Christmas Morning

This Christmas post could probably write itself.

Or I could just copy and paste last year's post.

Or the year before that.  Or the year before that.

And I'm totally okay that's the case.

Because that means we have traditions in our family.

Things we do every year, without fail.

Much stays the same ... in a very, very good way.

Take our decor ... mostly the same.

I did add the 'peace' marquis sign from Target this year ... LOVE!

And the boys waiting 'til we give the go ahead. 

Same every year!

One bonus this year - one of Jarrett's 'brother' gifts to Jacob was

Despicable Me 2.

So the boys weren't constantly yelling to us that they wanted to come down ...

they were too engrossed in the movie!

And then there's always the reading of the Christmas story - every year a must.

The only change:  the boys get to read it now instead of Bowdie.

That's a change that I'm totally okay with!!

And then there's the gift opening ... always stockings first.

And always ladies first!

Then the gifts ... each member gets a want, need, wear & read.

This has become one of the best things we started doing.

Eases shopping stress and also keeps me from going overboard!

The big gift this year was Jacob's Kindle Fire HD.

He truly had NO idea he was getting it - and this boy loves surprises as much as his momma,

so check out that sweet face in the last collage!

Just for memory's sake, here's a recap of the gifts:

Bowdie - starbucks mug (want), wool coat (need), polo tshirts (wear), Seal Team 6 (read)

Me - monogrammed pullover (want), bigger external drive ... a TERAbyte!! (need), 

brown boots (wear), Crazy Busy & A Reason for God (read)

Jarrett - bat (want), ipod charger (need), UA shorts and Polo shirts (wear), baseball book (read)

Blaine - bat (want), ipod charger (need), sweatpants (wear), baseball fact book (read)

Jacob - Kindle (want), Kindle case (need), sweatshirt (wear), Fun Facts About the Bible (read)

Becky - Origami Owl necklace (wear and read), picture frame (want) and coffee cup warmer (need)

Some more cute shots of Jacob with his Kindle ...

And one of the MOST useful gifts I got ... a bluetooth!

I absolutely hate talking on my cell phone because its tricky to hold it and work at the same time.

Voila!  Hands free now, baby!!  Thanks Beck!! :)

And she got Bowdie some spiritwear from his alma mater.

Go Rifles Spartans!

Well they were Rifles when he was there, at least!

And this sweet boy.  Sportin' his red bandana in true Christmas fashion.

Watching us go crazy and just loving that the family is all together.

Wonderful morning, ended with a yummy breakfast.

Heart full.