Christmas blessings....

I was originally supposed to spend the holiday weekend working because it was my holiday and weekend.  I put myself on the PTO hotline hoping to get at least one shift off.  To my surprise I was called off both Christmas Eve and Day.  I went in on Sunday night for just 8 hours.  I was so thankful for the time to spend with my kids and family.  With all of the crazy emotions and family issues going on recently, it was a blessing to not have to add working to the mix. 
We started our Christmas celebrations with dinner at our house on the 23rd with RuthAnne, Luke and Danielle.  Blake and Luke felt they should make a nice dinner and really include RuthAnne with this being the first Christmas without their dad.  There was definitely a void in our celebration and an empty seat at the table.  She did not feel up to shopping this year so we actually picked out the kids gifts.  Blake picked a special toy fishing set for Caleb that his dad would have gotten a kick out of.  Caleb loved it and has played with it everyday since!  If you ask Caleb where Grandpa is he will reply "Grandpa is in his boat fishing."  And you know what I think he is.

Caleb and his fishing gear.

RuthAnne and Elizabeth

 Christmas Eve I took Caleb and Elizabeth to my Granny's house for lunch while Blake went up to his dad's  gravesite.  My heart has ached for my husband.  He didn't want to be crying and upset on Christmas, but I know he has been a mess.  RuthAnne has not turned off Dave's phone and Blake still sends him texts from time to time.  It still doesn't seem real that Dave is gone from this world.

I love this little boy!

We headed to my Grandpa's house for dinner with my Mom's side of the family.  I knew my dad was not going to be there, but I still found myself asking " where is dad?"  I don't want to accept that this may become the norm for my family.  It just sucks!  (I hate that phrase, but it is true in this situation.)

Partners is crime and best friends.

It was nice to see everyone and show off Elizabeth as she has changed so much since seeing everyone last.  My oldest cousin also invited her boyfriend.  This is a big deal as she has never really had a serious boyfriend and she is almost 29!  Super cute to see her with her new guy.

Caleb loved his gifts from my Grandpa- a Little People zoo, a book and slippers.  Elizabeth got a foodmill with recipes for homemade baby food, a book and an outfit.  Caleb and Abby did a great job singing "Happy Birthday to Jesus" and I was so so thankful to not have to leave early.  Nothing better that hearing you don't have to come into work.

Blake and I were able to get the house ready for Christmas morning together which was so nice.  Our tree was a little fuller with gifts for two children under it!  It still blows my mind that we are the parents of not one, but two kids.  And that one is a little girl!  It has really been fun having sweet Elizabeth.

Our tree Christmas morning.

Putting together Caleb's new train track.

Elizabeth was all smiles on Christmas morning!

Caleb was pretty excited when he woke up.  He actually slept in pretty late for him- 8am!  He loved his new train pieces, Mr Potato Head and was excited to have new "squishy" play doh!  Elizabeth just laid on the floor and smiled as we opened gifts.  Blake got me a really nice new watch, a pair of boots and two sweaters.  He got a Wii game, jeans, a shirt, and cologne from me. 

Since I was off work and did not have to sleep part of the day, Blake suggested we join my parents and siblings for their Christmas day brunch.  We have not ever gone because I either work or we head to Piqua.  We had already decided to stay home since I was working so it worked out.  Again, the holidays have been strange because my dad is no longer living with my mom, but he came to see all of us.  The food was great and it was fun to see everyone on Christmas morning. 
Caleb and Abby were so fun to watch with their presents.  They get so excited and were great at sharing their new toys. 

 Blake's mom and husband Greg came down to our house for the afternoon.  It was great to be able to relax and stay home for the rest of the day.  They brough lasagna so we didn't even have to cook!  Luke, Danielle and Connor came over too.  The boys played and exchanged gifts.  Elizabeth really enjoyed talking to everyone and wearing all of her cute Christmas outfits!  She had a different one for each celebration thanks to hand-me-downs from Julia and her grandmas!

Overall the holidays with two children went smoothly.  Caleb had a pretty bad case of sensory overload and was a little wild.  But he has since recovered and has done great with picking up his new toys and sharing them with others.