Merry Christmas!

May the true Joy of Christmas be full in your hearts!

Jaden got a handmade journal from the J-girls

Showing off make up from Honey

Yes! DP!

Just a few pics for the grand parents ;)

Chris and I spent the day under the weather and on the couch but it didn't stop the celebrating! We read our final reading of Jotham's Journey (I cannot get the computer to let me underline the title!) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I was reminded again of the true wonder of what God did. He sent His Perfect Son from the glories of Heaven to us. Unto us a child is born, a Son is given. I was blown away (again) that He loves me- in my good and bad moments, my ups and my downs. He knew the times I would be faithful and the times I would be completely rotten and He still came. Praise God for Emmanuel- God with us!

making merry

Some friends joined us in decorating sugar cookies and watching a Christmas movie.
Jaden is holding the last of the puppies. She will go to the girls in the picture when they finish language school soon! (the puppy, not JJ)

Emma, Avery, and Zephan went down to Ester and Emily's apartment and became living Christmas trees

an answer to the dreaded question

We are trying something new (for us) this year. Every day I hear, "how many days until Christmas?" UGH! So, I made a green and red paper chain. We will rip one link off every day giving a visual of how many days until Christmas. On each link I put either a verse, a Christmas greeting in a different language, or a day of Christmas from the 12 days of Christmas. On the back there are things like: baking something with Mom to give to someone else or keep, doing something special for someone in the family without them knowing, making a craft, picking a Christmas movie to watch together, etc. I am using the ADVENTure book by Lisa Welchel and Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford for the baking and craft ideas.

My desire is that this will not only keep me from hearing the dreaded question 145 times a day but also to refocus my crew. I hope that they can enjoy serving and encouraging others and focus on the Reason we celebrate...JESUS!

Christmas with Honey and Aunt Jodi

We were so glad Honey and Jodi came down. We had so much fun with them-
lots of good memories!

Our Christmas tree.

Watching White Christmas~a family tradition!
"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters..."

Jodi and Jack are expecting their first baby in March.

Opening gifts.

At GrandBud and Grammie Elaine's

Uncle Jack and Aunt Jodi cuddle everyone on the couch.

Some dancing!

Gavin reading a good book.

A most delicious spread!
We had a great time with GrandBud and Grammie. We made Gingerbread men ( a family tradition), played in the yard, enjoyed family and some wonderful food. Thanks for some great memories!

Some highlights from PawPaw and Nana's house

Gavin and Nana (and some yummy pumpkin pie)

Chris cooked an amazing meal.

PawPaw and Avery take care of the leftovers

I found Emma and Harrison eating our gingerbread house! Little stinkers-even Avery got in on the fun.

Nana, baby Lockett, and Jaden enjoying some cuddle time.