Christmas 2008

I have no clue what order all these pictures are in so I'm not going to bother putting captions between all of them. We celebrated Christmas Eve here in town since Mark obviously has to be at both services. The first service was a family service and it was really moving. Santa made a special appearance while the kids were at the chancel and he bowed in front of the manger, took his hat off and prayed silently. Then they sang "Away in a Manger" and I couldn't help but tear up. We came home to open our gifts since we were traveling early the next morning. Ben and Ella were the most dressed up for the service, warranting a photo with their handsome father. Ben was given a suit a few months ago and has begged to wear it so he put his ensemble together. The kid, that I can hardly get to brush his teeth, clip his nails or even take a shower, was dressed to the nines. Go figure.

We have over the past few years changed the way we celebrate with gift giving and it continues to be modified. I spoke to a dear friend of mine from college, the week before Christmas and she and her husband and 5 boys celebrate the holidays a little differently as well and I hope next year to incorporate some of their ideas too. The kids ask for one big item, and then we purchase two to three other small things for them. Unfortunately, the older the boys gets, that ONE item often costs way more than I'd like it to but we start to shop as early as we can. Max got the IPOD touch, Ben got a PSP, MT got a new bike, and Ella got Jungle in my Pocket. They also got a large gift that Mark has been working hard on all week, and finally finished assembling today, the basketball hoop. It's in ground with a 54" inch backboard. Thanks Beegee, the kids along with all the neighborhood kids, love it! Santa only brings what goes in their stockings in an attempt to not focus too much on him as much as we do the birth of our Saviour.

We traveled to Dallas Christmas morning and had a wonderful weekend with my family. Beegee was there along with my aunt, uncle, cousin and her new "friend" and we really enjoyed each other's company. The kids learned a new domino game and quickly caught on, called Chicken Foot. We shopped, ate, went to a movie, ate some more and sat around talking. It's always great to go home.

Hard to believe 2008 is almost over. We're staying home tonight, rented a few flicks, and will ring in the new year more than likely sound asleep. I can't stay up that late anymore. No more babies waking us up at all hours, so we sleep pretty soundly around here. The kids continue to grow faster than we'd like at times, but they're great and we're very proud of all of them. 2008 has brought a lot of joy to our family, new surroundings and new adventures. Some like the hurricane, we hope not to repeat next year, but we're prayerful that 2009 will be just as joyful. Happy New Year to all of you too!