Christmas Day

Christmas morning is very quiet at our house.  No little ones knocking at our door, so anxious to see what "Santa brought".  So, when Brad and I first get up, we walk around the house, making sure everything is in place, enjoy a few moments of solitude, and then WE start knocking on doors.   I remember when it would be 6:00 a.m......then 7:00 a.m.....and now, it's 8:00 a.m.  That allowed me a good 5 1/2 hours sleep!  Aaron held to the tradition of waking his sisters up.....they were very sleepy!

We waited for Tyler, Jenny, and Jade and then opened our stockings and presents.  Our tradition consists of sitting around the Christmas tree and waiting while Dad passes out the presents.  We took a little longer this time - I think it was because we had to try out all of Jade's toys!

Afterwards, we all head to Grammy and Grampy's for a wonderful breakfast of chorizo and blueberry pancakes and all the trimmings!  Everyone comes in their pj's and no make-up is allowed!  Usually, each kids brings a favorite gift they received at home to share with everyone else.  It's so much fun to see all the gadgets!

Then the opening of presents around the family Christmas tree.  What a spectacular sight!

  Grampy sits his chair right next to the tree and Chloe helped him gather the presents that were hard for him to reach.  I love watching the expressions of our family as they open presents that have carefully been crafted for them.

Opening a book created by LaNae which had their temple marriage pictures, with all of their girls and their temple marriage pictures also. 

a traditional hand-crafted calendar by Pam

Mexican bracelets brought back by Aly

A history compiled by Pam

While opening presents, the littlest are NOT lacking for love and attention!!  Each waits patiently while others open presents until their name is called - and then a smile lights up their face!

  Afterwards, we all head back to our homes for some much needed rest, and I'm sure a clean-up.  Later on in the afternoon, we are all ready for the Christmas meal.  Much like Thanksgiving, it doesn't lack for wonderful, tasty dishes.  Grammy and Grampy always make a beautiful table and we enjoy each other's company and play games...well....most of us do!

Christmas was wonderful this year.  Our family was together and we spent time creating new memories.  It's a time to emulate the love of our Savior, remember His life, and recommit to emulating His teachings in our own lives.  His tender mercies have been too numerous to count, but as we live each day, giving thanks for our very lives, we can show our love to Him.  That is something I strive to do each day!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite times of the year. It is so full of family traditions and laughter, that when looking back, it brings a smile to my face and warms my heart completely. This Christmas Eve was no different. We had all our children around us this year. It couldn't get better than that! One of the Rogers' traditions is that every family has to share a talent. More on that later. Tyler, Jenny, and Jade came over early and we practiced our "talent". We sang a Weech rendition to "Winter Wonderland". Yes, everyone sang...but I didn't get any pictures! Of course, we had to keep Jade entertained as well. We found a box...and she was in heaven!!  Of course, we kept adding to this new "toy"...first, just a box, then the rope to pull her and the pillow, and then Tyler took her outside.  We are easily entertained!!

Before we left for Grammy and Grampy's Aly brought out our traditional matching pj's.  This year, it was courtesy of Mexico.  Each shirt was hand-picked by Aly for each of her sisters and little niece.

We headed over for pizza and the re-enactment of the Nativity.  I'm so grateful to Jacque for capturing some of these precious moments on camera since I'm always at the piano!

After the Nativity, each family shares a talent.  Oh the talents we share.  We are serenaded by wonderful piano solos by blossoming pianists (Ashley and Faye) and also, each family sings a song.  The Goodmans' sang (with actions) "You Better Watch Out - Santa Clause Is Coming to Town".

Then, the Olivers' sang their traditional "12 Days of Christmas" with all their actions and at lickety-split speed.  They also entertained us with a new take on "Rudolph" - with Chloe singing while standing on her head (I TOLD you our family was very talented!!) and the rest of the Oliver crew as the echo.

This year, Grampy presented each of his grandchildren and girls and spouses with a very special coin.  He admonished his family to be Peaceable Followers of Christ and carry the coin with us as a reminder.

We all then convinced Grammy that she needed to share her talent with all her grandkids.  Ahhh....listening to my mother play the piano was absolutely wonderful.  Memories of music, listening to my mom play at every function imaginable, always sharing her love of music with others flooded my soul, brought tears to my eyes, and made my evening complete.

How I love my family!!  Christmas Eve was about perfect in every way.  At home, I had a few minutes in the quiet to think, pray and realize how very blessed we are - I am - to KNOW that my Savior lives.  His life of love was for me, my family, and everyone.  It was a wonderful way to celebrate this very special time of year.

Coming Home

December 20th - This day was highly anticipated as we looked forward to Aly coming home...safe...just in time for Christmas.  The day was spent getting ready for her arrival, cooking, getting her room dusted....after all...it HAD been 5 months.  (Thank you Savannah!!).  We knew she had left Tehuacan around 4:30 a.m. and had to take 2 bus rides and a airplane trip before she arrived in the USofA.  I made a sign so that Aly would know and recognize her family.  Many friends and family were there to greet her.  Her plane landed a little early, but we had to wait while she cleared customs.  I knew this night was going to be one of my favorite Christmas presents!  Words cannot express the joy and relief that I felt as I put my arms around this beautiful, courageous daughter of mine!

Her dad was a little anxious to see his youngest as well!

It was hard to Aly to say good-by to her best friend, April Weeks.  April was a good friend, stood by Aly when things got rough, and made Mexico a fun experience.

It took us a little while to get home - one of Aly's friends had troubles getting out of the parking lot - so when we arrived, all of Aly's friends and family were waiting.  It was a wonderful evening and I think it was the first night I had a good night's sleep in a VERY long time!

The sign we made was sign, doodled on, and rolled up to be kept as one of Aly's favorite mementos! 

Thank you to all our family and friends who made Aly's homecoming a night she will never forget!