Christmas, A Claus for Celebration . . .

I am an absolute lover of Christmas and have raised children who see my joy and find the same kind of excitement during the holiday season. This year was no different, and I found myself completely engrossed in spending time around my family and enjoying the things I love. This was however, the first year that we would not be having any family visiting us from out of town… and I at first wasn’t sure how I felt about this. As time went on, I realized I as a little excitement about not having pressure to impress or run the holiday as I think it should be for others. This year I was going to go about it from one minute to the next. Totally a spur of the moment kind of a holiday.

The day before Christmas Eve, Micah and I went over to Famous Dave's (a restaurant) and bought a hundred dollars of meat to have for Christmas Eve dinner. I decided that this year I didn’t want to cook, I truly wanted to just have a laid back few days.

It worked out wonderfully. On Christmas Eve we put the meat in our food warmer dishes, and had a hot meal anytime of the day and evening we wanted. We pretty much just munched throughout the entire evening. My favorite way to enjoy food. And it was HOT the entire time. That was really nice.

On the Eve before Christmas, we invited Jeremiah and Kirsten’s family over to enjoy their company, along with their kids. We opened family exchange gifts and our pajamas.
We really just spent a lot of time talking and laughing.

Posing, and laughing.

Lazarus

Ariella (Jeremiah & Kirsten's)

Arianna

Kirsten

Elizabeth (Jeremiah & Kirsten's)

Melany (Jeremiah & Kirsten's)

Jeremiah (Micah's brother)

Me (Emily) & Isaac

Levi

Micah

I loved my pj’s. I have wanted footsie pajamas since I was a kid, but have been too big (overweight) in the past to get any. This year, I decided (despite my imperfections) to go ahead and buy some. I loved the Grinch ones. The movie is a classic that I HAD to watch every year. And in the mornings, the similarities between me and the Grinch are almost a complete match… hee hee hee. I’m not a morning kind of gal… unless it is Christmas… smiles.

And I have to admit, Micah’s smurf boxer’s would have been a second running for best pj’s… hee hee. I gotta love my papa smurf.

This year for Christmas, Santa went all out bringing the kids loads and loads of gifts. My mom and dad use to say that Santa’s sleigh broke down out our house. Well, I would have to say that his sleigh, and the backup sleigh broke down at our house. So here is a basic list of the main items everyone got for the special day.

Lazarus and Levi got tons and tons of Star Wars Lego’s. They spent hours quietly building in their bedroom. This process actually lasted for days, because there were tons of stuff to build. They also received Halo Lego's to add to their collection.

Isaac got Star Wars action figures, and and AT-TE (all terrain tactical enforcer) vehicle. This was huge, and cooler then I thought it was gonna be. It lights up and makes different noises. And I happen to love toys that make noises. You’ll catch me in a toy section pushing and setting off all the toys that have noises with them. I just can’t help myself. He was completely excited and engrossed with his toys. He did also get a few Lego's to go along with it, which made him feel like he could play along with his older brothers.

Arianna got herself a load of Fur Real Friends. In a nut shell, she got stuffed cats that meow and move when you pet or walk by them. They are very cute. I find myself (again another noise toy that tempts me) petting them or holding them to see how they act. She also received her MP3 player that she has been asking for for over two years.

And ME, let’s talk about me… because I was super excited and surprised by the gifts my husband bought me. He took Arianna out to Macey’s and had her help choose out Christmas for me. He bought me perfume (Light Blue – which when I wear everyone says I smell wonderful) and a collections of super cute shirts. He has super good taste. Matter of fact, when I wear the clothes he chose for me to work I get compliments. One guy said, “whoever bought that for you must really love you.” I thought that was cute, and super nice. Anyhow, after I had opened all my gifts Micah just kind of looks at me and gives me that smile that says “I’m one up on you.”

I look at him, and say “What? Is there something I’m missing in the boxes?”

“Not in the boxes.”

And in the corner of my eye I can see Anna practically jumping out of her seat, giggling. Wanting to point, but daddy made her promise to not hint at all.

Finally he says, “the tree, honey.”

And in the tree set perfectly on a branch is a box wrapped beautiful, calling my name. He hands it to me, and when I open it I see a beautiful jewelry set he purchased for me. It is our birthstones, and had hearts on it. Very appropriate for us, because I love him so much. Thanks sweetie.

I also have to tell you about Micah’s gifts, because it was so opposite of my own. AND don’t any of you think that I bought these for me, because if you know Micah you would know these are things that HE truly wanted and asked for. Silly man.

Here is what I got him…

Hand towels (white) – because bleach is his favorite thing to wash with. If it can’t be bleached, then he don’t want it for dishes. End of story… hee hee hee.
Wash clothes (white)
Wooden hangers
Shredder (crosscut)
Garbage can – only my man would ask for this. HEE HEE

The funny thing about this story is I went to Fred Meyer and gathered up all of his gifts. When I went through the checkout line, the checker nicely asks “so you cleaning to get ready for Christmas?”

I shook my head, “No, this is Christmas.”

Her lips twist in a confused look.

I added, “this is all my husband wants for Christmas.”

She starts to laugh. “I wish I had a husband like yours.”

I had to share her amusement. I chuckled. The truth is, I love that about Micah. Practical til the very end. What a cutie.

After opening all gifts, everyone just kind of did their own thing and loved just being in the company of each other. Arianna listened to her music. Daddy put together his closet, helped the kids, and did house work (he is so domestic in a great way). Boys put together their Lego's and Isaac sprawled out on the family room floor playing with his action figures.
I put on my slippers, settled in a chair, and red a book. The entire day. It was beautiful, and wonderful, and relaxing. I wouldn’t change a thing if I were to do it all over again.
So there is only one thing left to say.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A whole month went by with the holidays, before I realized I didn't make any mention of my sweet Levi's Birthday. I think it is because we just had tons of fun just laying back and relaxing. This holiday was one of the most relaxing for me and my family, and it was well needed. With both Micah and I juggling two full time jobs and family of six, sometimes it seems we are running around in circles. But then again, I'm not alone in this world. It seems most of us are playing with the same game pieces.

ANYHOW . . .

I want to talk about all the great qualities that Levi has, because he has many. He is a super sweet child. From the moment he entered this world he often times has been found with a smile on his face. He can light up a room with it. He is definantly a child who also knows what he wants, which often times guides him to being a little bossy (just like his mother) when it comes to group situations. BUT honestly, I see this as a quality. He knows what he wants, and is willing to voice it. All of us need to know how use our talents and qualities, and I know someday he will be strong in his beliefs and work towards what he wants because of this attribute he carries.

He also is like many of the Salmond clan, in that his artistic abilities very strong. He loves art, and will hibernate in his room for hours getting lost in the worlds he creates on paper. I absolutely think he has the ability to go far with his talents, and believe if that is what he wants he will get it.

He is such a sweet child, and I often times wish more of the family were able to be around him to enjoy his goofy yet cocky personality. He certainly has a way of talking ones ear off, and yet making them stay interested long enough to put that ear back on. He never tires of people, of laughter, and of trying new things. For this, he is always a great addition to any company. Love you, Levi.