Flashback Friday-Our first Christmas with the boys

I never posted about Christmas Eve/Christmas - so I am going to rewind a little bit and record our memories since this is my scrapbook. Christmas Eve the kids and I tried to make gingerbread bear cookies, that didn't work out so we just made them into funny faces.

We made our traditional Dominican dinner. It was the best yet. Pork Loin, Morro de guandules (a rice and pigeon peas dish), tostones (fried plantain), and yucca cooked with bacon, red onions, and garlic (actually a recipe from our Puerto Rican friends). The kids loved the food - even Josiah and Jeremiah - and the kids loved decorating the table nicely, using real dishes and glasses and eating by candle light.

Then we did some Bible/Advent time.

At night we made Dominican hot chocolate for a treat and opened their few presents. They had filled eachother's stockings with little things they got at garage sales, notes, candies and their own toys they new their brother or sister would like. We also added a few little things. It was so precious to see their excitement over giving and the thoughtfulness that went into each gift (I didn't' even know 1/2 of what was in those stockings because they would do it secretly). One child saved their mints from church and candies from saying Bible verses and put them in each stocking. Then we gave them each a couple of "big" presents - from garage sales, clearance and Ethiopia (having a lot of kids does not have to be expensive). Before opening those, Jordan said, "Dayenu - it would have been enough!" That is part of a Jewish song they learned at the church Passover Seder dinner around Easter time. We all agreed - they were perfectly happy with the giving and receiving of the stockings - I loved their response and I hope not to forget that. Janae made me a sweet coupon that read, "The bearer of this card is entitled to one free combo (manicure, pedicure and back massage) courtesy of "The Perfect Pedicure" Expires Aug. 2060" I LOVE her massages and she loves to give them - especially with smelly lotions - so it will be a real treat. She gave her Daddy something similar, but it was for kisses (she knows he loves them and she is the stingiest about giving them). I think she gave him a coupon for kisses because she didn't want to touch his feet - he he.

Jordan really wanted a snowboard to hang up in his room - so we found this one for a few bucks at a garage sale.

Christmas morning we went to my parents' house with my sister and her family too. My mom always cooks an amazing breakfast that we all look forward to. My parents gave each of our families a little play kitchen among other things. All of the little kids love it and I am glad not to have so many little toys.

Cousins talking on the phone to each other.

My handsome Jeremiah

Why do I get stuck in the box?

Is it time to go outside yet?