So, it is Christmas Eve and Madeleine crashed about 30 minutes ago...6:00. This is because she did not take a nap this afternoon. Micah is still going strong in spite of no nap. We just got home from the Christmas Eve Children's service at RHBC. It was such a precious moment to sit in "big church" with my two babies and watch the Christmas story being acted out by children on stage. Madeleine was absolutely captivated, and she sang with a very joyful sound to all of the Christmas carols that were played. Hearing her innocent little voice sing praises to God made me so proud of her.
This is our first Christmas at home together. It feels good, but yet a little odd too. I really think it is important to have family time with the extended family, but I also think that our smaller family unit needs to have some Christmas traditions all our own. We are planning to make a birthday cake for Jesus tomorrow, and I bought a beautiful picture book that tells the Christmas story that I am hoping we will be able to read together. Also, we are going to pick out our gifts to send to remote villages in India through Gospel for Asia. In the past we have given sheep, goats and chickens. This year we are thinking about giving a bicycle. It is amazing how these small gifts can totally change the lives of people who have almost nothing. Justin is pushing for the goats because he says eventually he wants to know that he has a goat herd in India since he will not be having one in Irmo. Can you believe he hates cutting the grass that much?
We were able to go to the Jones' home for a few days to see Grandma, Papa, Matt, Jerod and Shelley. Madeleine and I got a little crafty and put together a gingerbread house kit. It actually turned out pretty well for out first attempt. Micah had a blast chasing the Jones' dogs, Misty and Tux, around the house. I like it when the kids get their dog fix at another house. :) Madeleine and Micah were showered with Christmas gifts, and I am definitely going to have to work out a toy rotation. Madeleine got a new baby doll whom she named Dixie...not sure why. She also got a crib for Dixie. Micah got a new baseball bat and ball set. He was so excited that he literally slept with the balls last night in his pack and play. I feel so blessed to be part of such a loving extended family. There are lots of great pictures in the slide show below of all the fun!
We will have Christmas at home tomorrow, and then we will go to Florence for Christmas with my family. Rather than complaining about all the travel I am going to say thank you God. Thank you for giving me a family that loves me and wants to see me. Thank you for giving me reliable transportation and the time off from work to go visit them . Thank you for allowing us to be healthy enough to visit together. Thank you most of all for sending your Son which gives us all a reason to celebrate together this holiday season.
