Christmas memories~

This year our family participated in Christmas shoeboxes that were filled with gifts sent overseas to kids everywhere. The kids enjoyed buying things and making things to fill them up. Also, we sponsored a child through our homeschool group and were able to get a 9 year old boy what he wanted....his very own football! And what a privilege it was to be a part of giving to two families through Any Baby Can that our Sunday School class was involved in.....giving them the only Christmas presents they'd probably get this Christmas. We were able to go to one of the family's homes and share Christ with them and pray with them as we passed out their gifts. GIVING....it's what Christmas is all about. CHRIST gave His life to us, so shouldn't we only want to give to others? I hope & pray my kids got that message this year if nothing else!

The six of us in our family drew names this year. And it really was so fun. I took two of the kids shopping one night while Seth took the other two and it was a good thing they only had 2 days from then until giving their gifts to their person!!! They were just so excited. Bryan spent over 30 minutes picking out the gift he got for Seth. He knew what he wanted to get him before we even got to the store, but he was so serious about picking the right color,style, and size, it was hilarious! On Christmas Eve Day, we did our gift exchange, and Bryan wanted Seth to open his gift first he was so excited about it! 

 

Chandler got a puzzle set from Seth......and he loves puzzles and will spend hours doing them.  

 

Tiffany gave Bryan a little race car track, and you can tell he was thrilled!!! His reaction & surprise was priceless.

 

 

Chandler knew exactly what he wanted to get Zach.....a flag football set & a watch. Which is exactly what Zach wanted......

 

 

 

Chandler was pretty proud of himself, I guess.  

I loved seeing Tiffany open the leather-bound Bible that I gave her along with a Bible cover.  

 

Zachary drew my name, and although I have no pictures of the gifts he gave me, he was very thoughtful! He is quite observant and noticed things around the house that I needed. So, I got a salt & pepper shaker, a warm & comfy blanket, some dish towels, and other little household items. He probably asked me 5 times throughout the day if I really did like what he gave me! And yes, it was all SO practical!!! 

Show me your stockings, kids! 

 

Christmas Eve was spent at my parents house along with my sister & her family. Even though we only live 15 minutes away, we spent the night over there so we could all stay up late playing games and talking and eating and getting ourselves worn out! The house was buzzing with 10 excited children the next morning. And two sick mommies. But all the memories were worth it.  

About mid-way through the day though we were summoned outside for a spectacular "bike show" put on by all the kids. The announcer & organizer, my nephew, Scott

 

 

Some of the bikers

 

Riding the ramps 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a great group of fun kiddos!

 

 

 

 

 

I don't have very many pictures of Christmas Eve/Day....but it was a very special time. My brother-in-law had invited a Hindu Indian guy to eat with us and he spent about 3 hours of the day there. It was an interesting time for us....and I'm sure especially for him! We hope & pray he saw & experienced Jesus that day and the REAL meaning of why we celebrate Christmas! Our Christmas Day ended in worship & praise and thanksgiving to our Savior.