Christmas on the 22nd!

Today we woke up and Santa had come to our house....it was so awesome because the kids were so surprised! We had not told them at all and they came busting in our room all out of breath b/c they were so excited! You know in my last post I spoke of how John had to work on Christmas, well we decided several years ago that if John worked we would just do Santa on a different day. We don't make that big of a deal out of Santa. John really doesn't care for it. We really don't talk about it a whole lot but they know about the big guy and know he brings toys. Anyways, this year John's last day off before Christmas was today. This year we decided to not buy a bunch of junk and just buy three things. The wise men brought Baby Jesus three things so we figured it was a good number. Emily got a new bike, Nellie the American Girl, and a salon chair to do her hair. John Daniel got a new bike, a REAL rocket that we are going to shoot off later today, and a leapster learning system. I did get them some art supplies as well b/c I am tired of them taking our computer paper. Santa left a note saying he made a special trip b/c he knew their daddy was working on Christmas Day and would want to enjoy Christmas with them. He also made a HUGE mess in the pantry with the oreos I bought yesterday. Guess he was hungry and we had not put out cookies b/c we didn't know he was coming. We have a fire, Christmas music playing, and Daddy is making a big breakfast......Just PERFECT! You know how I said there were positives to shift work, well this is one of them...while everyone else is hustling about trying to get their last minute shopping done, we are enjoying each other as a family and get to do absolutely NOTHING today except enjoy one another! Later, we are going to wild adventures to see the Festival of Lights there. We thought it would be a great ending to a special day. Then, starting tomorrow when John goes back to work, me and the kids get to enjoy doing things like wrapping their cousins presents, reading the What God wants for Christmas story and interactive box game, listening to more music, playing, making christmas cookies or fudge etc. Christmas Eve, we will go to church. Then on Christmas Day we will enjoy the grandparents and other family members. Daddy will at least be able to stop by for breakfast or lunch. John's parents are waiting until he is off again to do our Christmas with them on Saturday. I think this might end up being one of the most relaxing and fun christmas' ever! God works it out for us every time and I guess b/c I have been pregnant and not up for a lot, I really haven't stressed over the little things. The house is half decorated, presents are minimal, and the house is not the cleanest but it has been nice.....we have worshiped Christ by hearing children sing praises at Emily's school performance and read some advent Bible verses together. It is hit and miss but everything seems to be more calm and less hectic. At first, I kept saying it was b/c I was being BA-HUMBUG b/c John was working but maybe it is actually a blessing. I like the slow pace of it all! Merry EARLY Christmas!