She'll be home for {next} Christmas!

Christmas morning started out like it always does, except for the fact that we were missing a child lined up on the stairs waiting for the OK to head on down to the tree.  While we are missing Sister Kennedy Rushing immensely, talking to her face to face on Christmas Eve, and seeing how happy she is, made our separation easier.  Knowing that she will only miss one Christmas at home helps too!

Santa brought Will a nice fish aquarium so he can have his own "pets" in his own room.
Santa brought Layton a Kindle since that boy is always reading!
Santa got Karsyn a gel nail polish kit and LED light to do her own gel manicures.
Cassidy got a new iPhone 5C to replace the one Kennedy let her use that somehow ended up in the toilet!

I think Bailey liked her Santa gift more than anybody!  She got a new bed so she could lie comfortably in the family room with us while she is recovering from her latest surgery.
Santa brought me some new cowboy boots to replace the ones Cassidy took with her to college.
Santa also knew it was time for dad to have a new iPhone too!
Sometimes get out shined by dad - this was one of those years for sue!  The kids were super thrilled about their surprises from Dad.  Will got an autographed plaque of Drew Brees.
Layton got tickets to see Lebron James and the Miami Heat play the Blazers.

Karsyn got a new golf club.  I'm not going to even pretend to tell you what type of golf club that is.


Cassidy got something pretty and something useful...a new watch and jumper cables for all those times the suburban won't start because the car and world are frozen in Rexburg!

The kids did a great job and getting us and each other gifts.  They had a lot of fun shopping for each other and are really beginning to see and understand the joy of giving and not just receiving.






And of course, no Christmas is complete without some Jazz gear from grandma and grandpa Stewart!
After the tree is cleaned out of gifts, the real fun begins!  The kids are always more excited to see what is in the Bingo Basket than they are to see what was under the tree for them!


Grandma C.C. was in town for Christmas this year.  She spent Christmas Eve and Shane and Julie's and watched their kids open gifts in the morning, then headed over to our house for Bingo.  She was feeling lucky today!


We love inviting the missionaries over on Christmas day as well for some Bingo fun.  I enjoy finding items that the missionaries can use and they seem to really enjoy getting some unexpected Christmas gifts.  Our lovely sisters went home with church CD's, jewelry, lotions, perfume and an apron!

An of course, I added a new ornament to the tree representing that Kennedy was in our thoughts at this special time. The blessings our family is receiving from her service and the joy she is bringing to souls in Australia are truly our greatest gift this year!



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