Christmas 2007

We had a great Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior. For the first time in my life, I did not travel on Christmas Day. We stayed home in attempt to avoid the Christmas rush of hurrying through Santa and then traveling several hours to make it in time for Christmas lunch. And I will excitingly say, it was the best ever. It was amazing how much stress was eliminated by just staying home. We did, however, go to my parents Christmas night for supper and more presents. For those who don't know, they only live about 5 miles away.

We began our Christmas travels, Sunday the 23rd to JB's parents. We spent the night and celebrated with his parents, his brother and sister in law and Nonna. JB's sister, Angie, was on call so she was not able to make it this year. Christmas Eve evening, we traveled to Granny and Granddaddy's to celebrate with extended family. This year's family crowd was slime due to various family reasons. Regardless, it was just as sentimental and festive.

After arriving back home late Christmas Eve, we put the boys to bed and began Santa's toyshop.

(No words can describe these pics above).

We finally got it all set up in about 1 1/2 hours. Santa brought a roller coaster, teeter totter, tools, vacuum, tub toys, sit n spin, and many other toys...too many to list all, of course.

As you can see in the picture above, our den was taken over by toys. Uncle Wade and Aunt Tracy gave them the tent and tunnel set. We went ahead and put it together for the boys to experience. We made sure they new that Santa did not bring the tent and that it was given by family.

The boys have loved their roller coaster. It is nothing more than a car that zooms down a 10 foot track of hills. Regardless of it's simplicity, it has already brought hours of thrilling rides.

Since Angie was on call and couldn't go home, she spent the day with us. My dad also spent most of the day with us. We had lunch of grilled pork loin, creamed corn, and baked sweet potatoes. My dad's attempt to fry a turkey resulted in a back up entree of grilled pork loin. He has always done a great job of frying turkeys, hence the reason I asked for one this year. Instead, this year poultry ended up poached. We were, however, able to salvage a few pieces. There's always next year.

Since we stayed home this year, JB and I decided to "give Jesus a present". We took lunch to an elderly couple that lives across the street from my parents along with a small gift. They have little family and she is not in good health. It was such an honor to spread Christ's love on Christmas Day.

I hope all of you had a blessed Christmas and look forward to what the new year has to bring. May we always keep CHRISTmas in hearts year round.

Until next time, HB