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I had so many thoughts running through my head, I figured I had better get then out. Oh and excuse the mistakes, I’m posting from my phone. I just finished one of my favorite Christmas Eves ever. Nothing special, just a collection of little things, moments that I think I’ll hold on to for a long time.

First, I cooked dinner for Kayce’s family, 26+ men, women, and children. Let me backup and explain why…

2 years ago, we had just finished Christmas eve worship and everyone was going to Wendy’s, of all places, to get food before going to Teri’s (Kayce’s Aunt, who hosts most all family events). Most of the older children spend the night and we all have a standing request with Santa that everyone’s presents be delivered there. So, I, having been used to Christmas Eve dinner all my life, was appalled at the idea of going to Wendy’s for dinner. We instead go home to open a few family gifts and then head over to Teri’s. I looked everywhere for some other resturant, finally coming to grips with the fact that we had to eat somewhere, but could find none. Wendy’s was it! So we pull to the back of a very long line, and waited. We finally get to order at 8pm, and the guy in the box says, “sorry, we just closed”. Seriously! So we have four very hungry people in this car and no food in sight. We go to Teri’s and start calling resturants. May I interject, once and for all, Christmas Eve is NOT a holiday! Why do these places shut down for a non holiday! I’ve worked it plenty of times. Anyway… We finally find that the only place open is the China Buffet, and we place our order. It was truly a scene from A Christmas Story, Fa ra ra ra ra, and Merry Christmas!

So, that is why I had to cook dinner. I was simply ensuring that no one would have to go to Wendy’s or the China Buffet. However, I had never cooked a full meal for so many people. It took me 8 hours, but I did it. The menu consisted of:
1 Ham, roasted with a mustard/brown sugar glaze
8 pounds of candied carrotts
6 pounds of green beans
10 pounds of mashed potatos
Fried apples
Gravy
Yeast rolls
Chocolate Cappacino Trifle

It turned out well, everything was done in time and was served hot. No small feat considering I only had one pot big enough to hold all that food. I had to cook one thing at a time. It was really fun!! Really. I can’t wait to do it again it again next year. Sure beats Wendy’s.

Cooking dinner took me pretty much all day, but it was fun. The boys were around, sometimes too much around and Kayce and I just enjoy being home and off from work. Much more relaxed around here.

We made it to church on time, which rarely happens, and had a wonderful time in worship at First Baptist. So, that made the day great on its own. In addition Christmas time just brings up so many great oppurtunities to talk to Parker about God, which is one of my most treasured gifts of being a parent, we had several of these moments today.

After church, the wind upset our plans slightly and for a brief moment we thought everyone was coming go our house for dinner, because Teri’s power was out. We opted for dinner by candlelight, which was great, if you ask me. Very Christmas-y.

But the best moment of the day came when we opened some presents at home alone. Parker was able to “go shopping” at preschool and buy gifts for Me, Kayce and Carson. He took his money, and picked the gifts himself. He told us what they were as soon as he got in the car that day, but nothing could’ve been sweeter than his face when we actually opened them. I will forever have that moment etched in my mind. The first gift Parker gave me on his own was a screwdriver. It wasn’t the gift that choked me up, it was nothing special on it’s own, rather it was the small glimpse of how he sees me and what he thinks of me. In this case it was really the thought that counted. I do pride myself on being able to fix almost anything and Parker knows that as evidenced by his gift. My “handiness” is a huge part of who I am. I’m always shocked and then reminded of how much his little eyes and ears take in. I’m overjoyed by his gift, because it shows me what kind of person he thinks I am and that our ideas of me match up pretty well. In other words, my son knows who I am.

In closing this ridiculously long post…

Merry Christmas! Remember our Savior was born this day. Why shouldn’t we be merry?!