Christmas Plunder

I'm sure you've all been wondering who "won" Christmas this year, at least in terms of awesome gifts received. Wonder no further, friends...the Smith household has triumphed again, thanks largely to the gift-giving talents of our amazing families. If your present does not appear in the list below or you feel the accompanying humorous comments do not accurately reflect our thankfulness for your gift, we will pay you back in leftover wassail and figgy pudding the next time you visit.

Stocking stuffers for James. The socks are easily the most exciting part. If you think that regular person socks are easy to lose, wait until you're searching for three missing matches of teeny-tiny baby socks.

This cow creature was also in the stocking. James was not sure what to make of him.

Various clothing gifts for James. The John Deere shirt says "Future Farmer."

Not only are we excited about the fun book, but we like to encourage the fun message that car trips are cause for excitement, and not whining.

Not sure how to rotate this picture. If you have trouble bending your neck, the title is Go! Go! Go! (This is James' motto in life)

Lots of clothes for James Bear. They're all great, but the overalls are especially fun because they have a TRAIN on them. (James' great-grandfather showed him a working model train in Maryland.)

A sled from Grandma and Grandpa Davis. James tried it out already with Grandma.

From left to right: The jumper cables we tossed inside when we were hurriedly emptying the car on Xmas day, a new toy tractor, a yarn ball from Aunt Pam, a magnadoodle, and a stuffed puppy that sings Sleigh Ride in an annoying sing-song voice. Naturally, this is all that James wants to hear whenever he sees the puppy. The puppy may have not last until New Year's.

Wonderful blankets from various family members. The musical one was made by Kylie and Pax.

More books (the Lewis Letters are for me, not James) and awesome boots from Aunt Kylie

Homemade jam from the Dudleys, specialty coffee from Dan and Emily, a harmonica from Sam and Kaitlyn, and an egg shaker from Papa. (Papa taught James how the egg shaker works on a recent visit.)

A stand clip for J's iPad, a stylus/pen, a Neil Postman book from Lux, a flashlight from Mom and Dad, a ducky sort of book, and lentil soup from Calvus and Beka.

An amazing handmade bag from Martha and a beautiful Robert Frost poem set in a picture she painted of a starlit night framed by bare tree branches. (Come see it in person if you haven't already)

New tupperware. J says No Bears Allowed

Delicious homemade fudge from Sam and Kaitlyn

My stocking stuffers. Many gel pens and cribbage, a game from my Northwestern days that I'm keen to learn again

Lots of Italian food and good music

I also received a bottle of my favorite wine from Mom and Dad, and J's father is in the process of finishing two gorgeous end tables for us. We took a look at the mostly-finished product while we were down visiting and helped pick out the final shade of stain. They are incredibly beautiful, even to we who are relatively ignorant about furniture. They will be far and away the nicest pieces in our house when they're finished.

But most importantly out of all of our gifts...

Steven Bear (left) and New Steven (right). We opened up New Steven while James was otherwise occupied and still haven't let on to him that we have a replacement. Still not sure how/when we're going to introduce him, but we are VERY thankful to Calvus and Beka for finding a backup.