restoring christmas

A few days before heading to Utah, we invited our favorite boys (Kilief & Jerome, and our friend Nathan) over for a Christmas party. I told them we'd eat and then go caroling. We had a big ol' dinner, and then made the boys go in the basement for a few minutes while we set up the surprise that awaited them....

 Jerome was so thrilled he threw himself to the ground

Kilief said quietly, "I've never had my own stocking before"

While they were reveling in their stocking treats, Hazel opened a few early Christmas present and chatted with 'Baba' and 'Baba' on the computer.

The boys thought that was it, and they were actually ready to go caroling (they are such good sports!). Then, much to their surprise, we started passing out gifts to them....

 Lotion so they don't get 'ashy' and electric razors for their missions- Jerome needs his now, Kilief says he might need it by the second year. 

 Jerome loves basketball

 Kilief and his super good looking new coat

 Jerome opening up his new basketball shoes

 Nathan took care of our dog and home while we were in Utah, so we gave him a few 'thank you' gifts. I think he liked them!

 Yes, Jerome is kissing his shoes. He looooved them. 

 Dax was thrilled with his bone.

I have been telling them for ages that they needed digital cameras to take on their mission. Kilief kept saying he didn't want one, but we decided to get them cameras anyway. Even if they don't want pictures from their missions, we do!!

Pretty sure I've never seen someone more thrilled than these two guys were. Jerome said "yesss! i can be ashton kutcher!!" and then he buried his head in the couch for awhile. Neither of them could stop smiling and they were both a little overcome with disbelief!

we couldn't stop smiling either (and maybe crying a little).

Neither of these boys had gotten Christmas presents in years, and we are so grateful that we were able to spoil them a little bit and let them know how much we love them. They are such good kids.

Before we moved here, I often wondered 'why'- what big adventure or blessing did the Lord have in store for us? The three people in the above picture about sum it up.


This was, without a doubt, our favorite Christmas, and we truly were 'more blessed to give than to receive'. We are so grateful to our families for helping us to make this Christmas possible, and to Kilief & Jerome for becoming a part of our family!