Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a wonderful time at our house.

We started off the morning busy.  The Ray's invited our family over for a Christmas Eve Cookie Swap.  Their house was filled with joy and laughter.  There were tons of families there.  It was that wild fun, where the children are running around, the parents are chatting, and you just know the Christmas Spirit is present.  - Jared wasn't able to go, because he was working.  Kaki agreed to keep Thomas so my hands wouldn't be so full.  Morris and I went with our Santa Hat Brownies and enjoyed seeing everyone.  The Ray children are elementary age and Morris was one of the youngest children there.  He had a great time running around with the "big" boys.

Santa Hat Brownie

Morris loves the Ray tire swing

One of the main priorities was a nap for the boys.  We knew that it would be long day: cookie swap, Christmas Eve with my parents, Christmas Eve church service, and getting ready for Santa.  If there was not a nap, we didn't know what we would do.  The boys were easy to lay down which allowed me to get some things accomplished around the house. 

Attempting a family picture and this is with a nap... imagine no nap!

Our family after many, many attempts!

Mother and Daddy came over for an early Christmas Eve dinner and present swap with the boys.  We loved every minutes of it.  The boys loved giving Kaki and Bud their presents, and seeing what Kaki and Bud had brought them.  We rushed presents just a little, to be able to see the live nativity before the Christmas Eve service at church.  

Morris and Thomas loved the nativity.  One of the families at church was kind enough to bring a few animals to stand around the nativity.  It is an emotional moment for me to always see the nativity.  Yes, I know that it is not real, but just to imagine our King, The Holy One, was born to a young mother in a stable on a cold winter night.  It always makes me think what a humble and mighty God we serve.  A baby put on this Earth as a commoner, but a man who reigns forever as our King!  What a powerful thing when you let it sink in.  

The Christmas Eve service was a little long, the nursery was somewhat of a disaster, and Thomas and Morris weren't on their best behavior when we brought them into the end of the service for the candle lighting.  Oh well, I remind myself that God could care less.  I am sure that many of the people gave me the evil eye or whispered bad words under their breathe.  To be honest, I was completely stressed over the entire situation, but God says, "let the children come to me".  He wouldn't be upset that Morris told the Christmas Story loudly during communion or that Thomas demanded juice.  I think He would be proud that my children know Him.  

After the service, we returned home with Kaki and Bud to play with our gifts.  The boys loved showing off their stuff and celebrating.  

Jared and I capped the night off by setting up for Santa and thinking what a lucky life we live!

Thomas opening his remote control car from Kaki and Bud.

Thomas taking it all in.

Jared loves Duck Dynasty.  He loved the shirt the boys got him.

Thomas modeling his new Aubie outfit from Kaki and Bud.  He is so proud to have a costume to play dress up in like big brother.

Morris helping me open my Christmas present, earrings.  

Morris doesn't know what Duck Dynasty is, but he sure likes having a shirt like daddy.  What Morris does love, putting rubber ducks all over the house and going "hunting" with daddy.  They use a plastic bow and arrow to hunt.  It's hilarious.  

Thomas driving his remote control car.