(no subject)

I can safely say this has been one of our most peaceful Christmases ever. Perhaps it is because we didn't travel, or maybe it is because for the first time we had $ of our own to spend. Of course, we both missed our family and wished we were home...but I'll admit it was nice to just be in our own home with no obligations to go visiting.

The kids didn't wake up too terribly early. I think I woke up before them, around 7 a.m. When I was a kid, we always had to wake up my parents. I find it a bit funny that they can sleep so "late" on Christmas morning. Every one was pleased with the gifts they received. We declared this Christmas an "electronics free" event. In other words, no one would be getting video games for Christmas. Zack was still determined to ask Santa for a game, but when he woke up this morning and saw a Pokemon BattleDome under the tree, he didn't even mention the game. He was happy, and so were we. I kept wondering if this would be the year he found out the truth about Santa, but we made it through. I know I was about his age when I figured it out (and then promptly ruined it for my younger sister. I still regret that!) Zack just really trusts us and believes what we tell him. I think he'll feel betrayed when he realizes the truth.

We had snow tonight. A white Christmas was such a pleasant touch to our first Christmas in Spokane. Our kitty came back due to the snow. If it is clear outside, she generally stays away. However, as soon as it gets wet or snowy she shows back up at the back door, mewing her little head off. We let her in for a while. After two weeks of us caring for her off and on, she has become quite accustomed to our family. She was so skittish at first. Now she just loves us and we love it. She seems to like Petey most of all, with Chris as a close second. She's very affectionate. I want to name her Snow, as she came to us because of the snow, but it seems a bit cheesy. Chris acts like he doesn't want her around, but the reality is that he goes out of his way to make sure she has food and water in the garage. It's so sweet.

So, what did I get for Christmas? A big surprise, that's what! Chris gave me a pearl ring, mounted on white gold with diamond chips on the side. I was SO not expecting that. I asked for a sewing machine or a bird feeder, or maybe some dress boots (you know, boots to wear with dresses). Chris doesn't like giving practical things for Christmas. In his opinion, Christmas is all about fun stuff, toys. I'm so glad he has that philosophy. It was such a wonderful surprise to get a ring! I love it, love it, love it!! On my end, I got Chris the new Mac OS (which he couldn't get to work on his computer so he installed it on mine...I'm grateful of course, but it somewhat ruins the effect of the gift), a new jacket, a maroon shirt and tie (for his up coming job interviews), and a jack so he can listen to his iPod in his Jeep.

Also, we went to see "Water Horse" as a family. We rarely attend the movies as a family because Petey almost is incapable of sitting still through a whole film (he honestly dreads going to the movies but this is a family tradition to go on Christmas day.) However, he did ok this time and I'm very proud of him. Funny enough, he was also proud of himself and kept saying "I finally sat through a whole movie!" He liked the movie, as we all did.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas :)