Longest Post ever (Christmas 2012 incl)

Hi World!!  I have so much to say so I'll do my best to get it all out. 

Every year we trade doing Thanksgiving and Christmas between mine and C's family.  This year it was time to do Christmas Day with the Thompson's.  We had a blast!  At first we had many things planned but travel, sickness, and life changed our plans.  On Christmas eve I had the whole family to my house for dinner and opening presents.  Cade learned all the Christmas songs on his piano and played for the family while the Brother-in-laws sang and played guitar.  We had such a great time opening gifts and the kids were so cute. 
This was Finns first year to really understand about Christmas and Santa and it was such fun.  I think being on this side, as the "giver" and parent and just as much fun as being a kid and actually believing in Santa.  Here are a few pics from this celebration:

The Brothers.

All the cousins with Honey and Papa Bear

Since Finn asked so sweetly he got to open the first gift.

my little Bundle-Bug after bath and getting ready for Christmas PJs

After the family went home, we read The Night Before Christmas, put out Santa's cookies and put Finn to bed.  Then the fun began putting together the train table.  This looks like a blast doesn't it?

Assembly required :)

We were up late but it was fun, at least for me.  I was so excited about Christmas morning!  When Finn woke up, Cade and I both got up and put on the Christmas music and tree lights before bringing Finn downstairs.  He immediately saw his train table and was so super excited.  It was so cute that it brought tears to my eyes- I love being his mommy!!  He didn't even want to open his other gifts because he loved the trains so much.  We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast and took our time playing and opening gifts.  It was perfect!!

Then, we all showered and I finished cooking and we headed to Cade's parents for Christmas Day lunch.  It was so yummy.  My brother-in-law smoked a turkey, which is my favorite!!  We had all the sides that I love, green bean bundles, broccoli rice casserole, homemade rolls, sweet potatoes, cranberry salad, stuffing, ham, potato casserole, and more.  (by the way I've been running overtime trying to burn everything off that I ate).   Then, Finn and I took a nap while daddy played dominoes with the family.  It was a wonderful time with his family this year.  I've always been lucky to love my in-laws but the older I get the more and more I appreciate them.  Surprisingly, we also had a white Christmas.  We almost got stuck in the snow and ice on the roads on our way home that evening. 

This past Saturday we celebrated Christmas with my Family.  Matt and Holly came in and my grandparents were supposed to be there but ended up sick.  We still had a great time.  Finn and Haylee played so well together and had a blast opening gifts.  We once again ate tons of great food and played dominoes.  Here are pics from this Celebration:

Finn and Haylee

Finn opening gifts

Finn and Daddy

Nana and Pops gave both kids something to ride, here is Finns new Tricycle that he LOVES.  I've been letting him ride it around the house and he says "I'm coming to town" as he rides by.

Getting them all to look and smile is nearly impossible these days :)

My little family

The first day Cade had to go back to work I decided to take Finn up to Northpark Mall in Dallas to see their train exhibit.  Mom and Dad went with me to help with Finn.  It was really neat and I would recommend it to anyone who has a little boy who loves trains. 

Checking out the ducks and turtles in the mall

He loves his Nana

Checking out the trains

This was his favorite part of the train exhibit.  It is a mini Texas state fair but Finn liked the Elephants.

A little side note:  (this isn't politically correct so don't read if you don't want to)
OK people, here it is...I want to be pregnant.  I have to say it.  I feel better when I admit it and then I can stop thinking about it and move on.  We've only been trying for about 7 months this time and I KNOW there are people who try a lot longer than that, in fact, I know some personally.  All the same, I'm still not being very patient.  Christmas seemed like it made it harder for me because I totally thought I'd be pregnant for Christmas this year.  I'm NOT admitting this because I want anyone to pray that I get pregnant because I know that God has a plan for me.  I know he knows my next baby and has set him/her apart before I have even conceived.  My prayer is for patience and that I can truly rejoice with those around me who are rejoicing in their pregnancies (I'm surrounded with them).  My prayer is that I take delight in what I have because I am truly, richly blessed beyond my wildest dreams.  Well there it is- I know its not PC to say these things out loud in today's world but that's the truth and whats on my mind. :)