Christmas is Almost Here

Got all your shopping done? I did. I actually dared to go shopping on black Friday this year and got most of it done that day. I had a few items to pick up here and there that I was waiting to go on sale and all done. I had a budget and stuck to it believe it or not. So now the kids are just waiting for the day and they have been mighty patient! I love Christmas and I'm happy to say we'll be celebrating the day in our cozy little house with the girls, the dog, our tree and presents. And boy do I look forward to it because the girls are at an age where they still believe in Santa and will rush down to open their presents. From our very own tree that Santa will drop stuff off at.

I remember the days when my brothers Jake, Brandon, and myself would rush down in the morning to see the tree and what presents were put under there for us. As we got older, we'd always have to go do chores and then run to the house to see what we got. Then later that day Grandma Radi would come over and Grandpa Maygra, and when we were younger we'd go to Grandpa Donny's and Muriel's. Grandpa Donny would always give us 2 dollar bills and silver dollars, which became a tradition. Then Uncle Jim got married to a lovely Italian lady and we started having Christmas at her house too, and boy did that woman make the best Better than Sex cake. Those were always good times.

Now I am excited because this will be the very first Christmas our girls get to wake up in their OWN house on Christmas morning and open presents. Because every year since we've been married, we've always traveled and spent it elsewhere. Which means we'd have to pack not only clothes, but kids, presents and a dog as well.

It will feel so good to not have to rush out somewhere or be somewhere and be able to attend our own church for Christmas service instead of some strange church. Ben's family is pretty religious, his Uncle was a former priest, his Aunt (who passed) was a nun, his crazy aunt wanted to BE a nun, his mother is a devout catholic and so is his sister. And....that leaves Ben who wouldn't go to church another day if he wasn't forced to by me. Hello...our kids go to daycare at our church. He has no choice but to enter the kingdom of God everyday...literally speaking:)

So with the Christmas spirit almost upon us I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!