Merry Christmas All
We had absolutely nothing planned for Christmas Eve day. Leo had a fever and felt relatively lousy so we all curled up and watched two, count 'em TWO, Hallmark Christmas movies. We giggled throughout and tried to explain to the boys that when we were kids it was a big deal when there was a Hallmark special on TV....and they were always good----or at least we thought so. They frolicked like puppies together happily fighting over the little basketballs that Brian had sent home with them the night before. Then Owen brought in lots of wood so we had a fire and listened to Christmas music while Owen vibrated with excitment and Leo commented thoughtfully about how LONG a day Christmas Eve was. I had told them that once it was dark they could exchange their gifts (just as my sisters and I did every Christmas Eve) and they wore me down at late dusk. They were overjoyed with their gifts. I suggested to Leo that he hug his brother but he chose to shake his hand. Owen gave him a hug though after opening his. They are good brothers.
Santa Yoda from the Lego Advent calendar:
Ernie building me a fire:
Owen couldn't stand it and went to bed a little after 6:00.....I kid you not. Leo went up not much after 7:00. I went up with him and kissed a sleepy Owen goodnight. He was slurring sleepily but just kept saying, "I WISH I could fall asleep." Leo still didn't feel great so he tumbled into bed and I wrapped him up.
Ernie and I feasted on our Meat Pie (tourtiere) by ourselves and good lord it was good. Homemade pickled beets were great, napa cabbage slaw with cumin seeds, and the meat pie was heavenly. I may have underspiced it a bit but lately I've thought sometimes I go too far with the spices so I'm seeking balance (as in everything, huh?). We did our Christmas stuff and watched Its A Wonderful Life on and off. It was a lovely day and a lovelier evening.
This morning the boys (with Owen in the noisy lead) burst into our room around 5:30. Yeah. And I hadn't slept well----waiting for them to wake up. It's all well worth it of course. They loved their presents.
Here is Owen leaping so quickly toward another present that he appears as a ghost in front of the tree:
Owen commented that there weren't as many presents as usual and of course I was crushed. He assured me it was fine he was just noticing. Of course they used to have lots of gifts from sisters and grandparents....it made it different. Later Owen commented to me that he was really glad they hadn't gotten as many gifts....that last year there were lots and some he just didn't even need....that it was much better this way. Lord I love that boy.
The best part about Christmas morning though? That in the midst of all their excitement....when we made our way downstairs a few minutes after they had thundered down the stairs (they had warned us last night to have our clothes close at hand), they had their presents for us waiting....and insisted that we open them first---before they opened any of theirs. They touch my heart with moments like that.
After that I did my standard....and went back to bed for a nap. Ernie woke me later and said he had my friend's Boo's fabulous rolls in the oven. I got up and ate (man I have friends who can BAKE) and laid down on the couch with my kindle while Owen assassinated people. I know, I know. I am weak...but he did turn off the blood---and there ARE all kinds of historical figures in the game..... Now the ham is in the oven. Leo just asked, "what is that HORRIBLE smell?" "our food honey, it's our food," I told him. I've got my scalloped potatoes started and I think we'll just have a nice crisp salad with it....oh, and some cranberry and dried cherry sauce because I love any excuse for cranberry sauce.
Merry Christmas all.