or Christmas #1

We decided to have “A Kicklighter Christmas” (must be said loudly with an almost Count-ish tone) before leaving for Birmingham. This would mean special family time to discuss the reason for the season, calm gift opening, and less to take on the trip! I am thankful we did it this way.

We started the day with a “special breakfast”. I’ll admit I am a cereal girl. My kids get quick and easy breakfasts around here. But for The Kicklighter Christmas we did cinnamon rolls, eggs, and sausage. Wow.

After breakfast we headed up to the bed to sit together and read the story of Christ’s birth. It was hilarious – raucous even. The best part was singing Away in a Manger with three children’s voices chiming in and then having Bubba sing “Happy Birthday, Jesus” for us. THAT was worshipful.

The kids took turns opening gifts. Miss Linda had brought them goodies, which they opened first. KB did not let go of that baby the rest of the day. Little took hers everywhere too and I even caught her talking to it (a first). Bubba got a dalmatian monster truck and was elated. He had helped pick one out for a boy on the Angel Tree and the fact he got one too was so dear. Thanks, Miss Linda!

There were puzzles for all. . .

Bones for me and a hat for KB. . .

“Sockings”, as Bubba calls them, were a huge hit because they had chocolate in them! There were also magna doodles for the next day’s car ride and they were a big success.

We had Kicklighter Christmas lunch at Chick-fil-a and then headed to the library to get books for the drive. One of my favorite moments of the day was seeing Little sitting on the steps reading an alphabet book to KB. It was dear.

It was a great day and my love for my kids grew (if that’s even possible). Hearing their sweet “thank you”s and exclamations over each other’s gifts warmed my heart. Little opened a tutu that KB had picked out for her at the Dollar Tree and as she pulled it out and said, “OOOOOOOh. It’s wonderful. It’s beautiful. What in the world is it??” KB said, “I pick it self.” And without hesitation our Little said, “Oh, thank you, KB. What is it?”

Of course this was only a portion of our celebration. We kept going until Dec. 27. I’ll tell more later.

My hair is clean.
My skin is clean.

You’re thinking, “Did your super sweet Landlord come over at some strange hour and fix the water heater?” To that I would say, “Did you start celebrating the New Year early?”

Or maybe your mind rushes to, “Was there a miracle and the heater was restored?” No.

Remember on Little House on the Prairie how they would take baths in big tubs with hot water from the stove?? Yep. My husband woke me up this morning and took me downstairs. He had filled the tub with boiling water from the stove – just add a dash of cold and wah–lah.

Now, if I was immature, this is where I would say, “My hubby’s better than your hubby. Nah Nah.” But I am so much more mature than that, so I will say, “My Honey rocks the planet!!”

He’s washing the kids now. Dude.

Thanks, Bub.

We are home.

We survived two 11 hour drives with only one meltdown and one need for a change of clothing. I do hope that next Thanksgiving I remember to give the portable DVD player the props it is due. What a blessing.

So now we are in the comfort of our own home without the comfort of any hot water. LOVELY. The Landlord spent an hour on the water heater tonight and needs a part. We have a neurologist appointment in the morning. . . oh joy! I love going places looking like a grease vat.

I do hope you had a merry Christmas. I’ll be back with stories and pictures – you come back if you’re interested in the ridiculousness of a Christmas celebrated with our family.