Christmas Top 5

My friend QueenBusick blogged about her Christmas Top 5, so I thought I would do the same!

1. Our goal this year was to simplify Christmas and put more emphasis on giving to others, especially those in need. I feel good about the things we were able to provide for others and how involved our kiddos got in the whole process. We filled shoe boxes for kids over seas, we provided a new outfit for a boy in Malawi so that he could attend school, we donated gloves at AK's school for kids in need, AA took two toys to her school for the Toys For Tots campaign, TW's office sponsored some kiddos from a local Christian and we shopped for the gifts as a family, we helped a friend make it a better Christmas for her kiddos, and most of all we tried to reflect the love of Christ to all we came in contact with.

2. Thanks to some of our family members making some changes to their normal Christmas routine/tradition we were able to get home earlier on Christmas eve so that we could attend church, and then we were also able to be home most of the day on Christmas. It was so nice! The kids didn't have to rush around and instead could enjoy their presents. It was a lot more relaxing!

3. While the focus was on giving this year, I did receive some pretty great presents! My brother-in-law and sister-in-law gave us a pretty thoughtful/creative gift. She had noticed, by reading my blog, that TW and I enjoy going to coffee shops on our date nights. So, she did some research (by calling one of my best buds) and got us a gift certificate to the coffee shop and then also called our nanny and arranged for two hours of babysitting! How thoughtful! I got lots of "comfy" stuff this year as well like new PJs and a soft robe. TW got me some really stylin sunglasses and a new video camera. As soon as I learn how to use it I will be able to post videos for your pleasure. :) QueenBusick and 40before40 got me a teapot...and it whistles! I love it! Hmmmm...what else. How could I forget...a new plasma TV which will be great for family movie nights!

4. Lots of fun times with family and friends! We played lots of games this year with the family...it was great! Cranium, Catch Phrase, and Rock Star.

5. Watching the kiddos interact and play with each other! The kids usually exchange presents with one another. Most of the time I pick up something for them and then tell them what they got each other. Well, this year Addi was playing on the computer. I walked into the kitchen where she was playing and she was on the Build a Bear website shopping for her sister and brother. She was so excited! She couldn't wait for them to arrive! Then one night tucking her in to bed she said, "I am so anxious for AK and Bubby to get their presents I bought for them!" I loved watching it from the sidelines!