Christmas 2011

Ok, I gotta admit, I do have a hard time staying focused on posting on my own blog. 

It's so much more fun reading {stalking} other people's blogs... :)
Hence, the late Christmas post.. :P

But, I do want to post about our Christmas, so here goes.

Christmas was spent with my family this year.
On Christmas Eve, we had our traditional Lasagna dinner at my parents, visited, and watched the Nativity videos found on the church website. (filmed in Utah, and really good)
Unfortunately I wasn't the best at taking pictures this year...:(  most of these are from my aunt's camera. (thanks!)

Since Christmas was on a Sunday this year, we waited til after my parent's 9:00 church to do our gifts.
 We went to my parent's ward, where my dad {being Bishop} gave a wonderful talk
alongside a musical program by the ward.
I have to admit that at first I had mixed feelings about Christmas landing on a Sunday this year.
{I know, I know, where's my Christmas Spirit, right?}
But, in the end I was grateful to attend church with my family, on such a special day and focus
 all your attention on the life of our Savior, for just over an hour.
Besides, he IS the reason for the season ;)

After church, the hubby and I then came back to our place,
and did our own little Christmas before heading to my parents.

I got him a nice jacket, a tool box, and a few clothes.
He got me a cute shirt, and a photo-editing software called Lightroom!
I felt spoiled, as always.

Then after a while, we headed over to my parents when everyone
was meeting over there and did our gifts with the family.

showing off a gator head and other gifts from my missionary bro in Lousiana!

                                                             "VooDoo" dolls

This year, we made personalized calendars for everybody in my family with collages
 of family pics from last year. It was a fun gift for everyone and I think they enjoyed looking through them!

And we got even more spoiled over there.

the new "fish eye lens" I got from my brother :) 

Then, just like every family with a missionary does on Christmas Day, we got to talk to my bro! :)
Although we saw him just 3 months ago {for his surgery...click here to read about it} it was still fun to talk to him.
And... after working out a few complications with computers, speakers, videos, etc....
we finally got to talk to him AND see him on Skype :)

We got to talk to him for a good 2+ hours, and when it was time to say goodbye...
well, I'm sure you could guess how it went with the mother...;)

BUT we get to see him in just 3 short months when he RETURNS for good.
And right when we hung up with him, through her emotions,
my mom was also ecstatic that that was going to be the
LAST phone call with a missionary on Christmas.. ever. :)

Then after our delicious Christmas dinner, we headed over to my aunt & uncle's house for desserts and visiting!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday as we did!