What a Haul!

We had a lovely Christmas and everyone was incredibly generous. I'm so thankful that we had the whole family together -- it was noisy, messy and chaotic but such fun and such good food! Add that to the company and you can't beat it.

Here's the list:

From Mark -- my beautiful ring, a pair of roller skates (he liked how much I enjoyed Natalie's BD party -- he even ordered 2 sizes to make sure he had the right size!) - and to go with that, knee, elbow and wrist pads so I don't break myself. He also got me some new fuzzy Crocs as Crocs are the only things that fit on swollen, sore feet (Surgery Round 2 is scheduled for tomorrow), a cute new sweater, a little tool set from IKEA so that I can find a hammer and/or a screwdriver when I want one, and probably other things that are escaping me right now.

From Chris and Tara -- a fabulous Life is Good shirt (one of my favorites, actually) a matching magnet for my fridge, and some cute, cuddly socks that match as well.

From Chris and Natalie - a beautiful coat from Old Navy. It's perfect.

From Math -- a picture frame full of pics of family, especially the kiddoes. He knows where my heart is!

From my sister Val -- a necklace, beautiful pair of diamond earrings, and some Moose socks. That's funny because we have called each other Moose and Ox for years. I know that I will never be able to find Ox socks for her!

And from friends - a multitide of wonderful things. Everyone was so generous and so loving. It really was the best Christmas ever.

The presents, though, are really just the frosting on a pretty incredible cake. When the celebration is about the birth of Jesus Christ, gifts, however wonderful, pale in comparison. But I know He loves seeing the gifts of love that have been shared this year.