Christmas!!!

Christmas did happen at our house and yes I am just now getting it posted here. It was a wonderful season full of everything magical. (See previous posts)

We got to spend Christmas Eve with the Jacobs' side. Bruce and Christy hosted this year. As we drove up to their home we were greeted with this lovely scene:

Luminarias
Love this tradition!
It was a Mexican/Norwegian Christmas this year with a delicious dinner of Tamales, Pasole, and a Mexican Fruit Salad. For dessert we did the traditional Norweigian Ris Krem (a yummy rice pudding) with a huckleberry sauce. My Dan made it this year and he did a fabulous job. Part of the tradition is to put an almond in one of the bowls and who ever gets it, wins a prize.

We then had a very nice program in which Leo (Dan's dad) read the Christmas story, Tricia (Dan's mom) played a medley of Christmas hymns on the piano, Leah (Dan's sister) accompanied herself singing a lovely Christmas song, Joel (Leah's husband) played "Silent Night" on the electric guitar, Bruce (Dan's brother) sang a really cool Gregorian Chant, and Dan shared one of our Christmas traditions by reading the book "I Believe In Santa Claus" with Manheim Steamroller's Silent Night playing in the background.
It was a wonderful evening where we could focus on our Savior.

We then checked the Santa Tracker and found that Santa had arrived in the United States and would be at our house in only a few hours. Needless to say we didn't have to ask even twice for the boys to load up for home.
Tate fell asleep in the car and missed out on the opening of the pajama presents from mom and dad, but was very pleased to wake up in them the next morning. :)

So... while the children were nestled all snug in their beds...


...and visions of light sabers danced in their heads...

Magic was happening!

When they first woke up, they found a special note from Santa left under the tree in their room. Then... when Tate FINALLY woke up...

IT WAS TIME!

They were so very pleased!
Santa ate almost every cookie, and drank "dad's oh so famous" hot coccoa. The reindeer seemed to enjoy the carrots and the oats we sprinkled on the grass for them.

Then it was on to see the magic... youngest to oldest.

Just a couple of Scandinavian Julenisse to guard the gifts.

More of the haul.

Earlier in the year Dad had told the boys that if they weren't "GOOD" Santa was going to bring them a few My Little Ponies.

Apparently, they had a few rough days, because Santa made good on his promise.

Tracen was so thrilled!
Not so much about the ponies, more for the rest of his haul.

Tyler LOVED his pirate hat...

and spy gear stuff.

Tate was giddy with excitement!

Santa brought him a herd of dinasaurs.

And Trev?

Trev was pleased that Santa had repaired his play mat with a little fun duct tape and a ruler.

Then it was on to the gifts under the tree, which included a few games, movies and....

What's this? A surprise gift hidden behind the tree? Whatever could it be?

Oh- just the much wanted Wii!!!

The stockings were also filled with lots of fun goodies.

But I think these were one of the favorites.

Dan's parents' came by that afternoon to bring one of their traditional gifts...

Looney Tunes!!!
They usually give a movie that is a classic from the family's childhood.

The boys (and parents) are so excited about this!

Then it was up to my sisters home in Mountain Green where we actually did get to have a white Christmas.

We had Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner and festive ice cream sandwiches with hot fudge, whipped cream and cherries on top.

We attempted a little Nativity program,

(Thanks Kenz for being such an amazing STAR)

... and then it was onto the present frenzy...

At the end of it all, my mom asked us to reflect on many events throughout the year 2010. There were hardships accompanied by many blessings and that our focus should always be on the one who will be with us through it all.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

My dad then brought in one of these beautiful paintings for each family.

I am so in love with this. I knew exactly where we would hang it. In the very center of our home. We had recently rearranged our family room to open it up, leaving one of our walls needing something on it. At the time, I had thought, we need a very large painting here. Something that is inspiring and beautiful because this is such a focal point. I didn't know what exactly, but thought I would just keep a look out for something. This painting is perfect.

Most paintings of the Savior (at least the ones we've had) are just a head shot. I LOVE that this portrays his entire body. I love that He is in a natural setting. I LOVE that He is walking. It feels as though He will walk right into our home. However, I also feel that He cannot walk out of the painting unless we let Him in.

Thank You mom for following the inspiration you felt when you first saw this painting. Our family is blessed to have this in our home as another reminder to keep our focus on our Savior Jesus Christ.

I do hope everyone had a MAGICAL Christmas.