The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
It always amazes me how fast Christmas comes upon us. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, we begin to anticipate the Christmas season - hanging lights, decorating the tree, buying and wrapping presents, attending countless parties, etc. Granted, some people get into the Christmas spirit even earlier and stores begin pushing it upon us with all their Christmas goodies sometimes even before Halloween. So there is all this anticipation for this one day - and then it's over in a blur. I couldn't believe it was already here - and now I can't believe it's already over.
The whole family got together on Christmas Eve at Grandma and Papa's. Then Christmas morning we woke up at our house and the boys got their gifts from us. Then we went to Grammy and Pappy's to open gifts and then to Grandma and Papa's again. The boys got more stuff than I knew what to do with. I think Silas got everything Batman that has ever been created - from figurines, to a Batcave, to a Batmobile that turns into a jet. Eli got a lot of "Cars" themed stuff and both boys got their own powered vehicle. The boys got tons of clothes, pajamas, shoes, toys, toys, toys, and the entire family got a 5 day Disneyworld vacation followed by a cruise to the Bahamas.
Wow. I told Dusty afterwards that I hope our boys at least understand this is not normal. Obviously, I love seeing the looks on their faces and am overwhelmed at the generosity from everyone that loves them. But I also know the next time we go to the store that Silas will still want a new toy. It hit me Christmas Eve as we were driving home from the party. It was pretty cold out and we had just spent several hours enjoying good company, amazing food, and were shocked to receive our amazing trip. We were just about home, passing by Target, and I saw a homeless woman trying to stay warm in the cold wind, pushing probably what were all of her possessions in a cart. I felt an emptiness in the pit of my stomach. We are so blessed and I hope we realize it - I hope my boys will come to understand this one day.
On a lighter note, we finally got around to taking Silas ice skating yesterday. By we, I mean Dusty. I was there, but entertaining Eli the whole time. I could not wait to see how he was going to do after all our attempts at trying to get him on the ice. See story previously posted here: http://melissasniff.blogspot.com/2009/12/mighty-silas.html
He was so excited, he couldn't hardly stand it. He has been asking to skate since that night we watched The Mighty Ducks. He kept telling me all day, "Mommy, no hock, just skate. There are no teams there." I think he was a bit worried that there was going to be a hockey team or something and he realized he just needed to skate first. So anyhow, we went to the rink, put on his skates, and he and Dusty stood in line at the entrance of the rink while the zamboni cleared the ice. I could see his face lit up with a huge smile from afar. Dusty skated around with him for quite some time, while bent over so he could hold him up. When they were finished he told me, "Mommy!! I went fast!" He was so proud and I couldn't help but just smile at his sweetness.
Silas showing us his skates
Ready to go on the ice.
It's been a crazy month and it's not quite over. I am taking the boys to Texas in a few days to have Christmas with my family. I cannot wait and finally get to meet my new niece and nephew, Haven and Jackson. In the midst of all the chaos, I pray that I can truly reflect on what this is all about anyway - Jesus. We would not have this month long celebration if it weren't for the birth of our Savior. I hope we can all take some time to rest in Him and reflect on His great love for us.
Merry Christmas all!
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