Lovely Christmas

It's been such a lovely lovely day.

We put some jingle bells on the outside doorknob of the boys' room so they couldn't get out before we did this morning. Around 7:30, we went into their room to find Sammy dressed and waiting, and Daniel just waking up. We had a Christmas morning prayer and eagerly went to the living room for some fun.

Happily, we managed to avoid the sugary-ness associated with Christmas morning. Stockings were stocked with little mandarins, organic popcorn (made the night before by popcorn master Keenan), two cookies, a couple little toys, and a ticket for a day at California Adventure next week.  We opened presents one at a time, playing and talking all the while. I got a new slow cooker (mine went AWOL over a year ago), some Naturoli soap nuts, which I've been dying to try, and a stack of great new books to read. They're already occupying key reading areas: bathroom, bedroom, nursing station...

After a breakfast of sprouted wheat waffles and warmed raw apple cider, it was time for a showdown.

Sammy was in heaven with his new cap gun (no caps supplied), bolo tie, and leather boots from a genuine cowboy store. He wore his old ones until the soles fell off. He actually helped pay for these new ones with birthday money he's saved up in a jar.



When asked what his favorite present was, Daniel replied without heistation that it was the big bouncy green die from his stocking (held in right hand below). He didn't let go of it the whole day, not even for his nap.



The boys spent a good deal of time in their new play place (which they unknowingly helped build, thinking it was just another garden box... hee hee).

The much loved Sophie La Girafe for James.



I took a long, hot, salty bath (mid-day!) and enjoyed the first chapter of a new book. I've followed this author's blog for some time and am so glad to finally have her book. (I know, I know, my stomach's been churning over those cowboy boots... I'll just have to make sure he works those feet muscles!)

For dinner (which Keenan prepared!), we killed the fatted calf:

• Grass-fed (soy free) duck from this farm, prepared à la Julia Child. Amazing. I can't wait for the stock and rendered lard. :)
• Whipped sweet potatoes
• Asparagus spears sautéed in butter with lemon pepper
• Fermented ginger carrots
• Raw chocolate ice cream and a simple Bûche de Noël for dessert

We talked with family on and off throughout the day, but mostly I just wandered around the house, relishing my time with Keenan and the boys, and feeling the spirit of the day. I was glad for such a happy day because I had a hard time finding the spirit of the season as Christmas steadily approached. We were out of town for a few weeks early on, so getting ready for Christmas was coupled with prolonged trip recovery. I finished James's new diaper inserts and wipes just last night (I knew if I didn't give myself a Christmas deadline for that one, it would keep not getting done).

As we prepped dessert, we let the boys watch some of the Church's recent bible videos, which invited more dialogue about Jesus Christ as we ended the day. Christmas left me ever grateful for my Savior and strengthened in my desires to sacrifice my weaknesses at his feet.

 Merry Christmas, friends. Sleep in heavenly peace.