Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve worship service

Elena, Emma, Samuel, and Jonah....our sweet blessings!

 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

  “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas Eve

We had a wonderfully relaxing day!  We began the day reading Day 24 from our Jesse Tree devotion, played, rested, built gingerbread houses, and prepared for church. 

On Christmas Eve we attend the Family Service at 5pm and the Traditional Service at 7p.  This year Emma and Jonah participated in the Choir Camp Musical.  For the month of December they attended camp each Wednesday evening.  They had a lot of fun and at the end of the month, they knew many songs and a chime/bell song each.  They both performed well tonight! 

Jonah with his sheep ears waiting to sing!

Emma waiting her turn to sing!

Also during the Family Service, the Christmas Story is told while the children participate as the actors.  Samuel decided he wanted to be an angel and he was.

My "angel" Samuel

After church, we headed home to open one gift and to prepare for Santa's arrival. On Christmas Eve, Drew and I give the kiddos a new pair of pajamas.  Our choices were big hits this year and they all look precious in their camera ready pj's! 

All ready for bed!

As for Santa, Emma wrote a letter to Santa.  They prepared a plate of cookies and a glass of milk.  Of course, even in the rain, they sprinkled reindeer food.  We also tracked Santa's journey on NORAD Santa.  As soon as he traveled to Canada we told them that Santa was getting close and it was time for bed!

We did have a special visitor prior to bed.  It scared Elena and resulted in some quick tears.  She warmed up quickly and even talked to our visitor!

Elena refused to sit on Santa's lap again

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!

Christmas Lights

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the lights.  Our block is one of the best.  Every house has lights and fun lights.  This year we switched to colored lights.  I decided that I should grow up and let the kiddos decide on the outside lights.  They wanted color so we went with colored lights and I actually like them.....ha-ha!

Two weeks ago we went with Mammy to Prestonwood to see the crazy, fun, themed decorated houses.  Each kid had hot chocolate and popcorn for the ride.  We especially enjoyed the "Twas the Texas Night Before Christmas" and the Christmas Story streets!  It was fun and festive as usual.

Tonight we went as a family to tour the lights in some nearby neighborhoods.  It was fun. Drew and I had our hot beverages and the kiddos were all dressed in pj's and their robes!  Our favorites tonight included Santa's sleigh on a house roof complete with moving reindeer, reading the candy cane story in one yard, and dancing lights to music at another house!  Elena loved all the blow up Santas. She says in the sweetest little Elena voice "ho-ho" every time she sees Santa!  The boys, of course, thought all the Santa helicopters were funny (I think they are strange).  Emma is old enough to enjoy the lights!

Samuel moving so I took another one

and now Elena is looking at who knows what!

Kids Christmas Decorations

Yesterday I shared my decorations.  Well, they are everyone's decorations, but I like to have them in just the right place with little touching occurring.  With four kids who like to touch and re-arrange everything it is necessary for them to have their own decorations.  So, today's tour is mostly Emma, Jonah, and Samuel's decorations.

This is our newest outside decoration.  I finally convinced Drew to put it up today....my snowman made from different size wooden circles, a scarf, a wooden hat, and Drew's boots!  I love him!!

Come on upstairs...a snowman sits on every step

He is my favorite

The table at the top of the stairs.  It has a kid friendly Christmas countdown tree and snowmen.

The new cabinet in our bedroom

Emma's personally decorated tree

The boy's personally decorated tree topped with a Santa hat!

And, my personal favorite child decoration is in the boy's room.  They decorated the space station....

Hilarious!

Elena will be able to join in the fun next year when she gets her very own bedroom Christmas tree!