The other kids had great Christmases. Caleb seemed to be the kid that took away the "haul" this year. No matter how we try to keep it all equitable, it seems there's always one who just gets a bit extra. With a set of 3 microphones and stands, set up in the front room when he came stumbling, sleepily out of his bedroom, Caleb's morning started with a very nice present from his Aunt Michelle and Uncle Adam. Caleb also received a video camera from his Granparents in Alaska (I've forgotten the name of the camera) but, it was "just the ticket. The very camera that 'all' the bands use to shoot their little tour updates" and it will allow him to make music (and any other videos) and post directly to You Tube. What more can a guy want!
We also still have Michael's friend, our boarder, Luke living with us and were happy to have him home for the holiday. He had taken a trip back to his parents' in AK, the week prior to Christmas, but was traveling with a friend who lives here in OR and needed to be back here for Christmas Day. Luke said they had a great a visit in AK and Luke also has famiy just 30 minutes away from here, in Salem, whose house I believe he visited for Christmas dinner. Luke received a couple gifts from us, including a "Magic Bullet" mixer/blender system. Tony has one that Luke loves to use, and while I don't think Luke has immediate plans to move out of our home, he is thinking about it, and has mentioned several times how he loves to have his "own" appliance type things that he will someday use in a home of his own. Luke gave thoughful gifts to each member of our family...my favorite being my set of yummy smelling body lotions and bath jels from Bath and Body works! My extended family also always includes Luke in their gift-giving. He's just like one of the kids around here! We love him.
Kallie came away with a smaller load, but somehow, the cost was about equal. Its just that IPods are a small package with a nice price tag! A gift card from her Aunt Michelle and Uncle Adam allowed her to shop, shop, shop, for clothes...and already has- making some fantastic purchases! Kallie got a great coat from her Grandma here in OR. Carlene shows remarkably good taste! Kallie also got lots of smaller gifts of things that she had asked for.
Christmas is always special for Tony and I...because its special for the kids. We ended up with some very thoughtful and fun presents from family. I just spent my gift card to Michael's craft store that I received from Michelle and Adam (had to take advantage of those end of the year sales!) Funny thing was the cashier asked if I'd gotten anything particularly special for Christmas, and we all laughed when I handed over my gift card. A fabulous nightie from Mama and Daddy makes me feel like I'm about 12 years old. Very young looking, but fits an old, chubby gal, and still looks great. What more can a mom ask for. Oh, perhaps the fabulous green cable knit sweater from my hubby... with all the right details ( a wide, cowel-type neck, cables, a center sweatshirt style pocket and a perfect fit ) from my favorite clothing store, Christopher and Banks! There is more of course, presents from Grandpa, Aunt Julie and Uncle Dan, and the list goes on... but the greatest blessing of all- the birth of our Saviour is always our best reason for celebrating - and having such a blessed, amazing family adds to the magic.
Happy New Year to you all!
