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.