Christmas Eve...

Our final day of anticipation is here. It is Christmas Eve. After a day full of football, and preparing the playroom for a year's supply of toys and games, the family headed out to the 7:00pm Christmas service. Recently, Jack received his very first ties, and he couldn't hide his pride as he sat on the stage listening to the children's portion of the Christmas service. After a thorough cleaning of his nasal passages, he proudly pulled out his "power" tie from under his sweater vest to admire its sheen under the lights. I'm not sure what he said, but he was clearly enjoying displaying his new apparel to a captive audience. The children also had the thrill of holding their own candles this year.

Upon our return home, we popped some P-corn, set out some of Aunt Kristy's enviable cookies (only the best for Santa), and provided the reindeer with a power dose of Vitamin A (carrots). Mom prepared Christmas morning's cinnamon buns. And then we all headed upstairs for the treasured and long awaited 3 tickle hugs that only come on Christmas Eve.

Ken and I marathon wrapped the remaining presents for underneath the tree, bringing us to a chipper 1:00 am. Here she is in all her glory, surrounded by a splendor of gifts.


Earlier this week, Grace and Jack were told that they would be able to tell Santa's presents apart because Santa would wrap them in green paper with little Santas all over them. Here is the finished product, complete with special Santa tags and a personal letter in response to a letter Grace wrote Santa back in November.



This is the last year Grace will probably fall for "Santa". We were questioned if Santa's reindeer could really fly, and Grace asked Ken point blank if Santa was real. Neither one of us wanted tell on Santa yet. (Mostly out of fear that the news would reach Jack.) And so, for at least one more year, we hold on to the endearing myth of Santa, his reindeer, and his special gifts on Christmas morning.

Praise be to God that our family's true comfort is in Christ who's mercies are new and real EVERY morning.

Merry Christmas everyone! We love you!