Our Christmas 2011

Here are some photos of our Christmas celebration:

There was baking:

And feasting:

And, the reading of the greatest Christmas story:

And, thankfulness for the real reason of Christmas, Jesus Christ:

Excitement of unwrapping one gift on Christmas Eve:










Christmas Eve PJ's:

After they had gone to bed:
My secret code sheet (none of the gifts had their names on them, so they didn't know which was theirs):

Christmas morning instructions:

And, warm fuzzy blankets made for each one:

Our Christmas was not just about getting the things asked for, but giving to those in need. The children put their money together this year and gave to World Vision. They bought 4 ducks, a goat, some medicine and clothing for a family. My heart overflows.

I hope your Christmas was wrapped in the love of Jesus!

The toothless wonder

Sophie lost her 3rd front tooth yesterday. The last one is loose and she will probably lose it in the next week or two. I am always sad when they start losing their baby teeth, because it changes their appearance and they begin to look older when the permanent teeth come in. She is definitely not a baby anymore :(

Cousins

Last week, we went to my nephew's birthday party and I took this picture of Henry with his cousin, Lance. I love that they are just a couple months apart in age and that they love to be around each other.

Samuel is a teenager!

Sam turned 13 this year! We celebrated by taking him to the restaurant of his choice, which was Charleston's, and I made him a chocolate sheet cake. He also got an Xbox game. We are so proud of the young man that he is becoming. Happy Birthday, Samuel! You are a special boy and loved so much.

The boys are into making funny faces every time you want to take their picture now:

Gingerbread Village

I decided this year that making just one gingerbread house was just too easy. So, instead, we made a gingerbread village! I am a glutton for punishment, what can I say. Here are the photos of the fun:

Christmas Piano Recital

Here are the kids playing at their Christmas Recital last weekend. Sorry about the shaky camera, but Aaron was filming while holding the baby. So, he actually did a really good job w/ it :) We were very proud of their performances.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

21 Years

**I had to fix the link from the previous post**

Aaron and I celebrated our 21st anniversary a couple of weeks ago and I just wanted to share what Lizzy had written on her blog about us. I thought it was very sweet.

Lizzy's Blog

Random

Here are a few pics of what's been going with us this past month:

Bowler of the Week!

Samuel started bowling this year and is loving it! He has gotten the Bowler of the Week award twice now. He participated in his first tournament last weekend and placed 2nd in his division!

I put together this little video clip of him from his tournament:

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Strike up the Band

Sam and Lizzy have started taking band lessons this year. Sam plays the snare drum and Lizzy plays the clarinet. They have a Christmas Concert coming up on December 15th and would love for you to come see them play. Here's a little taste of what you will get to hear:

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Now, if that didn't tempt you, then I don't know what would. LOL!

Nicky's Bedtime Prayer

Every night before Nicky goes to bed, he says his prayers and thanks Jesus:

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Happy Halloween!

Here are our pics for this Halloween. We started off at a friend's house where her neighborhood did a costume parade, then we met some more friends at a carnival, and returned home to trick or treat in our neighborhood. Everyone had a great time and mom and dad are ready for bed!

It's a good thing we have great dental insurance :)