Sunday before Christmas pictures

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Lees

On the 23rd we got together with Bob and Mona, the Garretts, the Fredericksons, and the Shaws and the Haymores. We played in the snow, ate dinner, went to the Dollar Store for the cousins to buy for each other. The adults bought for each other at Target. We had our gift exchange via numbers and there were some great gifts this year! The kids acted out the Nativity. We all stayed up way too late laughing and no one wanted to go to bed in FEAR OF MISSING OUT (FO-MO). Bob bought all the guys cool pjs and the girls all got Dispicable Me Pjs. He thought it was so funny but us girls were bummed we got jammies we would prob never wear again (everyone kept their tags on them so they could return them later). On the 24th the Freds and Shaws went to their inlaws for Christmas. Bob also took the little girls to the pond to see the ducks and thought it was a good idea to let the kids play on the ice! Just 15 feet from where the kids were "ice skating" the pond wasn't iced over! We are so lucky no one fell through on the not so frozen pond. Sometimes Bob needs a little supervision while watching the younger kids ;).  Christmas morning was great. Except the time Lexi walked right past her bike and Disney figurines and sat on the couch and cried because she couldn't find her Santa stuff. Chloe thought for a small moment that the real life fake breathing dog she got was real. She also got Puppy Place books and a cook book and baking supplies  Tallie got a Lava lamp, Scatagories, and the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and and fashion origami. Kasen got Paw Patrol puzzles, an Iron guy/Captain America rolling backpack with dinosaurs inside. From mom and dad they got boogie boards (tablets you doodle on), games and nike shoes. Lexi got her craft kit. I got TJ a Bob Marly ukulele book, Into Thin Air audio book (for all his commuting to work) and 2 lift tickets for Brighton. TJ got me way too much..as always, a new Garmin running watch (doubles as a fitbit!), running clothes, and a canvas of the new Provo Temple. Both of our parents spoiled us and I am SO THANKFUL FOR THEM AND THEIR GENEROSITY! We got our Costco membership renewed, multiple gift cards to shop at Costco from both sides, more running clothes, a fitbit and shoes for TJ and a large check for whatever we need. 

We are so blessed! I am so excited to re stock my freezer with meat! And replenish our food storage that we depleted over the last few months. And I don't know if I ever wrote down that after I came home from TN Mona had stocked my storage food with SO MUCH FOOD! I couldn't believe it!

I met my goal and finished reading the Book of Mormon on Christmas eve. Its a challenge to read it in a short time span but I learn so much from reading that way. I don't forget things as easily and it feels like one big story and not just bits and pieces I read over a long period of time. It makes more sense. We had some great times with family and Tessa even was able to come spend a couple hours with us on Christmas eve playing games since her kids were with Ian this year. 

I forgot to mention I think that as our family service project this year we went shopping for 8 refugee kids and their mom who are from Somalia who a girl in my ward is helping. We picked out toys for them. It was a really neat experience. We were also able to help another family whose house burned down (the house that shares Tessa's twin home!!) Thankfully no damage was done to Tessa's house but her neighbors lost everything and had no renters insurance. The kids were so quick to start going thru their things to donate any clothes, toys and shoes they could. I donated dishes and Christmas gifts I had planned on returning. This Christmas was amazing and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities to serve others. I love my Savior and this time of year we celebrate not only his birth but His life!