Saturday, December 27, 2008

wrapping up christmas



ahhh, another christmas come and gone. it was really nice this year. i did manage to cut down on some of the shopping and stress! we spent the day at home with just us. we had my favorite kind of day...waking to the sound of muffled whispers upstairs at 5:30 am! go back to sleep! *smile* finally, we let them open their stockings while i started the coffee, lit the tree, and put on christmas music. we gathered round the tree and read the Christmas story from matthew and luke, passing the Bible around so all could read a part and ending with a prayer of thanksgiving for God's incredible love gift to us, in the form of a baby boy who grew up to become the savior of all who would believe.

and then we exchanged our love gifts to each other: some special surprises included B's homemade chocolate chip cookies for her dad, snowman ornaments for everyone in the family made by C, and a saddle rack for the new barn's tack room, built by mark with his helpers, C and S. aren't these the best kind of gifts? after a few gifts were opened and the kids were occupied with a few new toys, i slipped into the kitchen to pop the breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls in the oven, and slice the fresh pineapple. i so enjoy our traditional christmas morning brunch. such good food and warm feelings around the table. and then back to leisurely opening a few more gifts. i love our quiet tradition of gifts where we are able to open them slowly, recognizing the giver with a thank you and a hug, and taking the time to enjoy the gift before moving on to another, rather than a frenzy of paper and bows flying!







oh, my. these cinnamon rolls were delicious!

thanks to the pioneer woman!



later in the day we picked up karla and dennis from the airport and they joined us for our Christmas dinner. more food and more gifts! it was a lovely day, we enjoyed just being together with those we love.




praying that your Christmas was just as meaningful, remembering the reason we celebrate!




For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.



Isaiah 9:6



everyday gift: the first Christmas gift ever, Jesus: the reason we celebrate

3 comments:

Chris said...

Warm feelings both inside and out. Thanks. Your cinnamon rolls look scrumptious! I can almost smell the aromas.

Anonymous said...

It WAS a wonderful day and I'm so thankful to have such a precious family to celebrate with. Next Christmas will be even better, I just know it! Love you all, Mom

Jake said...

We just finally got to our Christmas tonight and I can so relate to enjoying your own traditions and practices of the holiday. Thank you for being a part of our celebration with something special under our tree!!