Christmas Eve

We had a great Christmas Eve. The day was spent wrapping last minutes gifts and packing to head out to Craig's parents' the next day. That night, we attended our church Christmas Eve service which was great. Our associate pastor spoke and did a wonderful job!! He can always bring the Word in such an amazing way! However, the kids were in a crazy, slightly hyped up mood. Even though we brought quiet activities to keep them quiet (and still) they couldn't sit down for very long.

Our service brought with it communion. We feel that our kids should not take communion until they understand the meaning behind it. This time, that meant that Trinity could take communion, but Kalyn and Xander could not. I should have talked it out with Kalyn beforehand, but I didn't. Therefore, we had some drama within our family as they were passed along our row. Unfortunately, Craig was helping in serve communion, so I was left to console Kalyn because she wasn't being able to have the crackers and juice and keep Xander from taking and eating mine. Quite a juggling act. After the communion passed by and Kalyn still did not receive any of the juice, she cried out, "I'm a Christian too and nobody cares." Poor thing. Our music minster's daughter and son-in-law sang a beautiful song during communion called, "A Baby Changes Everything." It was so beautiful, Xander decided to keep singing the chorus after they finished. It was great!!

Following our service, we joined our music minister and his family at his house. We've been joining them for Christmas Eve dinner for a number of years. The first invitation was actually to Trinity. Craig and I were kind of an afterthought - well, I guess Mom and Dad have to come to get Trinity there. We are so blessed to have been welcomed into their family dinner. This year was special since it was the first Christmas for their adorable little grandson, Wyatt. They got some wonderful gifts for our children and the kids had a blast opening them.

Xander was so excited about his motorcycle and his bag of mints.

Kalyn has barely put her make-up down since she got them.

Trinity loves the matching pajamas that she received for her and her American Girl Doll.

We are truly blessed to have such good friends in the Hayeses. We headed home and the kids openned their Christmas Eve gifts - which Trinity has now picked up on is a new pair of warm pajamas.

Cozy, cozy and off to bed!!