Christmas 2008 Part 1

Anita smiling big for the camera

Alayna withe Diamond castle dolls

Nathan and one of his many webkinz

Wille, Marilyn & Lexie

Abby & Hannah

Papa Kenny & Ryan

Marilyn, Mom, Ryan & Papa Kenny

We went to my mom's house on Christmas eve and had a wonderful home cooked meal by my mom. After dinner Hannah read the Christmas story from the Bible. The kids were so anxious to open their presents but they listened to the story pretty well.

It was so nice to have everyone together, we are all blessed and thankful for all we have been

given. Lord willing we will all be together again next year.

Alayna, Abby, Nathan, Lexie & Hannah

Hannah reading the Christmas story from the bible
She had to memorize all 20 verses for school.

Jesus and Santa Claus

Why Jesus is better than Santa Claus
Santa lives at the North Pole...JESUS is everywhere.Santa rides in a sleigh...JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.Santa comes but once a year....JESUS is an ever present help.Santa fills your stockings with goodies...JESUS supplies all your needs.Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.You have to wait in line to see Santa..JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.Santa lets you sit on his lap...JESUS lets you rest in His arms.Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...JESUS has a heart full of love.All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...JESUS offers health, help and hope.Santa's little helpers make toys...JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.Santa may make you chuckle but..JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.While Santa puts gifts under your tree..JESUS became our gift and dies on a tree.It's obvious there is really on comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas.Jesus is still the reason for the season.Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus!

Hannah's Recital & Alayna's Christmas party

Hannah had a piano recital on Friday night. We had a nice pot luck dinner and listened to Christmas music while we ate. My neice Abby also played in the recital. It was an enjoyable evening.

Alayna had her Birthday party for Jesus at school Friday morning. She decorated a cookie and played pin the nose on Ruldolph and just about got it in the right spot!

Ryan had fun at the party too. He made himself at home.

The kids are so excited about Christmas, they cannot wiat to open their presents. It should be fun this year with Ryan more mobile and vocal.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Activities

December has been a busy month for us especially for me. I had 3 Christmas exchanges and hosted a progressive dinner for our Sunday school class. It was nice to have friends over and to fellowship with everyone.

Alayna had a Christmas program at her school and she was an angel. She performed quite well when singing her songs.

Hannah and Alayna helped me make suckers for the first time. It was alot of fun and the suckers tasted pretty good too!

I will try to post some more pictures, I am still trying to figure out how to blog.

Alayna decorating our tree

Alayna wanted to help me put the "instruments" on our Christmas tree so I let her help. She did a really good job. She said as she was putting the ornaments on "this is the best Christmas ever." She was proud of her work. All of the instruments (ornaments) look so nice.

Ryan's First Haircut

Today I took Ryan in the rain to get his first haircut. The rain kind of fit my mood.. it was sort of sad. He looks so much bigger now. He did really well while Ms. Sherry cut his hair, Ms Sherry also cuts my hair when I get the chance to go :) . I am glad he had a toy to keep him entertained. He said "Cheese" when I took his picture. I have before and after pictures so you can see the difference.

Alayna's tea party and Christmas decor

Alayna stayed home from preschool today because she had a fever. She decided to give her webkinz a tea party, well I walked into her room and this is what I found! It was too cute not to take a picture of.
Alayna also wanted her picture made with our Christmas decorations. She loves to watch them light up.

The other pictures are just some random ones I thought I would add.

Our Lilttle Bonfire

Alan decided to burn some old tree limb, we had quite a few that had fallen along with alot of leaves. So he made a little fire. Hannah & Alayna thought it was really cool. Alayna also wanted her picture made with her pumpkins. She lined them (the small ones) up on the steps all by herself.

Halloween

We started out the evening going to Parkland Baptist church for games, food and candy. The girls had fun playing games while Ryan ate with his Mimi and Papa.
After we left there we headed to Marilyn and Willies so the kids could go trick or treating at a few houses. They got lots of candy. Good thing they won't eat it all, they are not big on candy.

That is Ryan in the scary mask, he looked funny with it on so I had to get his picture.

The Lion, A Fairy and Sharpay.

We were invited to go to Beechmont Baptist Church for their Trunk N Treat on Saturday night. It was kind of chilly but the kids didn't seem to mind it. Alayna was a fairy and Ryan was a lion. Hannah was Sharpay from High School Musical. It was a good time. Almost all of the candy is gone.

Alayna's Harvest party

Alayna's preschool class had a harvest party yesterday. All of the children were dressed as scarecrows. They all looked so cute. Alayna enjoyed having her face painted although it came off before the party actually started. Ryan was with me and he had a ball, into everything.

Here are some pictures of my little scarecrow and Ryan.

Ryan also tried to do some laundry while we were there, see the picture.