Santa came!!!!

The kids were in bed, and Santa's elves still had a good two hours ahead of them to get the goodies ready for the Higg boys!!  The smell of cookies filled the house, the excitement of Santa flying through the sky in his sleigh made Carter gleam. He was so excited to leave the cookies out and going to bed was a cinch that night!! I tucked both of the boys in tight, and as I kissed Carter I couldn't help but stare at him and smile. The real excitement and joy of Christmas was really setting in this year with him!


After the elves placed each gift under the tree it was off for some much needed zzz's! Granted it was 12:30, some sleep is better then no sleep. "Some" sleep is just what we got. 7:00, that little round red headed bear of ours started sounding off from his crib. It wasn't long after that we put him in the walker and allowed him to ram into Carter's door until he woke up! It only took a few attempts and Carter was up and out the door. He asked, "Did Santa come Daddy?" Travis told him, I think so!


At first, he checked the plate of cookies. Then he just stood in front of the tree staring. To watch his face filled with excitement makes it all worth while. He finally started rummaging around under the tree. Tucker was into everything. He was as excited about Carter's big wheel as Carter was. He also really liked the drum filled with all sorts of noise makers (what was I thinking?). Carter had a special box from Travis. It was a hat he had made while he was in Canada. It is the fur of a coyote that he shot. He was certain Carter would love it. Carter opened the box, and threw his hands up in the air with a look of what the heck is this thing. He told Travis, you wear it!


Carter loved his Handy Manny work bench, and all the other gifts under the tree. Tucker loved his new blanket from Carter, and his train popper!! Travis was excited about his new pellet gun (watch out, you'll shoot your eye out!). I am the proud new owner of a pair of diamond earrings! They are princess cut, and since Christmas morning they've not left my ears!


After opening our gifts we went over to visit Granny Vera. The holidays are hard on her, but she's getting by. After our visit with her we headed back towards home, but stopped by Granny Noni's and Papa Cotton's before making our way back home. We were expecting my family for lunch, so we didn't stay long.


My mom, brother, and sister arrived and we had a yummy lunch. While we were eating, Carter was begging, "can we please open presents now... how about now???" It was a somewhat dreary day here, so Carter was sporting his Christmas jammies. My family was shocked. I came to the conclusion... who cares, it's Christmas. I would have been in my jams if they wouldn't have laughed at me!! :)

Presents, presents and more presents. We have a tradition here that we let the youngest person go first, finishing with the oldest in the group. We enjoy doing it this way because you get to see what each person gets. Carter enjoyed many Handy Manny "fix it" things, a new vest from Nana that he said, "Ooh, cool... I look like the Snowman from Smokey and the Bandit" and, he did.

I have a new external hard drive for my computer, a new purse, a foot spa, and some other little odds and ends. Travis got a few gift cards, and a vest just like Carter's. Carter was thrilled about that. My brother has a new grill and cooking accessories. Megan has a few things to get them started in their new home. Jessica, my sister, has new scarfs, and things to keep her warm since she'll be living in frigid temps here soon. Kyle has new golfing stuff, and a few new shirts and coats. Tucker has a new lovey from Aunt Jessica, and a tool box from Aunt Megan and Uncle Jason. Nana gave bear and Carter the warmest blankets, which they both LOVE! Nana is enjoying her new rocker glider. She's always wanted one, so this was her year! She also has new shoes, a book, a plate that has the boys footprints on it, and other fun stuff.

Opening gifts is a clear reminder of how truly blessed we are. We have more then we need, and really want for nothing. I was so glad to have my family with me this holiday. Family is the true meaning in life, and without family in my opinion it would be a sad, lonely life. I pray that each of you had a wonderful Christmas. It creeps up on us, we fret and worry, and then before we know it... it's gone. As long as we keep in mind the real reason of the day, the buying, the cooking, the decorations they don't really matter. May 2010 bring countless blessings into each of your lives and homes. Remember, our lives are not promised tomorrow. Enjoy each day, cherish every moment, and don't live your life in anger. You can't get any of these precious moments back!!!  Happy New Year everyone!!!

Until next year...