Happy Birthday Jesus!!

We had a very nice Christmas this year. God has greatly blessed us and we are thankful! My sister came over on Thursday night, the 23rd and spent 2 nights with us. The boys were so excited to have Aunt Kristen stay for such a long time. Kevin's dad came over on Christmas Eve and we had lunch at 2:30. (Kevin's mom was sick...we missed her greatly) We had ham, pineapple pudding, yummy baked mashed potatoes (Dad Beeker brought those), and green beans. Then, we had an assortment of cookies for dessert. I had wanted to make a birthday cake for Jesus, but we just had too many cookies that needed to be eaten. So, maybe next year, I won't make so many cookies. (Yeah right) : )

Then, we went to the Christmas Eve service at our church. It was at 4:30...we went to the Young Family service which was pretty cool. The boys loved it and Caleb sang all of the songs. The kids were allowed to go to the front for 2 of the songs and sing. Both boys went up, but there were just too many kids for TJ to stay up there. They both did a great job at church. My sister also loved the service. We came home and went to our neighbors for an open house for a little. These neighbors have an 11 year old daughter who loves babies and kids. So, on the 23rd she came over and helped us make cookies and then played with the boys for awhile while I cleaned the kitchen. Everyone with little ones needs an 11 year old girl in their life. She was such a blessing.

Christmas day was fun...the boys had a blast opening presents and did pretty well with their manners. It was nice cause we also skyped with my parents while we opened presents. We did an advent calendar this year and the boys really enjoyed that. They did a great job taking turns each night. TJ would wake up every morning and let us know whose turn it was for the advent calendar. I loved that we could share and read the Christmas story every night. It was especially fun this year cause the boys are old enough to start to get the story and learn the characters. My prayer is for the day when they truly understand the story of what Christ has done for us and the ultimate gift He has given us.

Right after we finished opening presents, its snowed some flurries. Nothing stuck on the ground, but it was beautiful. We then had some breakfast...egg and ham crescent casserole, fruit, and cinnamon raisin bread.