The many days of Christmas . . . .

What a Blessed Christmas!

Hope everyone had a great Holiday. Ours was great, I feel very blessed. My brother and I made amends. After 2 years of not really speaking it was a nice feeling to see them again. Maybe a little awkward, but still worth it. I didn't realize how many people in my family read my blog until I posted the one on Thanksgiving day, maybe it was a blessing in disguise. I felt relieved after I wrote it, but it started alot of anger, which promtped me to talk to him and try to mend things. I asked his forgiveness, and from the Lord, for not having a forgiving heart. I think we both grew and changed over the 2 years neither of us realized until now.

Anyway, the Ruiz household voted on the coolest toy received in 2008, and the winner is. . . .

(Check the video at the bottom)

ICoaster. Very cool. Nanny and Grandad got it for Aidan, but the whole family has been mesmerized at one point or another--just sitting there watching it over and over! Our dining table is officially half size now, the other half belongs to the ICoaster!

We went to Jeremy's Grandma and Grandpa Renteria's home for Christmas Eve. It was very nice to see his family. If I would have had my video camera out, I could have taped Ely's strip show during the white elephant and won some money! Aidan and Alek met about 6 - 8 cousins around their age they have never really met or spent time with, and they all live in Amarillo. How bad is that!? Love Jerm's grandparents, they are a hoot!

Jerm surprised me with a diamond "journey" necklace set in white gold--it is gorgeous I love it!

I bought him an Ipod dock. You would have thought he received the diamonds :-)

To the friends and family we didn't get to see before or during, much love and blessings to you & yours!

Random Thoughts

Yay! We have had all our decorations up for a week now, and I already have 4 wrapped presents under the tree. I have never been this far along in December. I purchased @ 80% of the gifts on Black Friday, so I am doin' good! And I have actually nailed down most of our plans w/ family and know what I have to make so I won't be shopping 3 days before Christmas--Amazing!! But sadly, I think our poor Santa out front has been wind beaten for the final year. He is barely making it! He will probably retire after this year. And our tree seems to be a bit of a leaning tower this year!

However, what I am most proud of is that I actually got Christmas Cards ordered this year. I have wanted to the past few years, but never had it together enough to get a picture of all of us and order them. AND I talked Slaton into putting on a Santa hat for the picture--I deserve a special ribbon :)