Aloha...Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you all had a wonderful time with family and friends! We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Yesterday was filled with relaxation, a wonderful Christmas Eve service with my family and a yummy dinner my Mom slaved over for days! Cody was thrilled to see "A Christmas Story" for the first time this season. Every Christmas we have to watch this movie because it is his absolute favorite! I, on the other hand, would have been happy to watch "The Holiday" for the 1,000th time! I seriously could watch that movie over and over again! This morning we rose early to cook breakfast with my parents and my brothers girlfriend, Kensey, joined us to eat and exchange gifts. One of our families traditions is to read the Christmas story and pray together before we exchange gifts. This is something my family started when I was a toddler. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure and so we spend time together on Christmas morning thanking Him for an amazing year and for His love for us! It's also a tradition, with my family, that we each take turns opening our gifts, one at a time, so everyone can see what each person receives. I really think my Mom started this so her hard work is appreciated and enjoyed for a longer amount of time! We appreciate this tradition now that we are grown! Cody got tons of clothes which he loved! He is really obsessed with Nordstrom! It didn't take him long to get the shopping bug from me and now I feel like I've created a monster! I received a gorgeous necklace, books, gift cards, and shoes (as if I need anymore)! Cody really surprised me with tickets to see my favorite artist of all time...Celine Dion! Her concert, in Atl, is not until Jan. 2009 but he got me the best seats possible and I will look forward to it every day until we are sitting in the arena! The last gift I opened was a huge surprise Cody has been planning for months. Those who know Cody realize the guy cannot keep a secret so this was really difficult for him! This special gift included two leis, travel books and flight information. We are going to Hawaii!!! Yeah! This was both a Christmas gift and our 5th Anniversary gift (which is in May)!!! I am ecstatic and in shock! I can't wait until May 4th! Thanks Cody for an unbelievable Christmas!