Christmas at the Shores'

Christmas Eve we had Terri, Dwight, Savannah, Jessie, Greta, & Randy over for an Italian dinner and to do the Christmas thing. It was fun. Brianne & Justin stayed over Christmas Eve and helped me wrap presents and put things together. I was just setting out the last Christmas stocking at Hunter's door when I heard that he was awake. I had to dash to my room and barely made it before he came in to say Santa had been here! That was at about 6:30 am. We tried to hold off on getting everyone else up but it didn't last long. With Alexa being sick it wasn't as chaotic as it would have been. She just sat in the chair with me and looked pathetic. The boys would bring her presents and she would say she couldn't open it, it was too big. Even her excited face was sad.
We had pancakes and sausage for breakfast. Since we had a turkey & ham for Thanksgiving we decided to do something different for Christmas. I fixed a standing rib roast, loaded mash potatoes, and fresh green beans with leeks and pine nuts. I had 7 layer cookie bars and pumpkin pie for dessert, but everyone filled up on everything else.
It was a good day. We got the kids a puppet theater to share. The Teddy Ruxpin we ordered never came in, but they had enough stuff to not even miss it. They all got Leapster 2 game systems, and clothes. The boys got Star Wars and Indiana Jones toys, Potato Heads, puzzles, books, and several other things. Alexa got princess dolls, fairies, and lots of girly stuff. It was scaled down alot from last year. Alexa's doll bed and pram stroller for her dolls was back ordered, so we may save them for her birthday if they come in by then.
It was a good day. We take those good moments when we can get them and appreciate every one. It seems easier to look back and remember. Not less painful, but I think I am getting used to and accepting the pain rather than fighting it. The remembering is painful, but pleasant as well, so I focus on the pleasant part and let the pain come. We are making new memories and want to enjoy these times and moments as well.
Hope you & yours had good moments and good memories. Hallalujah, the holidays are over!