Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas

I love the time leading up to Christmas. The anticipation is so fun and the glow on the kids' faces is priceless. This morning we forced our children go slowly with gift opening so we could savor every moment. And look at this picture, they are all smiling and it was the first (and only) picture I took of them in front of the tree today. Apparently cooperation occurs when they want to know what Santa Claus put in their stockings. ;-)


The kids were all thrilled with their gifts, but I think my daughter might be on cloud nine still. She has been bugging us for well over a year for a Sleep & Study Loft from Pottery Barn Teen. It's a little too rich for out beer budget at $2,000 (shipping included) so my uber talented hubby built her one! It was hard to pull off the surprise. As you can see, the thing is huge (it's a double bed up there). The project was started the day after Thanksgiving so it's been weeks of torture for the kids wanting to know what dear ol' Dad has been up to. The kiddos all went to my in-laws for a sleepover on the 23rd and we got busy getting the big surprise ready.

She has been going on and on about wanting pink walls with polka dots too ~ wish granted. It was fun to get her room ready for the big reveal, but the icing on the cake was her reaction. She was more than thrilled and burst into tears. And seriously, I can't believe I went to the ends of the Earth to find a pink office chair for her, she better appreciate me from here to eternity! lol And without further ado....




I received many lovely gifts from my family, but the best one of all is just being together with my family. May God's blessings be bestowed upon you this Christmas Day and always. Merry Christmas!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Melissa. Thank you for all the thoughtful and nice comments you left on my blog. It has been a rough week. I am glad we are all feeling better.
Your kids look precious, and I just love the bed your hubby made. I may have to steal that picture. It reminds me of how I set up my small college dorm. I love it. Small spaces are sometimes the best for creative thinking.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
P.S. Yes we celebrate on Christmas Eve. The kids are usually sent to their rooms at around 4pm to get dressed, while the parents fill up the tree. I remember always hearing noises on the roof as a young child. We would come out around 5:00pm and we would eat together, while staring at the Christmas tree. After dinner, the adults drank champagne, and all the candles were lit. We used to have candles on the Christmas tree as well. Pictures were always very beautiful because we were all dressed up in our best Christmas outfits. Then the presents were opened one at a time. Afterwards, we would always take a walk at night and meet up with all of our friends. Of course, it is a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas when the kids get older. The ambience of celebrating at nighttime is really nice.

Christina said...

Wow - I think you and your husband are up for the Parents of the Year award! Glad you were able to pull that off, you guys rock.

Manecoarse said...

That is absolutely the sweetest gift that you and your husband gave your daughter. That is wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes just reading your post. That is what Christmas is all about. I'm glad you all enjoyed it.

cidell said...

Holy Cow! I would cry if I opened up the door and that was there! That's amazing. You guys are the greatest parents ever. What a talented duo you are.

Laura said...

Wow! Your hubby did a fantastic job. What a perfect room for a girl. Merry Christmas!

Mel said...

Hi Melissa,
Your dh did a spectacular job on her bed! What a gift, and I can't imagine how hard that would be to conceal.
They look nice all together in front of the tree.
Happy Holidays,
Melanie

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas! I love the picture! Tell your husband he did a fantastic job on your daughter's bed, I might have to put in an order for one! LOL

Lori said...

Wow, you and your hubby should win the best parents award. What a wonderful room for your daughter.

Birgitte said...

Who needs Pottery Barn!!! That is totally AWESOME! An incredible gift she'll remember forever. I'll have to hide the pictures or DD will never give me a moments rest until she gets that room... Way to go Melissa, you and your hubby ROCK! Merry Christmas,
HTH,
Birgitte

Anonymous said...

So much better than Pottery Barn! She is one lucky young lady.
Jan

Anonymous said...

What a lucky girl. I SO wish I had that talent. I always think furniture is overpriced (just like clothes).

Unknown said...

Happy Home Makeover! Your DH is very talented, and your daughter is very lucky to have such generous and thoughtful parents. Looks fantastic!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Melissa :))))
Holy Everything !!! I am surprised that Hattie didn't faint when she saw her fabulous room. Hubby and you are very talented and thoughtful parents. Best wishes to you and your family for 2009.
Vonne

Anonymous said...

What a super duper cute room. I expect no drama or back talk for at least a week for that cool room! Tell you sweet hubby that he has indeed outdone himself with that bed. Of course me sweet girl now wants one...thanks!

Jacqui said...

AMAZING! Such a talented pair you and hubby are! Glad you had a wonderful Christmas up here in the snow. Ours was wonderful down in (somewhat warmer) CA. Happy New Year!

Bonnie O. said...

What a fabulous surprise for your daughter. She will remember that forever! I just love the pink with polka dot walls. Fantastic job!

Cindy May said...

this made my day!! how wonderful Melissa! it's probably WAY better made the stupid pottery barn particle board stuff!!

Erin said...

That is so awesome! The Daddy in this house has been tagged to make the same thing, but hasn't done it yet. (We, too, can dream in PB and live in Target!) Your husband did an awesome job!!

Anonymous said...

Awesome! That loft bed is super! Maybe someday when Mira is that age................!!!!!
Just catching up on blogs and saw this! --Happy New Year -- 23 days into it!