Christmas Eve
Our traditional candle-light Christmas Eve dinner.
Merinda enjoying an amazing brownie, from a plate of goodies given to us by the Holt's.
Mom's Christmas Eve dinner was a little more up-scale!
She prepared a wonderful feast for Brittney, Darek, and Jared and family.
Everyone loved the meal, and had a wonderful time visiting.
They also enjoyed Mom's little program which included the reading of her own original Christmas story (which needs to be published I hear).
Brittney loved catching up with her cousin's Blessing and Sarah.
Mom spoiled the kids with new winter clothes.
Even the guy cousins had a good time (Sarah's boyfriend Jason, James, and Darek).
Christmas Morning
Since I can't keep my Christmas cards forever, I like to take a picture of them.
Merinda coming down the stairs Christmas morning,
to the traditional playing of Christmas music.
The only tree we put up this year. I didn't have the heart to put up the big Christmas tree, and then decorate it all by myself.
My stocking and gifts from Merinda.
Beautiful hand-made card from Merinda.
I told Merinda to pick out some classy Christmas wrapping paper from the store when she went shopping with Brad one day, so she picked out this lovely ugly Christmas sweater wrapping paper. Hmmmm.
My perfect stocking-stuffers.
Merinda chose to open her presents before church, because the suspense was just too much!
When you're the only child, all eyes are on you!
Her expression says it all.
Her expression says it all.
Yep, these gifts were from Brad and I.
We like to give gifts that are both sensible and functional.
Merinda opening her last gift, which was sent via priority mail by our good friend Debbie Wright.
Merinda pretty clueless about what it could be.
And Brad cracking some joke about it.
Opening all the little parts first...
and then the main gift!
The only thing Merinda wanted was a nice (fancy) camera, which we told her would never happen because it was just too expensive. But Debbie came through for her.
The tears began to flow (both Merinda's and mine).
Even though I had nothing to do with it, I still got a big hug (while trying to eat my oatmeal). I just want to thank Debbie Wright for making one teenage girl (and her mamma) very happy on Christmas!!
Merinda's gifts.
Hugs all around.
Brad finally opened his stocking later in the day, after performing all of his regular Sunday duties as bishop.
Trying to look surprised as he opens all his Weight Watcher friendly snacks.
Brad modeling his new tie, and wearing his new Garmin watch.
Me modeling my new bike! We were all truly blessed this Christmas!
Christmas Day
Definitely the highlight of my Christmas was being able to see and talk with the rest of my children: Brittney, Aubrey and Breck.
We visited with Aubrey first, by herself.
We then visited with all of the kids at once, via google hang-out!
It was so wonderful to see all my kid's smiling faces again, together!
Aubrey with her companion Sister Rice, who is from Texas.
Aubrey on the big screen at the Holt's house.
We then visited with Breck by himself. He wasn't quite as concerned as Aubrey, with the time limit.
You can see by the smiles on our faces,
what a blessing it was to see and talk with the kids again!
Breck and his companion Elder Gutierrez from Mexico.
We then gave Holt's a gift of our favorite painting of Christ.
It was good to spend time with all the Holt children again. 
We topped the day off with an amazing Christmas dinner made by Veronica. It was truly a blessed day!!!
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