Looking Back at Christmas

I guess you could say that I'm starting out this year's blog posts in reverse! Or, as the case may be, I'm playing "catch up"~!
Every year after decorating our tree we always lay down on the floor like this and look up at the lights. You should try it, really, it's good fun! Of course, as our family has gotten bigger it has become more challenging depending on where we put the tree!
This Christmas was another GREAT highlight of our year. Once again, we were joined by my Mom and Dad, from Washington State and my Brother, from California. They even came early enough to help me celebrate my Birthday! Kyle (my bro.) actually got here on my birthday...what a gift! Lemme tell ya, it's been years since I thought of him as a "gift" of any kind! lol.
We all got to spend time going on "secret missions" to pick up special items for each other. It's not often that we get the chance to give blessings to each other in person, and it makes it all the more wonderful. It actually reminded me of the special gift of Jesus being born on the earth and walking with man as he did. What a privilege to have been a part of that. Not that I'm equating myself with Christ, but I think you get the very generalized idea that I'm purporting. :)











So, I had to include some of the gift modeling that took place during our festive days. I'm certain, at this very moment, that when Dad sees this he's going to gasp! lol, sorry, Dad, but I couldn't resist. After all, you're totally covered...very modest...a double layer. Must've been warm too. :)

You also see Mr. GQ Himself, showing off his warm, new vest...it was very fetching. The look on his face is priceless. A cross between constipation and the air of conceit...a very fine line.

Emily in her "house". Which was, for a while, just as spectacular as unwrapping the gifts. Just goes to show, once again, kids are more easily contented with the simple things like discarded paper and cardboard. The above picture of the children is one of my favorites, despite the busy background. I just love how it plainly shows the difference between the children, or rather, the big difference in Emily compared to the rest of the children. She is still precious as they all are, don't get me wrong, but she's wired differently than any other. It is so exciting to see how the Lord is going to use her as she gets older.
This year marked the year that Mama splurged and bought a small fish tank "for the children". I also bought two new fish. We already had a small fish bowl, containing our fish, Rita. Now it was time to upgrade. Shortly after Christmas, a local fish sellin' store had a sale, so I went and bought 5 fish. Now our new fish tank was bustling with activity!! However, let me give you a little bit of advice...if perhaps you want the fish you purchase to live, its important to note if they need certain water conditions, such as warmth. I always thought Hey, fish are fish, right? A heater? Overrated. My house isn't that cold, I have a thermostat.
Well, amazingly enough, each time the weather outside dipped down into the cooler temps, a fish or two turned tail and died. Sad to say, but in the space of about 3 weeks, we had 7 fish die! Fish wrangler I am not. I'm better with children. :) Still, Rita is happy to be swimmin' in her new place with a nice bright lights, plants and some decorative rocks and marbles. Maybe we'll figure out what types of fish we can add by asking at the pet store next time. :)