Our Christmas 2010

This year was another wonderful Christmas celebration. We began celebrating on the 18th with Rob's family. That morning, the children sang and quoted verses in the morning service. After church, Rob's family came for finger foods followed by a gift exchange. That evening the choir sang our Christmas cantata followed by a dessert fellowship.

On Christmas Eve we had our own time at home. Before dinner, Jillian read the Christmas story from the bible. We ate biscuit topped Italian casserole and then had our gift exchange. Brandon received an I home, x box game, cologne and money. Jillian got books, movies, Mario game, snowpants , costumes and a Headbandz game. Korbin had books, Dragon movie, snowpants, Imaginext space ship, and costumes. Later we went to Dad's to take his gifts. He surprised Brandon with an old pocket watch he'd had fixed. Brandon was very touched by the thought and asked a million questions about it. I really enjoyed the story of how he stayed at the store one night after he closed and cut a side of beef for it. The kids had a great time playing at Gdad's and we enjoyed listening to more old stories. Some were new and some were old, but always hilarious. As we drove home, it began to snow and we are sure that Rudolph crossed the road in front us. Arriving home, we found that santa had already come and brought pillow pets and a sled.

On Christmas Day, we loaded the van and headed to Bowling Green as the snow continued to fall. This year, it was hosted by my niece Dana, We had our traditional meal of turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, casseroles, rolls, deviled eggs, dairy orange salad and lots of sweets! After eating, the kids traded gifts with a cousin closest to his/her age and the adults had a "dirty santa" game. Rob drew a UK hat which was his favorite gift of the day! :) Next we played the Newlywed game. Last year Rob and I came in dead last but we came back and did better this year... I thought we may win until the end when he started giving silly answers... again!! His answer last year to "What famous person would your wife like to be.... Queen Latifah. This year he said, "Michelle Obama." All the time, the kids were ripping through the house having a great visit with their cousins! We returned home late in the evening, tired and thankful for safe travels.

Thanks to God for the gift of Jesus! It is such a beautiful time of year, but would just be another ordinary day without the cross looming ahead of him, even in the beauty of His birth. Praying that those who are feeling pain at this time of the year will KNOW there is a Savior that understands our sorrow and joy! Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!