Christmas for Two: 2010

We were so excited for our first Christmas. We knew it was going to be a busy day on the 25th and we didn't want to be rushed for time together, you know, just the two of us. So, I set my alarm. We went to bed around 1 am on Christmas Eve and snapped up with the alarm at 6:30 am. Once we remembered what day it was, the grumbling seised. Peter told me to wait in the warm, cozy bed while he went out into the living room to turn on the tree and garland, light the candles, and light the fire. I love his attention to detail and his understanding of how it makes me feel loved.
     In front of the fire, we began to exchange our gifts. It was so much fun to give to each other. I bought Peter a craftman tool chest. I carried one of the boxes upstairs but the other was in Mom's car out front. I told him we needed to take Mom's car to hide the present in the back from Dad. He opened the top half upstairs and then played hot & cold to find his other present. When he was lead downstairs and out the door, he figured that present in the back of the car might not really be for Dad. I wrapped up some small presents for him that I would normally buy at the store but only he likes such as a huge container of red crushed pepper, peanut butter bars, juice, Willy Wonka candy, etc. I saw how many presents he had for me and while the tool chest met our estabilshed limit, I wanted to be sure he had presents to unwrap.
     The week before christmas Peter did a lot of shopping. We was so cute hiding behind the computer screen trying to order, locate, and/or shop online for things he thought I would like. I unwrapped an ornament he picked out for our tree, Chris tomlin's Christmas CD, the whole Bible on CD (which I now listen to every second I'm in the car), a candle snuffer, a glass jar w/ lid, electric thermometer, a jump rope, Christmas plates, and gold stars from Pier1 (Christmas decor). Wowza! We went all out for our first Christmas and it was such a blast!!
     Next, it was off to Mom and Dad's for our first "six of us" Christmas. We fixed our breakfast plates and chatted while we waited for Tiff to emerge from the bedroom. It was so(!!!!!) much fun to be together. In the den, we got comfortable and headed for the stockings. Mom is the best shopper and so personal when she shops for someone- one of the many things I love about her. We gave Dad the President George W Bush book on CD and mom got a blue tooth thing for her car so her phone calls come in through the radio or something like that. Us kids made the padres a license plate frame for Winnie- Just add family and roll. Tiff got lots of cute boots which was a huge deal since she is a size jumbo, I mean 11, and can never find cute shoes that fit. I got my camera, Peter got an air compressor (Craftman's Christmas!), and Jar got clothes and a big huge cutting board. It was 100% awesome quality time and gift giving.
     At 1:00 we were joyfully invaded by 25 family members! All the Terrys came over minus Brandon and Bethany. We did our classic ornament exchange, made crafts with the kiddos, ate, ate, ate and chatted. Those parties never disappoint.
     Approximately 4:00 we arrived at the Styffe house. I was so excited to give my new siblings their gifts. It was such a blast to find stuff for them, make it personal and pass it out! Elizabeth and Glenn gave me something I had been wanting for a long time...Christmas plates....the same ones she has. It's a certain pattern and Peter loves it and I love it too. I got 4 place settings. I was beside myself. By the end of the day Peter owned all the major tools, and a motorcycle cover, pants, and other special parts. It was a fabulous day of being together and giving...because He gave his one and only son so many years ago.

xo, p&l