Christmas Day

 Happily, Blythe did not wake us at 5:00am. She couldn't, however, hold off longer than 7:00am when she came into our bedroom and joyfully proclaimed, "Merry Christmas! We went downstairs for our requisite by the tree Christmas picture, and then opened presents.

Some weeks ago, I ordered the kids phones. Some would say, "It's about time!" Others might say, "Why?!" I'm still sort of the in the latter camp, but realized the kids wants to be in touch with friends and able to call and text us without borrowing someone else's phone. I imagine they were both probably the only kids at Centennial Middle School and Timpview High School without one. So I caved and ordered Gabb phones. These are not smartphones; they have no internet access, so no apps and no access to porn in the palm of their hands. I'm hopeful we can avoid many of the pitfalls of comparison on social media. Anyway. I was excited to see their excitement. 

I had also asked them for a list of things they wanted for Christmas, mostly because others had asked what they might like. Brandt's list was very short.

1. New Spy School Book
2. Money
3. Karambit MTech Black Fixed Blade Knife Set
4. More books

As with most things, Blythe was a bit more wordy (she is a writer, after all).

5$ Robux Gift Card

I think it's a bit unfair that Brandt spent like 100 dollars on a game and a video editor and I can’t use my OWN money to buy Robux ONCE? It makes Roblox more fun and I only want to buy Robux once. To buy the Royale High gamepasses and some diamonds and some clothes/hair for my avatar. And that's it. Nothing more. Not ever again. And it's my OWN money. I know that you guys say that some people get addicted but if I only want it once and only get it once I can’t really get addicted. And i’ve wanted Robux for 2 years. Brandt found the video editor, did some research and then bought it in like a week? 

A Phone

I can think of a lot of circumstances where a phone would be great. I could text you guys and tell you where I am, or if I’m having an emergency and need to vent, I can call Lily or David and calm down. Or if I’m being kidnapped or something bad happened like somebody got hurt, I can always call 911 and you guys. And the only apps I really want is a paint by number game to make fantasy backgrounds that I can use, texting, calling, notes, google, wattpad, camera, marco polo, pinterest, venmo (for Janie) and a snapchat app that only gives you the filters, which is the only thing I use anyways. 

Nail Polish

I know this seems weird but I want some new bottles of nail polish. Preferably in these colors: Emerald green, white, orange, yellow, lavender and the normal clear nail strengthening stuff. 

LED lights

I know this is even weirder but LED lights are amazing and beautiful and Sabby has some in her room and it's the first I’ll mess with when I go to their house haha

Hair Chalk Brush

Just seemed fun and interesting and It’s a cheaper option than dying my hair and all I need to do is run the brush through my hair and boom! Done >=3 Easy peasy lemon squeezy. And it's washable. 

Boots

I need some new boots and this is preferably what I would like: Knee or mid-calf boots, with fur on the inside. Black or chocolate brown. Maybe a tiny heel but small and tiny so I can feel fashionable but comfortable and so I don’t trip XD

CeraVe

I’m out and I need some more haha

Neither child got everything they wanted. Brandt did get the new Spy School book, and a couple others, but he did not get money or knives. Blythe did not get Robux or the type of phone she wanted with all the apps, and she didn't get boots because last year's still fit her. But they got other things, and I think they were happy. 

If not, too bad.

Speaking of bad, this isn't a brilliant picture of us. Cute tree though.

A published author

New deodorant for our frequently smelly boy.

I know it was his favorite gift!

After presents, a delicious crepe breakfast, and some serious lounging around and snoozing on the couch, we loaded nosh in the car and headed to Grandma Sue's house for general Christmas cheer. We ate and talked and played lots of games, including a full family charades extravaganza. Everyone participated, including Cora and Lyla. We did some prep work with the two of them, taking them aside and helping them figure out how to act out things like "salt and pepper," "skunk," and "angel." It was a riotous good time, and so fun to have everyone participating. As adults, we also played a new game called Think in Sync which had us all roaring with laughter, too. It was a pleasure and delight to be together, eating, laughing, and strengthening our relationships.

I love Christmas, the feeling of love and closeness of family. I love celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, which is really what Christmas is all about. I am grateful for his willingness to come to earth as a babe, grow, teach, offer a perfect example, then atone and die for us. Here's to many a merry Christmases!