Christmas Day

Tap, tap, tap...tap, tap, tap is what I felt on my arm at 3:30 in the morning. Jackson was up and wanted to let me know that Santa had come to our house. Really? 3:30am? I love when my kids are excited, but this mom needed a bit more sleep. So Jackson and I went back upstairs and he fell asleep...tap, tap, tap, "Mom, can we open presents yet (4:00am). So Jackson climbed in bed with us and lucky fell back asleep until 8:00 when Aubrin came downstairs. They were both very excited to come out into the living room to get a closer look at what Santa left. Coffee was already made, cameras were in place...ready, set, GO!  The kids took their time opening their stockings, looking at each thing that they got and loving it. As we opened gifts I was extremely happy to hear and see how appreciative Jackson and Aubrin were for the gifts that they were getting. Jackson loved his Cabrera jersey and suitcase. Aubrin was so excited to open her Doc McStuffins doll and immediately broke out singing the theme song. She also LOVED her new doll house. In the middle of opening gifts we took a break for the kids to play with some of their toys and for me to make breakfast. I could tell that during breakfast Jackson was looking under the tree from the table trying to figure out if there was an i pod touch under there, although he didn't mention it.  
Once we got back to opening gifts I gave him a rather large box. He unwrapped it and there was another wrapped box in that one, then another, and another and another... finally he got done to the last box and sure enough, Santa brought him the i Touch. That Santa is a pretty great guy. Jackson was a bit speechless, although he was not short of smiles. I love when they love their gifts!!!! 
Jackson and Aubrin exchanged the gifts they bought for each other and they were both extremely happy. Too cute! A few weeks ago I took the kids shopping for Todd's gifts. Aubrin really wanted to buy Todd underwear and a t-shirt. Jackson got Todd tickets to a Michigan basketball game for the two of them to go Todd. Aubrin bought me perfume and a new purse and Jackson got me Lions t-shirt  (to match his) so we could match when we watch the Lions.
 
This year was a bit different because we were staying home on Christmas day. Every year of my life, I have always opened presents and then got ready and went to someones house for the day. Today was different. This year was our turn to spend the day with the Miller's. A couple of years ago they started a new tradition. They wanted all of their kids to be able to spend the day with their families and they spend the day traveling to all of our houses. So they came over in the afternoon for about an hour. They kids enjoyed showing them everything that they got for Christmas. I must say, it was a nice way to spend the day and a nice way to be able to visit with Kaye and Dick. I think Jackson and Aubrin liked having their full attention for sure.
Later in the day we went to Krista and Mike's for dinner. Krista made a delicious dinner for all of us. The kids played while Krista, Mike, Todd and I sat around the table and talked and caught up. All of the kids play so well together and stay busy. 
We headed home at about 8:00 to settle in for the night. When we were driving home Jackson said, "I feel really lucky for the things that I got today. Thank you." Thank you buddy!
As we walked into our house it was spilling over with Christmas cheer..cookies on the counter, new games to be played, new dolls to dress and play with and most of all it gave me a sense of thankfulness. I am thankful that I have such a wonderful family. I am thankful for all of the love that we have and all of the love that my children feel. We are truly blessed.

Merry Christmas