Christmas

As part of my goal to live life enjoying the moments, I thought I better share some of my favorite moments over the Christmas holiday. In early December, the kids and I decided to invite some friends over to build gingerbread houses. My idea of gingerbread house building is buying the kit, however when I was at Wal-mart I couldn't find one. So we improvised and used graham crackers, royal icing, and tons of candy. Mandy Riddle and her girls worked on a very cute train gingerbread while the rest of the kids attempted to build houses out of graham crackers. The finished products looked a bit like some of the trailer parks around town..very festive and on the verge of falling over. The kids loved it and I enjoyed spending time with my good friends, Mandy R and Amanda W.
The week before Christmas was pretty busy. The Marshal's office worked on getting a float ready for the upcoming light parade. This year the float had 3 small toy jeeps and lots of traffic signs. Our kids and Lexi rode in the parade in Kanab first then again in Fredonia. They were dressed as elves and Jaxson was in a police coat directing traffic at the Elf Driving School. They were cute as ever and even won a small prize! After the parade they went to visit with Santa, who was Jack Allen this year. He made a pretty good Santa, however Wyatt was just not having it. He was absolutely not going to sit on Santa's lap. We stood in line and finally Jaxson told him that he would do it if Wyatt would. Wyatt said fine, although he still seemed a little grumpy about it. So Jax went first, then Lexi, then all the Riddle girls, and then finally it was Wyatt's turn. He went up and sat on Santa's knee and waited. Santa asked him if he had been good and he shrugged. Then Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas. Wyatt turned and looked at us with a look that I have learned means he is up to no good then turned back to Santa and replied "Just bring me some coal." I am certain that Santa had not heard this request yet so he looked a bit startled and asked again..I'm sure he thought he misunderstood. Wyatt smiled his big smile and said very loudly, "Bring me some coal!" Jaxson who had been paying attention said "Did he just ask for coal?..That is AWESOME!!" I should have left them both coal in their stockings!
Christmas week we went to St. George to spend time with my family. We went over for dinner which was a yummy chicken and rice recipe that is top secret among the Pratt family...Thanks Ang! I had a wonderful time with my sisters, mom, cousin, and aunt. We got to skype with my youngest sister in Australia which was fun. It is amazing what you can do with technology. It made the holiday seem complete to be sitting around a computer, all my sisters and my mom, teasing our mom and each other. There is a bond between us that is stronger than any I have ever witnessed between mom and daughters. I sometimes forget how lucky I am to be related to such wonderful, strong women who mean the world to me. It isn't always easy, and we don't always agree on everything, but at the end of the day each of us knows that somewhere in the world, even across the ocean, there are four other people who love them unconditionally.
Christmas this year was a Grover holiday. That means that ALL of the Grover clan gathered together in Kanab. Christmas Eve most of them were there and we spent the day eating, talking, doing puzzles, dancing with cousins, and playing games. By late Christmas Day most everyone was there, Kami and Kai didn't arrive until the wee hours of the morning. We had dinner together again on the day after Christmas...28 people. I enjoyed our time with the Grover family. It is always fun to watch the kids play with their cousins and they all get along so well. I truly appreciate Elaine and Gordon for opening their home and making the holiday a good one. My favorite moment was singing carols with the kids and then telling them the Christmas story. It is a blessing in our lives to have strong families to spend time with.
Christmas at our house was a good one. The kids wrote letters to Santa which I emailed directly to him. Each of the kids received an email video from Santa this year. It truly was amazing! Santa talked to each of the kids, even using their name and pictures of them. The look of awe on McKenna's face was exciting! The spiritual moment came later when I watched her face as we read the story of baby Jesus...she had the same awed expression. She truly is an amazing child who feels everything and every emotion shows on her face. I am grateful for my moments with her. When she tells me she loves me, she tells me with her whole being. Kaytlyn was given a make-up kit for Christmas. Bayden and I told her that when she was 12 she could wear makeup. She isn't quite 12, but I wanted to give her a little time to figure out how to apply it before she went to school wearing it. So far she has been quick learner. She is so beautiful both inside and out. I hope that she knows how truly special she is. Jaxson received his first pocket knife for Christmas. I am still a little unsure, but Bayden assures me that it is a good thing for a boy his age. I told him not to even think about taking it to school...hope he listened. Every time I needed a package opened he was right there being very responsible with his new knife, ready and willing to help. Wyatt got a horse set...again! It really is all he asks for in life. I am thankful that he is such an easy going, easy to please child. He is very mischievous and a little naughty but life would truly be boring without his presence. Something I noticed this Christmas was the way my kids were truly excited to give their gifts rather than just to receive. There wasn't much money left over for mom and dad, but that didn't matter to them. They purchased dollar store items and then added some homemade gifts and I think that this Christmas it was I who was truly touched by their generosity and their spirit of giving.