Best.Christmas.Ever!!

Of course it IS the most wonderful time of the year, but I tend toward winter depression during the month of December. I would say it has been at least 6-7 years since I enjoyed shopping and preparing for Christmas. But this year, it was different. I don't know why. Nothing is more depressing than living among towers of boxes and contracting the plague for a week. I was just happy, and so was the family. By the way, if you'd like to give the gift of a giant microbe (they don't have the plague, unless that is the same thing as the black death?), click here.


Saturday night was the EM Christmas party. Lots of good food and we exchanged white elephant gifts. We brought home a handheld Tetris game and a Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not desk calendar.

Sunday was church. Mike gave the lesson during Sunday School and we practiced our songs. Lunch was extra special for Christmas, and after EM service, we went to Joanne's for a Community Ministry meeting.

On Christmas Eve, Aly and I went to play practice while Mike went last-minute shopping. That night, our play went so well ... the children were adorable. We didn't open any Christmas Eve presents. Actually, we went to bed pretty quickly after getting home.

The kids woke me up a little before 6:00 am on Christmas Day. They were excited about all of their presents, with the Wii being at the top of the list. They both got lots of clothes. Aly loved her pottery wheel. Zak's favorite was electronic drumsticks that plug into his MP3 player. Mike was surprised by his MP3 player (Sansa Clip, the new Shuffle knockoff). I was just happy. I truly didn't want anything for Christmas because I had everything I wanted. But here's my list of presents received ... and I loved them all:

• a giant jewelry box, so I can take my necklaces off of the hanger I have them on


• two Princess Bride t-shirts: One says "I'm on the brut squad" and the other says "inconceivable!"


• a collectable Donnie & Marie book (he's so dreamy!)


• DVD: Top Secret


• noise canceling headphones


• redskins jersey of my favorite player, Randel El (because his name sounds like sandle-el and reminds me of breakfa-last and Harda-lay's)


• a stocking full of candy, including peanut butter cups and 3 muskateers dark chocolate mint

After the gift opening, we loaded up the car and headed for Indiana. I slept for the first two hours, as did the kids. We only stopped three times on the whole trip and the doggies were quiet. We got to Boonville way ahead of schedule, around 6:30 CT. Pam & Joe, Beau & Tara, Matt & Jamie, Mom & Dad and opened the remaining presents, including Guitar Hero 3 for Wii, which then consumed the rest of the evening, and so far, every minute since.

Mike and I did some shopping yesterday. I got some great bargains at Burlington Coat Factory. I got to see Jamie's new house, which is adorable! Today we are headed to the Book Broker in Evansville. Pawpaw made us cinnamon toast for breakfast and we're planning on Village Pizza for dinner. Friday night will be another big family night -I'm not sure what we'll do, but I know we'll all have fun. It's been so great to be here!