Catching up with Pics

So, I know I left you hanging with the Advent devotions. Let's just say, they were enjoyed by all (on most days) and the kids learned so much. We will be repeating again next year, so I'll get the rest of the posts done then. This is a great way to bring in Christmas whether you have children or not! I highly recommend it. Just order this book, buy or make a set of ornaments (mine came from ebay last year) and spend just a few minutes each day, beginning on December 1st preparing your heart for the coming of the King. You will see Christmas in a better light with peace and joy filling your heart, no doubt!

We've had a busy Christmas season. I did opt to not do a Christmas card as time was passing quickly and I didn't want the added stress. So, Valentine's cards will be a'comin...

So, here are our past few weeks in pics...

Emily earned her green belt in Tae Kwon Do!
Way to go, Em!

Jason and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary and we're still very much in love!

Our family ornament arrived.
This might be my favorite one yet...

Our first snow fell, not a huge snowfall, but enough for a cute little snowman...

We headed out to visit Santa in high hopes that Abby would sit in his lap. Indeed, she did! (Notice, the nervous smile...)

And more pics. Hey, while they're dressed up and Mommy has camera in hand, you can bet there will be photo shoots!

And then off to reward those cooperative little elves with a trip to the Cheesecake Factory. (Um, yes, this would be the Red Velvet Cheesecake...)

Christmas Eve was finally here!
We started off our day baking and decorating Christmas cookies.
Lots of sprinkles everywhere!

Before & After...

Christmas Eve service at our church was so good. Emily stayed in the service with Jason and me this year, and it created a special memory for me to look down and see her singing the Christmas carols. The music and message was beautiful and I left in tears. What an amazing gift of grace God gives us and all we have to do is accept it. We can then, in turn, give grace to others. Boy, that can be so hard!

So, of course, the kids were dressed for Christmas Eve, which brought another opportunity for pics.
(One day, they'll be thankful, right?)

Then, it was time to get ready for Santa. We opened our Christmas Eve present, which was pj's. The kids' faces were hilarious! They were not thrilled with the thought of opening pj's as their gift, but quickly put them on and started getting things ready for Santa. Such cute little elves...

And, Christmas morning was finally here. Everyone had a great morning. Emily, Ben & Abby all received their #1 requested gift, which was an iPod for Em, a remote control snake for Ben and a Touch 'N Brush for Abby. Yes, Abby really did want a Touch 'N Brush and when she opened her gift, fell back on the couch and kicked her legs in the air out of pure joy!

Christmas dinner was not a traditional menu. However, it was delicious! We started with baked Brie & crackers, followed by grilled steaks, baked potato soup, green bean casserole, salad & rolls with cinnamon honey butter. The steak rub, soup and butter were taken straight from the Taste of Texas restaurant's website. (If you are ever in Texas and have the chance to eat at Taste of Texas, it's a must!) We topped dinner off with a baked from scratch birthday cake. (Please don't criticize the decorating!) All was yummy and our tummies were full!

Happy Birthday, Jesus! We love you!