MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Today has been a wonderful day. I know this has nothing to do with crafts and projects, but it's been so nice, I just wanted to write about it. It seems the German tradition is to do all presents on Christmas Eve. Since we live in Germany, Michael wanted to do this. I compromised. We each opened a gift last night, but save the rest for today. We decorated the tree. Normally we decorate about a week before Christmas, but I'm tempted to do it this way again. Just plan better next time so we can make the temporary ornaments, like cinnamon bundles and popcorn strings. Also, we need to find a better place for the tree, so we have an outlet to plug in the lights. Then the kids put out cookies and eggnog for Santa. They called their father and he read them "The Night Before Christmas". Just before bed, we went online and saw where Santa was, on the NORAD Santa Tracker. At that point he was in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

This morning was proper chaos. We woke up at 4, since Michael had to go to work early. The tree had exploded with presents from family and Santa. The kids dug in. It's nice that they can both read their names now. They are able to find their presents easier. There were also a few gifts for Michael. He was very happy with the board game "Cattan" and surprisingly happy with the cute leather making kit. It ended up having a bunch of tools and other bits that he could use and didn't already have. Plus, he said his wallet was dying and he'd make a new one with the kit. COOL! He even got a fuzzy coloring poster. I couldn't help it. I picked up some for the kids and figured he'd give me a cute pouty face if he didn't get one too. :-)

The kids were also excited with the cat. They had both picked out a cat toy for her as a present. This morning they opened her presents in front of her and were thrilled when she immediately wanted to play with them. Of course she really likes Paul's new Cars racetrack. She keeps trying to catch Lightning McQueen as he flies around the racetrack. the kids think it's hilarious.

And of course I got some cool gifts as well. I received the 2 volume set of "The Oxford Anthology of English Literature" from Old English until now. SUPER COOL! And a nice little travel crib/changing table/play pen for the new baby when it comes. And the new microphones for the game systems is fun. Michael will never be able to shut me up now. So many singing games to conquer. :-)

And I'm looking forward to tonight. After Michael gets home from work, we'll have a delicious dinner. Duck, sweet potatoes, pink salad, lemon pudding and pumpkin bread. At least that's the goal.

And the view out the back living room window is beautiful. The snow on the farm behind us, is gorgeous. It's a nice Christmas.