CHRISTMAS MORNING
December 25, 2008
December 25, 2008
When we asked G-ma & G-pa Jackson what they were doing Christmas morning, they didn't have any plans but they did mention that they were planning on making some rounds around to their kids homes if they were to be home...so we quickly invited them out to Christmas morning breakfast with our family. I remember growing up and how special it was when my G-ma & G-pa Noble came to visit Christmas morning & how excited we were to show them what Santa had brought us.
A hungry group before breakfast was served.
Matt & his mom ( Bre took this picture with her new camera & I thought it was really cute!)
Here's some of the Santa present pics. The kids all woke up way too early as usual! They know they can go down stairs and break into their stockings as well as what Santa had laid out next to their stockings (little gifts that aren't wrapped, via. Matt's family tradition growing up.) This keeps them occupied for a little bit longer while mom & dad pry themselves out of bed, I think we finally retired to bed around 2:00 am-ish. Then when we get down stairs Matt plays Santa as he goes around the tree taking turns picking out the gifts each child will open next, I actually think Matt gets as much JOY out of this part as the kids do (if not more.)
G-ma tried out the wii that her & grandpa had given the kids the night before at Christmas Eve. Oh my was it too funny to watch!!! Yes, we all are certainly SORE, what a good work out this wii has come to be!
We had so much fun playing as a family and spending quality time with each other Christmas day. The best part (for me) was that we stayed in our PJs all day long, oh how relaxing!!! We made a nice turkey dinner late into the evening, I had prepared most of it the day before so it would be an easy fix Christmas day. The only draw back of the day is that it went entirely too fast! It was 1:00am before we knew it, little Josh had even held out. What a wonderful day, the kids all got along real well and I believe we were all genuinely happy to be in the company of each other. I am so grateful for the blessings of my husband & children and the love we are able to share and the happiness they provide for me in my life, I would have none of this if it wasn't for the Gospel in my life and for my Heavenly Father and the ultimate gift he has provided for us...his Son and our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of the snow, we had our Christmas service at church this past Sunday (the Sunday after Christmas.) A talk was given in Sacrament meeting by a high council member and then the lesson in Relief Society was centered around this perfect poem for the season. We all got a copy of it made into an ornament for the tree which we will be putting on ours from now on.It's Christmas time at our home and we're putting up the tree. I wish I could find one simple way to remember Christ's gift for me.
Some little sign or symbol to show friends stopping by, the little babe was born one day but He really came to die.
Some symbol of his nail-pierced hands, the blood He shed for you and me... What if I hung a simple nail on my shining Christmas tree?
Crimson bow tied 'round the nail- symbol of His blood that flowed so free to save each person from their sin and redeem us for all eternity.
I know it was His love for us that held Him to that "tree" but when I see this simple nail, I KNOW HE DIED FOR ME!!!
We started the family gathering out with some appetizers & BINGO...which didn't last all too long because...
A CERTAIN SPECIAL VISITOR ARRIVED!
After we ate dinner, it was time for the children to put on their annual Nativity play. Bailee & Spencer were Mary & Joseph this year.
Then we had a large group of angels, Josh, Pieper, Kennedy & her friend she brought this year, Ellie, Zoeie, BreAnna, Naomi & Noelle. 
Aunt Ashley was the narrator for the evening.
Our Two Wise Men played by Shea, Gavien & Jarom our Shephard (I think Jarom lost his blanket/costume by the time I snapped the picture.)
After the Nativity it was time for the most anticipated part of the evening (for the kids at least) PRESENTS! G-pa & G-ma played Santa & Mrs. Claus as they passed around the presents. We drew names this year which I think worked out quite well. The kids drew a cousin and the grown-ups drew a sister or brother or in-law.
The two youngest members of the Jackson family, Gracie & baby Mazie...not for long though, (we all know Sarah & Jakes little girl is due in March) but we also just found out that Stephanie will be expecting her second set of TWINS come August, that will make six for the Tuck Family...oh my, we are all VERY EXCITED for her and Brodie, congrats!
We enjoyed spending such SWEET time with the Jacksons Christmas Eve as we celebrated the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, enjoyed giving of ourselves and were reminded of the many blessings that we enjoy every day as a result of our Lord & Savior! The Love of a family is truly one of the most priceless precious gifts!!!!
