Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

I love Christmas! It is my favorite time of year. What I love most is the excitement and curiousity in our kids eyes.

Here is what life in our house was like the night before Christmas at 11pm.

Christmas Eve

After Mema & Papka Goobs headed home we got busy. First, cookie dough for Santa's cookies, then naps and snack. Then we got all dressed up and attending Christmas Eve service for the first time in like 6 years. Seriously, it is crazy!

We had the joy of listening to the Three Wisemen play in concert at our church. One of my favorite singers is Timothy James Meany. It was beautiful and funny!

I snapped this picture of the kids before they got all undressed. Look at the way Liam and Reilly are watching over Natalie. She is one lucky girl!

It is 9:11pm the kids are all nestled in their beds and I am ready to get the ball rolling. My favorite part about the entire hyped up Santa Clause thing is the look on my childrens faces when they see presents under the tree and the memories it brings to read the Christmas Story.

We try so hard to make sure they understand Christmas is not just about Santa Clause and gifts, but about something so much more special. This year the boys really are beginning to understand. We are making Jesus a cake for his birthday. Liam said Jesus told him he wanted a Train cake...so a train cake it is!

I am reminded of all the fond memories I have of family and friends. I am so blessed to be loved and to love so many. May God Bless you and your families as you sleep tonight.

Love & Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve with Mema & Papka Goobs

Mema (my mom) and Papka Goobs got up really early today and drove over to spend the day with us and the kids. It was so much fun! The kids got to open presents and play all day. Natalie got a new riding toy. Liam got more Lionel track and Percy, which he was so excited about and Reilly got a dump truck with a crane. It ended up being some what nice out this afternoon and he even got to go dig in the dirt.

Jason and I got away for a little lunch date and some shopping. It was just a fun day. We were so glad they made the trip over for the day to see us. Since we are spending Christmas alone this year with just the kids it was nice to get to be with them for the day. Oh yeah, the family got walkie talkies (the real ones) and I got diamond earings...seriously they are beautiful and I pray that I do not loose them!!

May God Bless you and your family this Christmas with the gift of His salvation. It is a true blessing to know we are in His family!

Cavanaugh Family Game Night

I have eagerly anticipated this day...when all the Cavanaugh's gather under one roof to hash out all life's pressing issues, discuss current politics, eat, play, and have fun together as a family.

It was another year together. I can hardly believe how grown up all the kids are getting. It was such a blessing to have us all together for the day. The Wii was the big hit amongst the kids (and the adults). Uncle Bill took everyone to "strikesville" and the LIAM-I-NATOR was on a role to "spareville". Laura and I rocked the house to "We are Family" and danced with Jack to "walking on Sunshine" oh and "KungFu Fighting". Grant, Maddie, and Uncle Mike duked it out in boxing. Grant was sweating and had to cool of in the shower (literally).

Pop-Pop relaxed on the couch and played games with the kids. Nana and her bummed out knee relaxed as well...we got her to even bowl. Jason broke out the guitar for a little Christmas music with the kids. Uncle Icky and his broken ankle hobbled around. It was the year of the injured!

Nathan and Natalie had fun together climbing and wrestling. They got along so good.

These are the true meanings of Christmas...gathered together as a family. Loving one another and spending time together. It is a true blessing!

We can not wait till next year when Eric & Jodi have another addition that makes grand baby #8. Yikes!

Merry Christmas.


P.S. Notice all the pictures with me in them...I just had to be in some pictures this year even if it meant me taking them. Ha! Ha!

Oh Santa I am so tired...please come soon.

After a long day of waiting to visit Santa at the "coffee shop dat is shaped like a square" Reilly was a pooped out reindeer. I took this picture upon our return home. The drive was 8 minutes. I guess we are ALL tired this time of year.

I will treasure this photo!