Best Christmas Present Ever!

Okay so the picture has nothing to do with the blog but I couldn't blog without a picture, it wouldn't be seemly...if that is a word I can use. It is a brand new year and the month has only begun and I have had many blessings in my life. The new year began with a wonderful Christmas present from William. He told me that he had really hit it out of the park this year. I had not ideas and just figured that I would enjoy the surprise. Christmas Eve came and William took the kids to do their usual shopping. Crazy, I know, but he saves it until Dec 24th every year! (little did I know) Anyway, we had a wonderful evening with Grandma Shirley and Papa Dick, Cousin Janice and the Fairbanks. Uncle Jeff came as well, after work. Anyway, the evening was full of yummy food and lots of it, a music recital with all the kids performing their songs and a reenactment of the nativity - Lexi got to play the donkey and sweet baby William just sat in the bean bag patiently waiting his turn. Once everything had been shared and the last of the dishes cleaned up families went home and we all went bed. Grandma, Papa and Uncle Jeff came Christmas morning and we all enjoyed our gifts. My last gift was the one from William. I think the kids new about it but if they did, they kept a great secret. William gave me a 100+ page journal/history of our family for 2009. He wrote about all of our family activities, funny stories, spiritual experiences and included pictures for the year. Now, let me tell you that this was the most UNCHARACTERISTIC thing that my William could have done. I have bugged him for 18 years to write things down, keep a journal. I can't believe it has been that long! Anyway, the book is beautiful and I have enjoyed it over and over laughing and crying all the way! I told him it was THE best christmas present ever and that he can just give me one of these every year and he wouldn't even have to go out on Christmas Eve!