Blessed. with. Boys.: "On the first day of Christmas...."

As I was trying to think of what to title this (very large) Christmas post, this song The Twelve Days of Christmas popped into my head.... and it just seemed kind of appropriate.

We had about six different Christmas celebrations this year. So, I guess you could say, we were a little busy this holiday season.

Thankfully though, pretty much all of our get-togethers were spaced at least a day apart, so we never really had to go more than one place in a day. Which, with two small boys, I really appreciated.

We had a night at my Grandpa's, a day with my dad, Christmas Eve at my mom's, Christmas morning at home, Christmas Day at my mom's, and the day after Christmas at Mom and Dad Himes'.

It was wonderful getting to spend so much time with family, playing games, giving gifts, and feasting on all the wonderful holiday food and goodies. And I love how much fun Holden had playing with all his little cousins, eating all the holiday sweets, opening all the presents, and just getting to play with and see all his family.

But to be honest, I'm ok with it being over now. It's not quite as easy to just pack up and run over somewhere with two little kids. And even when we're there, and I know Jared feels the same way, it's like we don't always get to really visit or participate as much as we'd like since we're usually one or both of us tending to one or both of the boys. Which, frankly, is just easier at home.

I feel like there were very few times in all the happy, festive chaos, that we really got to just sit down and be, in the quiet, and remember what Christmas is really about. And although I had a lot of fun with everyone, to an extent, I feel like I kind of missed that this year. The calm. The quiet. The reason.

And so, a new year begins.

And I'm excited. We already have lots of fun plans and goals for this year - like some small projects around the house, our first family vacation to visit my sister, and Jared and I are even going to try to read the whole Bible together. But I'm also excited because, looking back, it's so easy to see how blessed our lives have been this past year. We have settled into our home, we have our beautiful, funny, healthy boys, Jared's good job that has allowed me to stay home, and all our family.

And this new year, I look forward to what the future will bring for us and our family. And I would really like to take advantage of our fresh start.... but always remember the firm foundation that has already been given to us.

...... Christmas Exchange at Papa's ......

Holden sitting with his Aunt Megan and Cousin Felix

Meg and Me

How I love this ornery little boy...

Felix and his Momma

Opening some presents

Josslyn Grace. She looked like a pretty little Chrimstas princess ♥

Mom and Roger watching everyone opening presents.

Some family on the couch

My Uncle Jeff and Mom

Felix, wedged in so he can't escape, checking out his new toys.

Mimi and Joss

The Plaid Brothers. They're special.

Holden matches, too!

Corey and Meg

The Christmas Rambo

Felix loves to touch Bridger. Especially on the head.

B-ma and Bridger

...... Our Christmas with Dad ......

Josslyn holding Bridger

Joss helping Holden open his present

A tool set!

All the kids, staring at the tools, waiting for someone to get them out.

Megan to the rescue!

Playing with his new drill

And listening to the whirring noise the toy makes when the lights spin around inside it

And from us, Dad (who is the hardest man int he world to shop for) got new floor mats!
And Jared works for a company that manufactures floor mats.
Coincidence?

Uncle Tyler looks more excited to see what it is than Joss does :)

.... And it's some Shrek movies complete with Shrek ears!

Yup.

Jared had no idea he was gettting a chainsaw on a stick he's been wanting. He was totally surprised. Can't you just hear him saying, "Are you kidding me?!" :)