Christmas with the van Veens

Well, Christmas seemed like it was off to a bad start...Mark woke up at 6:30 on Christmas morning to run to the bathroom. He was really sick for a few hours and I felt terrible! We have been sick for over a week now, despite lots of prayer, medicine, sleep, OJ and vitamins and I really hoped we would feel better before Christmas. I woke up on Christmas morning to find it hard to breathe, and my chest just ached. It was not fun to be sick, but we finally got around to opening our stockings for each other. It was so fun and Mark did a great job with mine! Then we gave each other our presents and that was a blast! I gave Mark a study Bible that he has wanted for a long time, and he LOVED it! I also got him a toolbox, a cross necklace, slippers and other little things. He got me clothes that I love, a Jamie Oliver cookbook, a spice rack and other fun little things. Basically, we had a great time spending Christmas morning together. We went to my parents' house at 10:00, and as usual my Mom had great stockings waiting for us. WE were not feeling good all day, but we managed to play board games and have a good time. We were both so exhausted that we just couldn't make it to Mark's family's house. I felt so terrible, but Mark's family are all older (or there are little ones around) and trust me, they did not need to get what we have. I felt bad, and I know Mark feels so guilty about it, but I was proud of Mark for making a decision that was best for his family. I know if I would have had to get dressed and drive across town to do the whole Christmas thing again, it would have completely wiped me out. Anyways, Christmas with my family was fun and relaxing and we got lots of amazing presents. My parents presented us with our usual Christmas check, which is always my favorite present..Haha. Also, Mark's Grandparents got us an espresso machine, which I could not believe. I was so thrilled! We got all sorts of great things, and I was so humbled. After the wedding this summer, it seems strange to get more presents! Oh, and on Friday we went over to Brooke and Peter's house to have dinner and play board games. It was so exciting to finally go over to their house and it was adorable to see them together. We have great conversation and had so much fun playing "taboo" with them. We actually tied, we everyone agreed was the perfect way to end the game. I am so excited about spending more time with them in the future. It was great because they are newlyweds, too and are actually going through a lot of the same things we are. Anyways, I feel so blessed that this is my life! My Christmas was great, and just made me realize how many people love Mark and I. Yay!