Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry CHRISTmas!

Happy Birthday to Jesus!
Last night we had a special family dinner and dumped out the contents of our "Jesus Stocking". Benjamin was so cute. He was holding his $100 bill and we asked him who he wanted to give it to? He said very decidedly, "I want to give it to the children who don't have a mommy or daddy in Africa." It's so cool to see how this little tradition is training the hearts of our youngest children to think of others when the culture is screaming to think of ourselves. It blessed my heart!
Then, we took the children to look at Christmas lights and ended up surprising the Strang family by carolling on their front porch. (Sorry for scaring the living daylights out of you Eden!) We drank coffee while our children learned to square dance in the basement. (Thanks for the great "9-whaa-whaa" Christmas carol too. Love you Strang family!)
This morning I woke up early to make my traditional orange rolls, cut up fresh pineapple and clemantines. The children should be up soon to sing "Happy Birthday to Jesus" and receive their last Christmas gift..handmade wooden airplanes for the boys and Key Word Bibles for the girls with journals.
Christmas night we met up with the entire Knifong family (26 of us) for lots of "Settlers" games, great food and unlimited cousin fun for 2 full days.
Performing our "Emmanuel" dance & nativity production at church.
Mary Beth receives her first dolly from our neighbor Julie.
The boys with their Christmas gifts from us.
Non-stop Settlers of Catan games with the Knifong men.

2 comments:

Shiloh Strang said...

What a wonderful surprise to have you all stop by... too bad for the guys though.... guess someone has to bear the burden of providing! We love you all! Enjoy yor weekend of festivities!
~The Strang Family

Anonymous said...

Reading randomly thorugh blogs today. I found this and was blessed, may God surround your home and family with peace that only He can give to 2010!