I have really enjoyed the simplicity of Christmas since we've decided to just purchase one family gift. It has helped us become more united as a family as we focus on what we believe to be most important (other than the birth of Christ) - time with family and building fond memories. It's amazing how important this becomes when it's near impossible to get everyone together and you see time slipping away. This is our last Christmas with Paul for at least the next 3 years (next year with his mom and the following two on a mission).
So after the Santa gifts, Anika came out all cheery knowing that there were still gifts to be had under the tree. Kelly and I were busy making our traditional Christmas Crepes. Kelly makes the crepes and the filling, while I made the mixed berry compote, sliced bananas, brought out the powdered sugar and canned whipped cream. We were all stuffed (and I'm still not hungry)...but it was mmmm delish!
After we tortured the kids by making them wait until dishes were done (and yes, the actually volunteered their services to move us along quicker), we got back to the gifts under the tree. Anika with a grin from ear to ear. We had a lot of fun guessing Gma Namba's gifts before we unwrapped them. The dead give away was the David Archaleta CD. hehehe. We also loved the bags of little gifts from Gma and Gpa Sakamoto. The little pocket knives were dug out to help with the ribbons, bows and taped boxes. Paul was advising Kelly as to what to order at the Olive Garden and Anika's head has been blinking non stop with that sucker in her mouth. Kelly gave me 2 flash drives, a tea kettle for tea and hot cocoa and, a GPS - now I won't get lost (yes, the man knows me well)! I gave Kelly two new pairs of work slacks, 4 new work shirts and, a sweater ( it's about time. His were literally rotting off his body). Paul got a new cell phone from us because we can never get a hold of him. His first comment was, "Wow! Cool! Now I can talk to all the girls I want to!) Sooooo... for the grand finale, the family gift this year (drum roll)...... a new 40" flat screen LCD TV. We figured it was time. The one TV we use for games, movies, etc., randomly changes channels while you're watching something. Not to good (especially when you're at the best part of the movie. But it was really funny that when it first started to do that while Anika and Rhett were watching movies, Anika would blame Rhett thinking that he was purposely trying to annoy her by changing the channel. lol)
Kelly and I devised a plan for our new entertainment cabinet. We're just going to cut our old one down and make it so the TV will rest on top of it. This way we will not loose cabinet space and it's FREEEEEEE! That's always music to our ears. Let's try that again...FREEEEEE!
Shane gave us a new Kinect for the Xbox. So we've been grooving away to Dance Central and playin it up on Sports Central. It's quite the workout and we're having a lot of fun laughing at each other's cool moves.
We called Ty for our to minute Christmas call. It was nice to have us all on the line. He sounds like he's doing okay considering that he's not around family for the holidays. He commented on how he loves the Cal bears beanie we sent him and he also received a tie from a family he's grown close to in his ward. I think he was rather floored by their thoughtfulness. We can't wait to see him in a few weeks.
We hope all of you guys have a wonderful Christmas filled gratitude for our Savior. Merry Christmas!
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