Christmas 2013

This Christmas season has been a crazy one. We have had soooo much going on outside of the normal Christmas season (mostly with a rental house in Casper) that we really didn't even think about Christmas day until a week before. We did all the normal talking about serving others and trying to do that, but I didn't buy a single present until the Thursday before Christmas. I went out at 7:30 at night, returned at 10, where Chet and I wrapped them all, and we were almost done with it all. Christmas Eve we went back out for 2 more presents. It was very nice and quick. The boys really got the idea of Christmas this year. They didn't ask for a lot and they were very understanding about the commercialization of it all, and I was very happy at their disposition towards Christmas. Of course they are still kids, but they were really good remembering that it's Christ's bday, not theirs. They were over the moon excited about their presents they did receive, and it was a super great day!!! The highlight: After Cael had all his presents open, he climbed into Chets lap and started crying. With tears running down his cheeks, he says, "All I asked Santa for was a remote control." I looked over at the boys, and low and behold, Carter had one present unopened, and it was a remote control car. I just looked at him and wispered, "Can I have your present for Cael please?" They only get 3 presents each (like the three wise men). The other two gifts were not toys (that he had already opened.) I think he was saving the biggest and best for last. Without question and without any sad facial expressions, he just handed it over to me. I handed it to Cael and told him he had one more present. He opened it up and was BEYOND excited (and told us that it was the best Christmas EVER!!!). I turned to Carter holding back tears (as I am now trying to write this even!) and mouthed thank you! He was smiling, and didn't seem one bit sad. He was happy none the less!!! I was so overwhelmed with happiness and pride and joy. Carter seemed to have the true spirit of giving, and was so selfless. I grabbed him and as I cried I told him that I would take him to the store to buy anything he wanted. He asked me later if he could trade in his gift for a night up until midnight. I hugged him again with so much love for that amazing boy, and told him he could have both! Later that night we drove all over town looking for a place open on Christmas night that we could get some ice cream (the #1 way to show him love. He LOVES to get ice cream.) Carson was very upset that Carter was staying up with Chet and I, and came out with tears in his eyes, saying, "I would have done the same!" I don't know if he would have, but even if he wouldn't have then, he saw how happy it made Chet and I, that Carters example will remain with him too of unselfishness. We went to a Christmas day brunch and bragged about Carter and I know it made an impression on both of them too. They could see the pride and all the adults were telling Carter how amazing he is! I cannot even explain the way I felt. Everyone was so happy. The boys played and played and played, mostly together. It was definately a mothers payday. When everything that you have been trying to teach them all came together. It has been my favorite Christmas that I can remember!!! Mostly because of the way I FEEL, not the things that I have! I feel so blessed to be the mother of these 5 amazing boys. They are all soooooo different and they bring such different personalities and things to our family, but together it all fits. In one homey LOUD filled with love house!!!