Over the River and Thru The Woods

We had a wonderful Christmas with both of our family's this year. We spent Christmas Eve at my Aunt Donna's and Uncle John's and enjoyed a Mexican feast! My wildflowers had lots of fun playing with the other wildflowers that were there and we had lots of fun watching the Broncos embarrass themselves and enjoyed each others company in the meantime.

Here are some pis of our Christmas Eve:

My mom and aunt Donna:

We spent the night with my mom, and of course nobody slept....... but if was fun anyway. This was the second Christmas without my Grandma Reen, as she passed away last Dec 23rd and she was truly missed. She would always come over to our house on Christmas morning and watch us open presents when we were young. It just wasn't the same without her.

My dad set up two toy trains and the wildflowers loved them!! They wanted to play "Thomas" all evening and when Parker woke up at 2 am, he just kept saying "toot, toot".

This kids received a red wagon each, a doodlebop microphone, doll carriage, lawn mower, hammer set, princess dress up set all from Santa. They also received lots of things from both Grandparents and auntie's. But, I think the thing Parker liked most was the box of packing popcorn that one of my gifts came in! He had the best time playing and making a horrible mess!! What fun it was to watch!

We had a delicious breakfast of cinnamon rolls and cherry pastries. Sometime during the morning, we received truly a white Christmas. It was wonderful! A blizzard indeed and luckily we only had about 15 miles to drive. After packing up the van to the brim, we headed to the ranch were Matthew's family was celebrating Christmas. Luckily the kids crashed in the van for at least a little nap.

Here are some pics of our morning together at my parents:

Parker fighting to get Madison's new stroller:

Mom, Dad and my sis Christel:

Parker and his new wood bench:
Madison in her dress up clothes and her new Dora slippers and new outfit from Grammy:

We celebrated Christmas dinner together at the home of Matthew's aunt and uncle, Jimmy and Sydney. If you remember from my Thanksgiving post, Sydney was killed earlier this summer in an automobile accident. It was wonderful to be in her house amongst her cowboy Santa's and darling Willow Creek nativity that she always had out during previous Christmas celebrations. Her spirit was there and she was on all our minds all day long. In the evening we exchanged gifts and afterwords her youngest, Chris held a toast in her honor and spoke of just how much she was missed and how it just wasn't the same. He read the below poem and seemed so fitting and left us all in tears:

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below,with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear,and be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.I send you each a memory of, my undying love.

After all "LOVE" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,for I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,Remember, I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

Here are some pics from our day at the ranch:

All the kids:

Happy Birthday baby Jesus:

The lady in the blue jeans is Matthew's great aunt Evelyn who will celebrate her 100th birthday tomorrow!

We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed our families very much. We missed seeing everyone who could not be there for one reason or another and they were all remember and and were in our hearts. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas where you were and are looking forward to a brand new year to start fresh and anew!