Christmas Recap

by Amy


December seems to be one of our busiest times of the year. It's amazing how open and interested people are in why we celebrate this famous holiday. What a blessing to be here during these days!


Unfortunately, December also came with some sicknesses this year. As I've already posted, the week Brad was gone, the kids were all sick. Well, he got home just in time to take over... I got a stomach bug that lasted the better part of four days. YUCK!! We ended up canceling one of our parties because I just couldn't do it.... And, I spent one party on my bed while Brad and the kids entertained everyone. I said hello, put the food on the table, and went to bed! YUCK!

But, thankfully, by the time Christmas rolled around, we were all healthy and ready to celebrate! Every year we make a birthday cake for Jesus. We decided we'd make an angel cake this year. And, Savannah really wanted to get in on the action! So, I didn't use any of the new skills or tools I acquired with my Wilton's cake decorating class, but that's OK. This cake was made with love!

On the morning of the 24th, we picked out a couple of presents to let our kids open. The boys got to open this cool three-in-one tee ball, pitching machine combo thing! And, since the balls are really soft, we decided it would be an "inside toy." We just close our curtains and let them hit right into them! It's really fun! I think Brad likes it more than the kids!

Then, that afternoon after naps, we opened the rest of our gifts. From us, Savannah's "big" present was Adventure's in Odyssey's 20 year Platinum CDs with 36 episodes! She was quite excited! Alex got some Mega Bloks construction trucks and Peter got a set of Lincoln Logs. They also received several books, raincoats, horses, superheros, and other fun things. Brad and I gave each other an elliptical machine (which I LOVE!), so this year under the tree Brad got to open a $1.50, battery operated, milk froter. He gave me some flame throwers (that we've never been able to find here) and candles!

For our Christmas Eve dinner, we had crabbies, creamy Italian chicken with rice, and green bean casserole. Mmmm! It was actually so yummy that we decided to eat J's birthday cake on Christmas day. We were all too full after dinner!! (Maybe the fact that we ate almost a whole bag of mint M&M throughout the day had something to do with it too!) We also enjoyed getting to read our whole Advent Book and reflecting on the most precious gift ever given!

On Christmas day, our kids woke up and got to dig in their stockings! I had saved some fun small things to stuff their stockings with. I think the biggest hits were the fun dip that Lori Ann sent and the tootsie roll pops Grandma mailed! (Thanks again ~ don't worry, you both got the credit, not me or Santa!)

Then, we got to do a video call with my family. It was fun to let them watch my kids open the presents they had sent over. And, it was great to see my brother and his family. My niece is absolutely precious!! After that, we ate a yummy brunch including coffee cake and a ham quiche. It was quite delightful!

After packing up over 60 little baggies of cookies, we hit the streets! We had a great time walking around our neighborhood, seeing people we see everyday, and wishing them a Merry Christmas by giving them some cookies and a little booklet. We did this last year too. I think it's one of our favorite family traditions!

Christmas night, after eating popcorn, apples and birthday cake, we watched the Sound of Music. Brad remembers watching that movie every Christmas as a child, so we thought it would be fun to do with our kiddos too!

We had a really fun Christmas, but I will say, this year I really missed being with our extended family. The webcams and phone calls were great, but just not the same. They all seemed really far away.... Thankfully, although I miss "home," I have no doubt we're right where we need to be. So, my heart is full of peace.

I hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas honoring the Giver of all good gifts and rejoicing in the most wonderful Gift ever given! May your hearts be filled with the peace that comes from knowing Him.