Who's on that sleigh??!

I love Christmas time!  I love what it stands for of course, the birth of Jesus Christ who would die 33 years later for our sins and win us back from the clutches of Hell, but I also love the atmosphere that comes along with this time of year.  People are happier (for the most part), nicer (in general) and there's such anticipation for what's to come that you can't help but feel the excitement hanging in the air.
I'm anxious for it this year.  Normally I'm excited about Christmas, but I'm not 'anxious' about it.  I don't typically put up the decorations until the weekend before and I've never been one for getting presents (for myself).  This year's different somehow though.  We put up the decor on Thanksgiving and I can't wait to open my gifts!  I actually have presents under the tree that I don't know what they are! ;) (Mostly because Joe didn't tell my MIL what he got me.. she's notorious for giving away secrets.. Last year she came over for dinner and said "Oh, I see Joe gave you your coffee pot already".  and I was like "uh.. no, that's my old one.." and she was like "ooops.."  Joe was one unhappy little elf.) hehe.. 
Not only that, but we were able to get the boys some awesome stuff (which I can't tell you yet because the eldest is a follower of my blog) and they're all old enough to truly understand what Christmas is all about.  We don't celebrate Santa, but we do celebrate Jesus. (Just a personal family choice, not to make anyone feel like we're judging you if you do Santa)  The boys are grateful of the gifts they get and they KNOW that it's daddy's hard work and sweat earned money that pays for said gifts.  They're also knowledgeable of the facts that surround Christmas.  I love when Ramsey says grace because he always thanks Jesus for being born and then dying on the cross.. and that's truly what it's about.  But the gifts are awesome! And I LOVE getting together with family and friends and having parties with lots of food and plenty of laughs!
The big extended family gathering is something that I didn't grow up with.  We moved so much and lived so far away that there was never a holiday or birthday where we had Aunts, Uncles, cousins or Gparents around.  It was always just the 5 of us, and my mom always went overboard and made Christmas (and Easter and New years and birthdays) extra special and super memorable.  I didn't taste the splendor of the extended family gatherings until I got married.  We still get together with Joe's entire family every holiday, which is great, but I crave and demand that Christmas morning be done in our house, with just us 5.  And I can't wait for Saturday morning!! 
Oh, and speaking of Christmas, and the fact that Christmas Eve is tomorrow, I have to tell you something funny that Ramsey said the other day.  He was recollecting that in a few days was Cmas Eve and then he stopped and asked thoughtfully "Mom, why is it called Christmas Eve?  What does she have to do with it?" lol, I thought it was funny.. (maybe you had to be there..) :P
And speaking of funny things that silly kids say, here are a few things Riddoc (the speaker with a never ending statement) said the other day on the way home from MOPS.  Here they are in no particular order or relevance..  "I think I just saw Batman trying to get out of the back of that truck." "I wish I had a fake beard, not a real one, but a fake one." "Could you talk if you didn't have a tongue?" "Can you turn the heater down, it's melting my face off."  OH! and I can't forget to tell you the lyrics he's been accidentally singing instead of the normal "one horse open sleigh"..  the new version goes something like this .. "jingle bells, ~blah blah blah~, with one whore on the sled.." LOL, and no, he's not doing it on purpose.. that's just his '5 year old, I don't  know what the real words are' version.
That child should come with a warning label.. kind of like roller coaster's do.  Caution, do not engage if you have a heart condition, thoughts of suicide, a short fuse, anger issues, sensitive ear drums (cuz he has no volume control), a history of violence or any other condition that would cause you to want to jump off of a bridge after answering non relevant questions and commenting on off the wall statements for 18 hours straight.  *sigh* He's gonna be the class clown and my main reason for reporting to the principals office.  But he's awesome and God definitely has something major planned for him!!!  (you may repeat that statement as often as needed to get through your day with The Riddoc at your heals) ;)  Nah seriously though, he's an outstanding little boy, sweet, super funny and highly intelligent with a wit quick enough to keep any average adult on their toes.
So, now that I've rambled on (and on), let me ask you a question.. What are your plans for the next two days?  How do you celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? 
I'll get the poll rolling.. tomorrow we will go to Becky's house (my SIL) and the 12 of us (Becky, Dustin, their 3 kids, Nana, Papa and the 5 of us) will go to church.  Then we'll go back to Becky's house to eat dinner and open presents.  Then the 5 of us will come home and open one gift a piece before going to bed.  The next morning (before the sun comes up I'm sure) we'll get up and open all the gifts under the tree.  Then around 11 Joe's extended family will come over to our house and have lunch/dinner and do a gift exchange.  Then everyone goes home and Joe and I will collapse on the couch not to move again until after the new year.  Now it's your turn... :)
Oh, and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!!!!
PS.. here are some random pictures of our holiday cheer!

Making cookies on that snow day I talked about previously..

 Still making cookies.. but who's foot is Riddoc holding? lol

 Some of our beautiful creations.. and very loaded with icing and sprinkles!!

 Our tree..

 The Mantel

 The entry way, going into my Living Room.. (take a left to go to Joe's living room..)

 The little blue tree in the Dining room (next to the hot drink station) :)

 A cool picture of the lights that Riddoc took..

 A picture Riddoc drew for me while I was blogging just now.. (It say's "love Riddoc to Mom) He spells love with a heart.. :)