Christmas in Round Rock

This Christmas I tried to remind myself about the real reason for the season as often as I could.  Our savior was born and has loved us more than anyone could ever love us.  His birth story is one of miracles, hope, and love.  There are just no words for what his birth symbolizes and what he has done for us on earth.  Regardless of how magical this time of year is, Christmas is always flooded with memories of past years and loved ones.  Thus, even though we tried to smile as we created new memories and traditions...the tears flowed abundantly at times missing Daddy.  He would often have his hearing aides turned off, sipping on Rumchatta, or sweeping after all the mess we made on the floors...he was always there to smile or make us laugh with his looks (insert the snapping fingers here with the boot scoot of your feet).  The new traditions started with us putting up the Christmas decor when we all got in town.  Charles put up the tree this year which was much smaller than in the past and we selected only the best ornaments/memories for the tree.  Caelin helped put the angel on the tree and then the gifts quickly piled up around the tree.  We had a simpler menu planned ahead to take away the pressure of meals for our crazy bunch.  We also had LOTS of things planned to keep the kids going so that we could avoid as many meltdowns as possible (although those still happened at some point by each kid).  Activities included: oranges covered in cloves for scented decor, making snowman ornaments, decorating cookies, taking pictures with funny props, mixing reindeer food for Santa's reindeer, a candy cane hunt in the backyard, and making chocolate dipped pretzels.  In between activities the cousins played well together and we were all able to actually relax more than in years past with a glass of wine.  Baylor spent most of the days trying to hide from the kids or sneaking for food.  He did love it when Jax and Caelin would love on him...especially Jax.  On Christmas Eve, we all enjoyed a nice meal on Grandma Parks' Christmas china.  This was something we ALWAYS ate on at the big Parks Christmas party with the entire clan (usually at least 20 people).  It was so nice to see them and feel fancy again.  We also ate with Mom and Dad's real silver flatware.  It was polished nice and gave great meaning to the meal as her and Dad had collected these many years ago.  The kids sat at their own table with paper goods of course (fancy as well).  After dinner we opened gifts and enjoyed each other.  I am going to write out what each kid got as I think in 20 years from now it will be funny to see the toys of this decade were.  Cade received: Skylanders figures, Skylander game for PS4, 1,200 pc Avengers Lego set, books, movie giftcard, and lots of smaller items.  Caelin received a Disney Frozen Castle Lego set, 2015 Holiday Barbie and movie, books, movie giftcards, blanket and pillow pet, and art supplies.  The best gift ever came from Charles' Mom (Gamee).  She had sent gifts for all 4 grandchildren, Mom, Mendy and I.  Charles wrapped them at some point when we were not looking and we opened them last that evening.  When I opened the bag, I could smell my Dad's "Brut" cologne.  It took my breath away for a moment.  We were all surprised when we opened up pillows that she had made from shirts of Daddy.  I remember us all picking out our favorite shirts shortly after Daddy passed away, but with the chaos I had forgotten about it.  With each pillow came a note signed from Daddy/Rex/Papa.  My Mom just rocked and hugged the pillow for about 30 minutes.  I kept smelling the Brut cologne through the tears.  Cade cried a little and hugged his hard.  He said he "just want Papa back for a bit". Caelin understood what it was, but just said she missed Papa.  Although on Christmas morning she cried saying she thought Santa was going to bring her Papa as a surprise.  We are all heartbroken in our own ways.  Before going to bed Christmas Eve, Charles read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (a tradition on the Hall/Lecour family side) and all 4 cousins slept in the play room at Nana's.  The adults worked quickly to get ready for Santa.  The next morning was fun to watch each kid come in and see what they got from Santa.  Caelin came first and was so excited to see her Starlily Unicorn waiting for her.  This little unicorn gem lights up, talks to you, moves her hoof, likes to be cuddled, and tells you when she wants her strawberry to eat.  Quite the main gift!  She also got the book Emeraldlicious, Pop and Add game, more trinkets and art supplies, The movie "Up", and an Easy Bake oven packet.  Cade's expressions were priceless when he came running in to see his Animal Planet Cobra set.  He can build his tower and it is complete with lights and sounds from the cobra itself.  A boyish item for sure!  His other treasures included some chapter books for "Wayside Stories", a Rhyming game, the movie "Meet the Robinson's", a Superman bath set, art/writing supplies, and a hatching dinosaur egg.  Mackenzie and Jax also were so excited to see all their toys and the kids stayed busy with their toys on Christmas day between the activities and fun.  It was truly a holiday worth celebrating many blessings.  Despite tragedy of losing Papa this year, we have all been able to bond together and be strong.  It has not been easy, but I know that God has blessed us throughout this time and we are forever grateful for the blessings we do have.  We will continue to smile (even if tears flow) for the birth of our savior and what this life will continue to bring us.  Family truly is the most important part besides one's faith.  Thank you Jesus for your miracle and guiding us in life to happiness and holiness.  Merry Christmas to all!