3:03 a.m.

It was only a few hours since we had retired to bed when James came into our room. "Dad," he whispered. I gazed at the clock - 3:03 a.m. I calmly replied, "James, Dad is sleeping. What do you need?" James said, "I think I heard Santa." My body ached for rest, but I understand the Christmas morning enthusiasm. "I'm so glad he came. It's not time to get up yet... I love you."

James did return to his room down the hall. But if any of you were up around 3 a.m. Christmas morning, you'll know that we had super loud Santa Ana winds. It took me nearly an hour to fall back to sleep.

Just after 5 a.m., James returned to Dad's side of the bed. "Pleeease, I'm begging you... Can we just go downstairs now?" The truth was that James & Jacob had already gone downstairs to steal a peek. They even tried to eat breakfast (evidence of bowls, spoons, cereal, and milk were set out on the table). But they couldn't dump the stockings or open the video game boxes without our blessing. So, I reminded them of our agreement which bought me just enough time to wrap myself in a blanket before going down. Even on their return trip downstairs there was plenty of enthusiasm and smiles of rejoicing.

Christmas morning at our house is a VERY EARLY morning.


James wished for the Wii System w/ Super Paper Mario.

Jacob wanted the Nintendo DS.

Jessica dreamed of having Belle's dress & she got a doll & tea party set to go with it.

Mom needs a new infant carseat & likes the travel systems. Dad gets to share the stroller and carrier toting responsibilities. He can also share the new measuring cups, spoons, & spatulas for the kitchen. I think Santa left him some basketball shoes (he's the new coach for church ball).

James was super excited to find out that Mom & Dad got him the Mario Galaxy game too.

Jacob wasn't bothered that mom found a few Game Boy Advance used games on Ebay to use in his DS.

Jacob also LOVES the Lego building sets. One from his brother & one from his parents. He loves to work with his hands.

Jessica was the easiest to please. From the $1 Target spot she received: Cinderella purse, Hello Kitty notebook, pen, & princess journal. Those four dollars provided a wealth of enjoyment for her. She wanted to nestle in behind the tree in the corner to watch her Barbie movies in the DVD player. She also loved having new princess pajamas (she wears those like dress-ups too).

Pretty special to have her own lip gloss.

Grandma sent a Sleeping Beauty dress-up set. These are the only shoes that she willingly wears around the house.



By 5:30 a.m. (after I threw in a load of laundry), Jon & I were in the kitchen making Danish aebleskiver pancakes. Nobody else was interested in eating. Santa left them with their own candy stash which they lived on for hours.


What a Merry Christmas!!!