Christmas Recap

This has been such a great week. First, it started with me (Candy) having the week off with the kids. It was so nice just to hang out, make cookies, play games, etc. We have had a great time! One Sunday, Monday and Tuesday we made about 50 dozen cookies. By the time we were done, I didn't even want to taste them! On Tuesday night I kept my sister's four kids overnight since she and her husband both had to work on Christmas Eve. We woke up the next morning to make even MORE cookies! We then spent some time getting ready for the family get together.

The family all arrived around 2pm. We ate appetizers and fried chicken (thanks to my sister the manager of our local KFC). We then loaded up to go to Christmas Eve service at church. It was a lovely candlelight service with Lord's Supper. Hannah played the piano for the service. It was the first time she has had to play slow and low while communion was being passed out and she did great!

After church we all headed back to our house to open presents (we all draw names amongst the extended family). In total there were 19 of us squeezed into our little living room (10 were children). Needless to say, it was a loud, crazy night! We read the birth of Christ from Luke 2 and tried to help the youngest understand the REAL meaning of Christmas. It was then time to open presents. The kids were all thrilled with what they received.

Christmas morning was so much fun! My grandmother had spent the night so that she didn't have to drive out to our house two days in a row. She had so much fun watching the kids come down to see what Santa had brought them (yes, Jake and Hannah still get presents from Santa although they thank us for what they receive). Lily was thrilled that she received the doll that goes potty and the Polly Pocket Pop 'n Swap that she had asked Santa for. Hannah was amazed at the Cuttlebug Die Cutter that she found under the tree. This was something she really wanted but thought she would never receive due to the cost (thank you e-bay!). Jake received the I-Pod Nano that he wanted along with some men for his Warhammer collection. They had so much fun!

Later that day, my mom picked up her twin brothers (they are mentally disabled and live in separate adult care facilities)and came home to open the presents from our immediate family. Hannah received the bible she was needing, Jake received some obnoxious T-shirts (I never said you were a monkey, now take this banana and scram!) and Lily got a Guess-Who game. Kermit was excited to receive a new speaker system for his I-Pod.

The biggest surprise came for me when I opened my gift from the kids....a Cricut Expression machine! This may not mean anything to many of you, but I was thrilled as I can use the machine to cut letters, shapes, pictures, etc. It does some pretty neat stuff and I have used it already. Thanks, guys!

Lest I make it sound as if this Christmas was all about the gifts, let me take a minute to say that we have constantly been reminded this season of how blessed we truly are. We pray that you all are counting your blessings as well!