Christmas Day

This year we changed our celebrations for the first time. My whole life we have celebrated Christmas with my extended family on Christmas Eve. This year, Sandra had a get-together the Saturday before Christmas. Ryan and I had planned to go with Martha's family to a Christmas program that I had wanted to go to the year before but was unable to because we were taking care of Mom. (did that make sense??) Anyway, the morning of the get-together, Martha texted me that they were not going to be able to go to the Christmas program. It was a good thing, because I was stressed trying to get the meal and gifts together to go to Andrew & Nikki's the next day. Ryan was able to go to Sandra's get-together though.

I had to make these pics really small because they were blurry. 

Sweet Jess! I got to see them when I went back to pick up Ryan. I also got to see the little kids/babies as they were leaving. They were already in the car, but at least I got to see them.

Christmas Eve at my house was very quiet. Actually, Ryan and I ran to the store to pick up some last minute things. It didn't seem like Christmas Eve at all. Christmas Morning we didn't get to see the grandbabies because we had already celebrated with them. I really missed them, and it was a little lonely/quiet for me. (Mark and Ryan don't know that though) Ryan was so excited to be able to get up Christmas morning and open his gifts. Last year he had to wait till we went to see the babies open their gifts and then straight to Nana and Papaw's.  I think it was around 5PM by the time he opened his gifts. So, this year was awesome for him. I realize our lives and plans are going to be changing each year, so I am trying to just go with the flow. 

I had to wake Ryan around 8:30 Christmas morning. He had asked me the night before to wake him really early, but there was no way I was going to drag out early if I didn't have to. Mark had already been up awhile. He usually gets up early every morning. 

This year Ryan's big gift was a smart phone. It was actually free (Yay!). 

He also got Monopoly and an Air Hog helicoptor. He had so much fun flying the helicoptor.

I also got him a really nice electric razor. He is going to need it pretty soon. He does not have to shave every day right now, but he will have to before too long. Oh, and I also got him a video game. I honestly don't remember what it was because he picked it out. He was so happy with everything he got. He said this was a really good Christmas! It thrilled me that he thought so.

Mark got me a new crockpot (which I told him I wanted).

It even has that little warming pot with it, which I love.

Ryan helped me pick out an MP3 player for Mark.

He really liked it too.

After relaxing for awhile, we all got ready and went to Nana and Papaw's. Mark wore his favorite team's hat.

He has loved the Vikings since he was 12 years old. He wore his hat so he could aggravate his Dad.

Papaw loves the Cowboys. :D They always tease each other about their teams.

Nana had fixed a delicious lunch. Papaw usually asks the blessing but since he was dealing with vertigo, Ryan asked the blessing in his place. Ryan said the sweetest, most wonderful prayer.  We all thought it was precious. And the cool thing was, he did it willingly. It was a wonderful memory to have for this Christmas. Ryan is shy and usually will not do anything in front of others. So, it was a nice surprise for us. As he was praying I thought, "(his words) really show that he knows God".

After we ate, Ryan showed Nana and Papaw his new phone.

Papaw was so impressed that Ryan could speak a question into the phone, and Google would post answers.

Ryan and Papaw have a special bond. :)

After lunch we went downstairs to open gifts.  

Most of the pictures Mark and I took downstairs were blurry. I am having problems with my camera. :(

I know this picture is a little blurry, but it is a great memory for me. 

Nana took a picture of Mark, me and Ryan.

We had such a wonderful, relaxing time. Nana sent yummy leftovers home with us, so I didn't have to fix supper. It was a great, relaxing day. I did miss my babies though. ;)

I got some really nice gifts this year. Nana got me an awesome food processor.

Andrew and Nikki got me a cool sewing machine.

And Mark got me the crock pot. I am so happy with my gifts, but I am more thrilled with being able to spend time with my family. There are things that I would have loved to change and do differently, but I don't want to think about them. I am just going to keep in mind the good memories,  and I am very thankful for them.