Christmas Eve

We had a very busy Christmas Eve this year. We started a couple new traditions. We decided to make a birthday cake for Jesus. Please note I am not going into the cake making business, and I have already decided next year we will make one that does not have to be decorated!
We also opened our presents from Grandma Ina and Grandpa Wally. When I was a child, on the Christmas we didn't get to be with them, we always opened the gifts they mailed on Christmas Eve. I told A.J. that one time, and since he can't stand to wait to open gifts, he decided we should do the same. A.J. got some Air Hog planes and Abigail got clothes and a magnetic nativity (which she loves). They really enjoyed opening and playing with these gifts.

Before leaving for church, we put out our reindeer food A.J. made at school.

We then headed for church where A.J. sang "Away in a Manger." He mixed up the verses a little and got very frustrated, but it was cute!

After a Chinese dinner (which was a very crowded restaurant), we continued with our favorite Christmas tradition. For several years now, we have opened 1 present on Christmas Eve, and it is always pajamas. Then, we all get in our Christmas pajamas (mom, dad, AJ, Abby, Grandma, and Pa) and go look at Christmas lights together. It is quite a sight! (Of course, before leaving, we left out our cookies for Santa).

The Leaning Tree of Christmas

We have a family tradition of making a gingerbread house (or something) every year. We have done several houses and a train. However, it NEVER has a happy ending. Our house usually crumbles before we even finish decorating it! At least it is always good to eat!

This year, we decided to go simple in order to be successful. We made a gingerbread Christmas tree. All you have to do is ice each layer and stack them. Simple, right? Well, not so much. Our tree is now named "The Leaning Tree of Christmas." Any suggestions for next year???

A Heart-Wrenching Moment

This past week, I learned a major lesson from my children. When A.J. had his seizure in the doctor's office, and they were working on him in the treatment room, they asked me to leave the room. I sat in the outside area (crying, of course) and became very angry at God. I have never felt that before and have never felt it since. I kept thinking, "You asked me to surrender my life to ministry, and now we moved to a town I did not want to be in. You can't take my child, too." Of course, that is something I have repented from and really come to grips with since then.

When Abigail laid on the ER table, and I could feel those feelings come back again, I immediately decided I would not be angry at God. I was just so thankful to have her. Instead, I decided to sing praise choruses to her. I have always sang "Sanctuary" to my kids, and I started to sing, but halfway through I realized I was singing "Lord I Life Your Name on High." That is actually a song I don't like, and I started on the part I hate most, "You came from heaven to earth, to show the way. From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. From the cross to the grave..." Then it hit me.... how can I be asking God to save my little girl and spare her from pain when he gave His son to die for something He didn't even do. Wow! What a moment for me.

God has taught me so much through my children, but now, I think I am finally understanding Christmas. God sent His innocent Son to die for my guilt. What a gift. I am so blessed to have children at all and every day I have them is one more day of a gift He has given me. Of course, I pray for God to keep my children safe and healthy, and in these moments, I realize that is more than I can ever ask! I am so blessed.

Abigail's Christmas Program

Abigail's preschool held a Christmas program for parents a couple of weeks ago (I am a little slow posting this one). At the beginning, they did the ABC's of Christmas. Abigail's line was "G is for God who sent down His Son." Here she is saying it with two classmates (Cameron and Alexia).

They also did a number of songs and word rhymes. Here is my favorite one (and the translation for all of you who don't speak preschool).

"What Can I Give Jesus?"

What can I give Jesus, small as I am?
The shepherds gave Him a baby lamb.
The three wise men gave Him precious gold.
The angels sang of His glory untold.
Mary and Joseph gave Him their loving care.
But, what can I give Jesus? My heart to share.

Christmas Tree Wars

For several years now, Allan and I have had a battle of the Christmas trees. My tree (the pretty one) is located in the main living areas of the house. It always has all white lights, family ornaments, and large beautiful ball ornaments. It is draped with gold beaded garland and has a nice large bow on top.

Allan's tree, on the other hand, we call the "Tacky Tree." He always has colored lights (the bigger the better), shiny and glittery ornaments, fuzzy garland, and whatever tacky ornaments he can find. He has a shiny star on top. The past two years, his tackiness has spread to the entire back porch with lights and a singing wreath!

This year, we hosted an open house for our church family. Everyone who came voted on the tree they liked best, and I am very sad to say... Allan won by 2 votes. Here are the two trees... what do you think????

Don't Try This One

In our quest for new and exciting Christmas traditions, we decided to teach our children the legend of the candy cane. In doing so, we decided to make our own candy canes.... BIG mistake. Just take a look at the finished product. I think next year we will just teach them the story with a big box of store-bought ones!

Thank You

I just wanted to take a second to thank everyone for the prayers for Abigail. As I am sure all of you know, Abigail suffered a seizure this week, requiring a short stint in the hospital and lots of testing and worry! She is doing great, and we are truly blessed to have such a beautiful daughter. Please continue to pray with us that this is an isolated event and won't happen again. We thank God for holding us up during this time.

And... I promise to put some new blog entries up soon. We have had so much this week, that there has been simply no time. I have some great video and pictures to share, so check back soon.

We love you all!