This year I was too busy with school to pay attention to any preparation for Christmas before Dec 14th.  There is so much to be appreciated about being ready by December 1st but it could not realistically happen.  Rather than creating any “spirit” moments – I thought I would just try to enjoy the spirit around me in each moment.

I wanted to have this ready for the Tazworks white elephant exchange last year, but it took 12 weeks to have made.  I told B’s assistant Kensie about it but no one else.  She hyped it up “my great gift” all year to the developers so there was much anticipation for it.  I must admit it was a great moment when B took one look at it – and was creeped out!  haha B’s business partner, Scott, ended up with it and I am hoping it turns into something like an “elf on a shelf”, never knowing when he will show up, making many more enjoyable moments —

so realistic looking….

Me and the kids watched waaay more Christmas movies than ever and I realized how few good ones there are.  They didn’t appreciate “It’s a Wonderful Life” saying it was too old.  That was the only one I did LOVE.  However, I do laugh at “Jingle All the Way” (Phil Hartman is hilarious) and “Home Alone” is cute.

We were lucky to have Michelle & Maruan and Aub join us. In every single photo I took Maruan is laughing, a particularly great personality trait.  We only taught him a couple new American words this trip that he found funny – hickey and swim trunks. This has become our quest – to teach him enough American slang to feel right at home.

traditions upheld Christmas eve

With a bonfire on the top of his car, it was only appropriate to roast a gummy bear on a spit

Mr. TT and Aub were not super impressed by socks – but D and Maruan thought they were the bomb!

happy faces – Christmas spirit captured perfectly!

Last summer I bought the best balsamic vinegar I have EVER tasted in Italy. The first day we got it out – B knocked if off the table and it shattered on the floor. He’s truly my hero for replacing it. I wish he would have got a case – since it’s half way gone already and I am stingy about sharing! It’s that moment of bliss dipping the bread in and putting it in my mouth – a little piece of heaven, truly.

Skyping with D was the most AMAZING part of the day. He looks great, he’s doing great and I enjoyed every syllable uttered for our hour and a half, but do wish I would have taken a photo of the computer screen to commemorate the occasion.

Family, family, family, laughing, loving, enjoying time together – That’s all that it’s about and I think Christ would agree?

I watched over 2 hours of Christmas videos for my Christmas lesson – church related and not. This one brought on the most emotion.  Maybe you’ve seen it – but I hope you love it too.