Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was so fun. It was great to have my parents there so they got to see the boys enjoy it all, too. Santa was good to the boys and I think they liked everything. Sawyer really like the chocolate in his stocking, as did CW. CW enjoyed sitting in his desk and pushing Sawyer around on his tricycle. We had breakfast and then all headed out by 10am. Winter weather was coming and mom and dad had to get home to Little Rock while we were headed to Batesville.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve we all went to the Christmas Eve service at our church. It was a wonderful service and the boys were so good. CW really paid attention and Sawyer kept busy moving from lap to lap and eating PEZ. CW's favorite part was the lighting of the candles at the end. The Pastor told everyone to raise their candles high and that CW stretched his arm as far as possible. This was also Sawyer's least favorite part - he wanted to hold a candle of his own and was very unhappy that we didn't make that happen. We got pizza on the way home and then the boys took their baths. Rodney showed the boys the book their Nona gave them where she reads the Christmas story. They loved it and I know we will treasure that book forever. What a neat thing. We put out milk, low-fat cupcakes and a carrot for Santa and his reindeer. (Remember we had all been very sick that week so ordering pizza and snacks from the pantry were the best we could do on short notice.) It didn't matter, though - it is all about Jesus anyway and the joy that the most Holy King would humble himself enough to be a little baby and experience life as us humans. Just so he could pay the price for our sins. Without the birth there would be no cross and without the cross no rising again. And because he rose again we have the opportunity to have a relationship with God and be forgiven of all our sins. Thank you Jesus and Happy Birthday!

Christmas Eve Day

Well, Christmas week I was a little afraid that we were going to have a repeat of last year. Two days before Christmas Eve CW started throwing up - it was just a matter of time till the rest of us got it. Rodney was next then me and let me say I had it the worst. Sickly Sawyer didn't even get it this time. Prayers for his immune system by my BSF group are really working! I was so depressed being sick the day before Christmas Eve. I had all these plans for our family and I called my mom bawling that night, and told her if she didn't want to come I would understand. So dramatic - like they wouldn't come! The boys cleaned the house for me and I managed to Lysol things. Mom and dad came that morning and the boys were ready to open presents. It was so great to be together and the boys were so excited. I am so glad my mom doesn't listen to me when I have my little meltdowns - I wonder where CW gets it from! :)

Ice Skating Downtown

Before Christmas we met our buddies, the Silvey's, for a little ice skating. CW had never been and he loved it! He had seen it on the show Calliou so he knew all about it and was pleased to see that everything was just like the show. Except that his parents weren't the best skaters. :) Olivia Grace and CW probably would have skated all night - no fear. Sawyer and Annalyse on the other hand were a little cold. The night was topped off by Mexican Food - a perfect night!

Our Trip to See Santa

I love how Carter Wayne thinks that he and Santa are big buds. Except for his first two years he is always excited to see Santa and talk to him. I was worried about Sawyer this year because at CW's 2nd trip to Santa he screamed and cried. But leave it to Sawyer - if he was scared he wasn't going to show it. He was stone faced the whole time. I mean if his Big Brother is going to sit in Santa's lap then he is too. While we were in line CW asked me to ask Santa to say Ho, Ho, Ho for him. I promised I would and when we were leaving I did. I will never forget the smile that spread across CW's face when Santa said "Ho, Ho, Ho!" You could just tell that it was exactly the way he had pictured it in his mind. I LOVE Christmas with kids - it is just so fun!!!

Connection Group Christmas Party

We had such a great Connection Group Christmas party! The Estes were gracious enough to open their home and Jennifer's decorating was beautiful. The food was amazing and it was so nice to be without kids. We could actually talk! We played dirty Santa with ornaments for the girls and gift cards for the guys. Everyone was still friends afterwards so that's good. We made about ten tries at a group picture - I posted what I thought were the two best. We had so much fun that we were a little late getting back to church to get the kids. Maybe they didn't notice. :)