Wow, I have really blown it with blogging this month! It's my worst month yet! I am going to take an easy out and blame it on the holidays and the craziness that comes with it!
It really has been an incredible month! December usually is though. But this Christmas has been especially incredible in many ways. Like so many people this year, it was a struggle for us, but in the end I believe it has been a wonderful holiday for everyone. I feel blessed to have been touched by so many wonderful friends and family and to have all that I have been given this month. So here are some highlights of this past holiday season at the Cole house!
Christmas is always a wonderful time for traditions. And this month started out with two of my favorite traditions. The first weekend of the month was a busy one for us. On Friday night Chris and I met up with the other "adult" siblings of my family, along with my parents, and we went to the production of "The Forgotten Carols." We purchased tickets as soon as they were posted online and this year we were down on the front row, center stage! It was incredible! There isn't a year that I have seen this play that I don't sit and cry throughout the entire thing. And having a night out with just us big people is always a plus!
That next day was our big first activity day with the kids! We started the day out by getting all dressed up for our Christmas Card photo's. That's always an ordeal! Why do we do that to ourselves??? Despite several kid meltdown's and a very BRIGHT sunny day (unfortunately) we eventually got through the photo shoot and came out with some great pictures!
After pictures were done, we headed out to let the kids shop for their sibling gifts! That is always a fun time for us because we let the kids choose pretty much whatever they want (within the given budget of course) for whomever they have this year; and it is always fun to see what they pick out for one another!
After grabbing a quick bite to eat for the kids, we headed to the Hale Centre Theatre for our third year of watching "A Christmas Carol." This year was really special because it was the first year that we were "allowed" to bring Jaxon. He was finally old enough to come! Also we had Mel and her kids with us, and they had never seen the play either! So it was great fun for everyone! Jaxon didn't move the entire time! And he is still talking about the play! It was so much fun watching his reaction to everything. And this year there were several changes to the production and the older kids recognized every one of them. That showed me that they really do like coming and that the play makes a lasting impression on them!
Then rounding out the weekend was our tradition of decorating the "family" tree! Every year since I was a little girl we have purchased a new, individual, ornament to place on the tree. I've been doing that for over 30 years now. And the tradition has been carried on to my kids. It's so great for me to hear that they love doing this as much as I do. We all have a great time carefully unwrapping all of our ornaments from the past years and remembering which one's are our favorites! Then of course I love watching them fill the tree up with all of the ornaments. More fun for everyone!
Leading up to Christmas week of course were many different school activities. Jaxon's school actually let out for a full three weeks, so he got to hang out with Mommy and go to all the different school events! We had a great time...every time. Probably my favorite was being able to surprise Chasers at his school by being the "Mystery Reader" for the month. I showed up in my Christmas attire and read a darling Christmas book to his entire class! Chase was so excited that I was there. Jaxon's favorite activity was most likely going to Cyd's school for her Christmas Party. He got to go to lunch with her in the big cafeteria and then play games with her entire class!
Jaxon had his first Christmas Program at school this year! He was such a ham! This kid is not shy! He sang his little heart out and we of course were very proud of him!
Last year, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the extended Johnson family decided that they just didn't "feel like" having our annual Christmas party! Well we all regretted it afterwords and the Cousins and I swore that we wouldn't let the "parents" do that again to us. So this year we planned it all out for the parents and it was a HUGE success! Everyone showed up and I mean everyone. We ran out of food! Oops! But regardless, it was a great time. And for the first time ever we attempted an entire Johnson Family photo! It turned out awesome!
Christmas Eve is always a wonderful time. For the past three years we have started a tradition of everyone in my immediate family coming over, everyone in Christmas PJ's of course, and we make a massive breakfast for dinner! The kids are always so happy to eat because it is all breakfast food, and truly, who doesn't like a good breakfast for dinner! This year, Chris and I switched up the menu a bit and Chris made his version of Egg McMuffins! They were a HUGE hit! I think my brother Jett ate 5 or 6! Then Dad made his Cinnamon French Toast, always a favorite! And I found a new place to purchase centerpieces from...Edible Creations! I purchased a beautiful ceramic sleigh full of a bouquet of fruit! It was AWESOME! The chocolate covered pineapple flowers were the best part!
After we ate ourselves silly we started the best part of the night...Present Exchange! We let all the kids exchange their family gifts along with receiving their presents from Grandma and Grandpa! Every single kid was thrilled this year and that was a FIRST! We didn't have to do much to convince them all to take their new gifts and run away and play so that the adults could enjoy their Christmas exchange with a little peace! As with the little kids, all gifts exchanged were a smashing hit! My favorite part was giving Hayley her present! She has been reading all summer the Harry Potter series, but had to get them all from the library, now that she lives on her own and is "poor"! HA HA HA! Anyway, I used several great discounts and sale coupons and was able to purchase for her the entire Hardback set! Her face was priceless! Lots of screams, giggles, and TEARS! I done did good!
I also received a wonderful surprise gift from my parents and Chris. There is a painting of the Salt Lake Temple that I have wanted for some time now. I was shocked when I opened the BIG gift and found the painting inside. It brought me to tears. I was so excited!
One of my favorite times of Christmas is Christmas Eve night after all the kids have gone to bed and Chris and I finish putting out all the "family" gifts out! It's always so peaceful and quiet and full of anticipation for the morning time to come! We always put out our cookies and milk for Santa and then I take my time soaking in the last night before the big day!
Christmas morning...why does it feel like it takes soo much work and time to get here, and then it's just done and over in a flash???? Oh well, we all had a wonderful morning! It was full of so much excitement and a lot of love and happiness. Having Mel and her kids with us made it extra special. They have waited several years for a good and happy Christmas and I was so excited to be a part of it! And of course nothing is better than enjoying Christmas through your children! I love watching their faces as they see what Santa brought and their excitement as they open all their presents! 
So much took place and so many great memories were made! I am just so thankful for all the blessings in my life and for a magical Christmas season! It truly is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
