Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas celebration that started on Saturday, with the Thomas family Christmas party. My relatives from Nevada and Idaho braved the winter storms and came to celebrate with us! We don't get to see them very often so its always great have some time to catch up! My grandma spoiled all of us....she had a book of her and my grandpa's history made up and gave it to all her children, and all of her grandchildren. It was amazing to read the stories of my Grandma growing up on a farm, having to get water from a stream, and store ice in the shed for summer. She also gave all the older girls new crocheted hotpads and a dishtowel. These are the gifts I appreciate most, because they are something she handmade, and I can cherish forever!

The best pic we got of most everyone at the Thomas party

Our next get together was the Painter family party. I don't have any pictures of this, as I forgot my camera. After dinner we play the "Left Right Game" (Someone reads a story that says left and right over and over and you pass the present everytime.) Its always so fun to try to guess what is in the package you are holding. This year it was especially funny because I was sitting next to Billy's cousin Ryken who is only two and he didn't quite get it and he thought it was funny to throw the presents either at my head, or in the middle of the circle! I ended up getting a little first aid kid that you keep in your purse. It was pretty awesome! Then after that we did our annual chocolate grab. They have been doing this every year for who knows how long! Essentially what it is is Billy's grandma makes hundreds of handmade chocolates and sets them on the dining room table. Then all the married ladies bring their tupperware and after Grandma gives the word we dive in! The only rule is that you can only pick up one at a time. It gets a little fiesty, but we all walk away with a ton of chocolates! After the party we made a trip to Billy's grandpa's house, where we got to watch a crazy story about the worlds fattest man. It was actually pretty gross, it made me rethinking taking all those chocolates home!

I couldn't resist! Toby chilling with his Christmas present!

Next in our Christmas festivities....Christmas Eve at my mom's house. Or should I say Grandma Claus' house! I was so excited for this night because I got to see my brother for the first time in a while (he moved to St. George) He and his girlfriend Jessie came to spend the weekend up here. After dinner, which was amazing prime rib...the kids just couldn't stand it any more and had to open their presents! It was a mad house for awhile, but its just so much fun to see the looks on their face when they see what they got, and to hear them exclaim, "It's what I always wanted!" We pretty much open all of our gifts on Christmas eve, because we like to do it with our family. This year we got a new camera! I love it so much, I'll finally be able to take some decent pictures! I also got a sewing machine, and my mom and I are going to learn how to sew, something I have always wanted to do!

Grandma Claus' HouseMy little bro and his girlfriend, Jessie
Me and Toby trying out the new camera

The tag that Saige made to put on my Christmas present. If you look closely it says my name! Her mom told me that she had it all ready to go and when the present was finally wrapped she was so excited to put it on!

After that we went out to Billy's parent's house. One thing that we do everything year at their house on Christmas eve is write letters to Jesus telling him what our gift to him will be in this season and the year to come. Then we seal it in a box. I think this is a wonderful tradition that I hope to keep going with my own children....when I have them :) It is definitely something that reminds us of what this season is about, and it gives us something to strive for in our lives.

To end our Christmas eve, we went home, and then finally went to sleep at like 2 in the morning!

Christmas started off slow....neither Billy or I wanted to get out of bed, so we sleep in until 11! All I can say is it was GREAT! I haven't done that in so long! The rest of the day consisted of Rockband for about 10 hours....which just so happens to be by new FAVORITE game! Who knew I would like to sing so much! I have a terrible voice, but Rockband makes it fun!To end this incredibly long post, I just want to say that I love this season, because it is so much about family! It has been so nice getting to spend time celebrating and spending time with my family, both those that live close, and those that had to travel to get here. Its so amazing to watch the innocence of children when it comes to Santa, and its incredibly fun being able to be yourself, even if you make a complete fool out of yourself, because you know that your family will love you no matter what! (i.e. playing Rockband :) I am so grateful for both of our wonderful families, and the Christmas traditions that they keep going every year! Is it to early to be looking forward to next year? :)