Christmas 2008

On Christmas Eve we shared a bit of soup when grandma and grandpa arrived from a long drive on their way to many other long drives because their children have scattered across the country.

Then we loaded up and went to church. The Stuber children made it through about 10 minutes before we made our way to the hallway to meet with the make-shift nursery that had accumulated there with all of the other children who had attempted to be good.

Then the children were tucked in bed and the stockings were hung with care because, well, we were scared the mantel would come crashing down really.

The tree was stocked.

And then the morning arrived in our new pajamas and a brisk bedroom since the upstairs heater had stopped working. The kids had the house warm with activity in no time though.

And a well placed hat made sure no one got uncomfortably cold.

Then I made these, which aren't really supposed to bloom out over the pan like that. And they certainly aren't supposed to drop piles of goo in the bottom of the oven that you forget about and then light on fire when you warm the oven to heat dinner. So the windows were opened, the heater was broken and the fire alarms started. Grandpa inexplicably disappeared to a bedroom to do a little "research" while we fanned smoke.

It didn't really seem to matter as we had much better, much newer things to worry about getting under feet with even with the cool breeze blowing through the kitchen.

And somehow the train made it through the day still working, although it didn't stay on the track very long.

Really, they didn't seem to mind the cold.

If they were old enough I would say that riding their fire trucks around the house was a bit of a jab at my cooking.

Elaine really didn't mind as long as there was fresh pineapple.

And thankfully grandma had come prepared with brand new, very warm blankets she made by hand because they came in handy during a very needed nap time.

And then we watched movies.

And played with grandpa's head.

because he knows to assume the position.

And the children were worn out and double pajama'd, and this is the most relaxed the day was.

We are waiting for the heater repair folks now.

Merry Christmas!