Despite a temp of -3 and a windchill of -20, Christmas came. It came just the same.
Santa was extremely generous, even if Tracy and I had a bit of trepidation. The kids are at that tricky age where they dont really "want" anything and anything they DO want is super expensive. But, they still like opening gifts. Plus, they want to sleep in vs be up at the crack of dawn. (They negotiated a 10am wake up, but. ..Kay did succumb and was up at 9:30, chatty Kathy). In fact, last night was the 1st time they didnt write a letter to Santa. Sort of bitter sweet. However, Santa did prevail!
1st up, the stockings ... this years treasures were a fork, ear buds, favorite gum, Swiss Chalet sauce, favorite candy, pop its and a candle. Santa note acknowledge that its hard as they get older but that Santa still believes in them....
2nd, presents. This year, Tracy and I decided to gift each other new bath matts, bath towels, napkins, a table cloth and new dishes (hence the forks in the stockings). We wrapped them all up and had the kids (mainly Jimmy) open them. He was a good sport and now feels like he'll be ready to move out when he graduates in 3 years.
Kay had a banner year and is thrilled with all her gifts (no sign of the major break down from last year). A new instant printer for photos, sports bras, a robe, Adidas sweatshirt, dip fryer and - the big kahuna - a new iPhone from Santa. Yikes.
Billy didnt have much on his list but he got it all and is thrilled. It was a gaming themed Xmas, 2 new controllers, a controller charging station, video game, back up memory and gift card. He's loaded for bear.
Jimmy was our tough one and worry. The only thing he wanted was a MacBook Pro that he can run Final Cut on (video editing software). These are $2k+ new and we werent in the market for that. We did explore refurbished and he gave us a list of required specs. After calling Device PitStop on a daily basis, Tracy did manage to find one that met all this requirement and was in our price range - It was supposed to come in on Friday but was delayed until after Xmas with all the Xmas shipping. We got a box and printed off the specs and wrapped it up. We also had him open the other gifts (see above) and saved that for last. He has major mixed emotions and 1st world problems. He's excited that he got what he wanted but he's really crabby that its coming in while we are in Michigan. He'll be fine, a good life lesson. He can't use it when we are at our cousins in any case and waiting a week won't kill him. Still feel bad for him though. Its hard to be 16.
Tracy and I love all our new refreshed home items and can't wait to use them when we get back from Michigan. Plus I got 2 new books and new cookbook. Tracy got new Packer gear and bike shorts, along with jewelry and face masks (courtesy of Kay).
All in all, we are blessed beyond belief. We have all we need, are able to afford some of the things we want, are healthy, and loved and will be with my family today and Tracy's family the rest of the week. Doesnt get any better then this. Love and Peace to ALL!!
The stockings were stuffed and could no longer be hung...
Sunny, cold day!
Reading Santas note, the handwriting is eerily similar to Tracys
More Stockings plus bags for Michigan in the background
Billy's stocking haul
Getting ready for the 1st git
Fun!
Happiness
New Dishes!
The MacBook!
New Phone
New Shorts!
