditionally.  We are so blessed to have so many in our lives that take care of and watch over us.

Most importantly I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven, and the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ.  Without our Savior, there would be no family, no Christmas season. 

I am grateful!

12 joyful days

We were blessed this holiday season to have some elves deliver presents to us on the 12 days before Christmas.  We were astonished each night as we found a new treasure on our door steps.  We are extremely grateful to whom ever it was that brought us such joy. 

1st day: Decorated Christmas Tree

 Day 2: Warm home made bread with Jam

 Day 3: Door wreath, it was real, and smelled amazing

 4th: this night has no picture because I forgot, and because it was dug into upon arrival.  We received a Christmas basket lined with a hand made blanket, filled with I.B.C. root beer, popcorn, and the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." 

Day 5: The forgotten Carols

 day 6: A beautifully hand crafted gingerbread house

 Day 7: Poinsettia

 Day 8: Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows, with mugs.

 I had to show this.  The notes on all the gifts were creative and cute, but this was my favorite:

 The 9th night brought some mischief.  Maurice and the children stayed posted at the door and front window to try and catch the "elves."  To no surprise, they did not catch anyone. They're elves of course they have special powers.  Maurice however did break the glass around this lovely candle as he flew out the door still trying to catch someone in the act.  Silly boy!

Day 10: Mmm!  Yummy Cinnamon Rolls

 Day 11: Stockings filled to the brim with lots of goodies

 

 

  

Day 12: On the 12th night of Christmas we received wrapped gifts for the children and a sweet little Nativity reminding us of the birth of our Savior

I wanted to document this because it was one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for us.  We will always remember this, and be forever grateful for the spirit it brought into our home this Christmas season!