Christmas Fun

We had a very blessed Christmas this year. Although, Jonathan had been laid off and money was tight...I started a habit years ago of having a "Christmas Club Savings Account" through my Medical Spending Account through work. I use the Medical Spending Account for school clothes and supplies and Christmas. It has worked famously in years past, and was an absolute blessing this year.

My children weren't worried about Christmas, because they knew Santa would come through for them. Before opening any presents, we had a conversation over the true meaning of Christmas and what giving of gifts truly represents. We discussed being gracious and showing gratitude to others for the gifts we receive. Everyone was quite delighted with the gifts they received. I heard a few "this is our best Christmas ever."

Luke shows off his Christmas presents
Luke trying out his Blendy pens

These Hulk hands have brought much enjoyment in our home. They are foam hands that make noises as you swing them. They are a fun, harmless way to wrestle.

Luke shows off his MP3 player from Grandma

Kyle shows off his gifts

Grandma sits among her gifts

Dylan finished opening presents

Dylan shows off his Ohio State football

Christmas Day is always a marathon day for us. We open presents in the morning, and the gifts all get opened...trashing the house. We then go to the Newbold Family Christmas Festivity where we enjoy good food, re-enact the Nativity Story, play a White Elephant Game, open presents, visit with one another and have a great time. Then on to the Simons Family Christmas where we eat some more, play together, visit, open presents and drag ourselves home.

Dylan ended up with a migraine and was "pukey" by the time we arrived home. I got him all settled in and hurried off to work for a night of excitement at Toledo Hospital.

Great Grandpa Newbold with his Lake GrandBoys

Sammie gets her Christmas present from Great Grandpa

Nicholas thanks Great Grandpa for his Christmas present

Luke receives his gift

Kyle thanks Great Grandpa

Grandpa Newbold usually gets gifts for the Great Grandchildren. They look forward to their gifts from him. This year he expanded his generous gift giving by blessing each of his children and grandchildren with a money card. This was a welcomed blessing in these financially difficult times.

Grandma plays the White Elephant Game with my family...it gets crazy!

We were glad to be able to keep Grandma with us throughout the Christmas Day. The family have all become accustomed to her presence in our family...and she was a welcomed addition to our festivities.

Mar and Jonathan

Mar, the Queen of Christmas

Luke playing with his White Elephant Gift

Kyle loves Christmas!

Dylan...too cool for even himself :)

Merry Christmas!