It's Not Your Birthday

That was the title of a sermon Pastor Tom gave at the beginning of Advent.  It's a phase that has stuck with me as I've rushed around trying to {again} make the 'perfect' Christmas.  I've come to many conclusions this year:
1.  There's no such thing as a perfect Christmas.  Each is really remembered for it's imperfection.
2.  I need more work when it comes to thinking about others.
3. Grumpy does not belong in shopping.  Finding Joy...Finding Joy...

Christmas Eve 2012

Another December 25 has come and is quickly leaving...Patrick has a 32 gig iPod Touch.  Jacob has a fancy tennis racket and bag & chose a PS3 game over an iPod touch...{Dad took pity on the kid who 'lost' his at school and bought him a new one on Christmas Eve ~ and we gave him the choice of the PS3 game or the new iPod...which he decided he didn't want.  He now has Patrick's old one & the game & the hope of 'finding' his old one}  I have a fancy tennis racket with PINK strings {amazing} and Mike has a Kindle Fire.  I hope he really likes it.

We were awaken by our 17 year old little kid at 6:30 am yelling, "Christmas is here.  Christmas is here."  I find it heart warming that even as a really big kid, he still is excited for Christmas morning! 

Then we went to the Herzig's for Christmas afternoon and dinner...yummy ham & wonder salad {because you wonder what is in it, according to Dan}.  Lots of desserts...and I need to quit eating sugar!

The most exciting thing is that we are under a BLIZZARD WARNING.  Here's the Emergency Alert we ALL got on our cell phones at 2:41 pm {funny to hear that buzzing noise coming from almost every cell phone and iPod in the house}

Blizzard Warning this area til 7:00 AM EST Thu. Prepare.  Avoid Travel.  Check media. -NWS

I'm really looking forward to a Blizzard.  We can hunker down, play games, watch movies & eat all this food in our house.

Memories:

The gloves with the 'diamond' rings

The POOpourri ~ spray in the loo before you go #2...

Mom H and her MOUND of Christmas presents!

"Put the cell phone down, Terri, or I'm taking from you."