Christmas 2016

I am so thankful for a good Christmas. Funds were tight this year, but I completely trusted the Lord and He more than provided our needs. God is so good!!

We decorated for Christmas after Thanksgiving. The kids did about 90% of it while I refereed. 

We also started our first tradition of the chocolate advent calendars. 

We also attended Christmas on Main to kick off the Christmas season. 

 

It's always more fun with friends. 

The kids enjoyed popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate. Maybe a little too much. Amelia got sick later that night from all the goodies. 

We got to see them light the town Christmas tree. 

Christmas was a busy time. I kinda like it busy though. We had a widow's banquet that I look forward to every year. 

These widows deserve our honor. 

We also had the Millikins come and had a special night of Christmas music with them and fellowship afterwards. 

We also had our annual elves show up. They didn't cause too much trouble this year, but the kids looked for them every morning. 

The whole family, except for Titus, came down with the dreaded stomach virus. Amelia even missed being in the church Christmas play. Maynard had to stay home with her. 

Her little heart was broken. 

They had celebrations and activities at school. I didn't get any pictures though. We were so ready for Christmas break. I feel like we enjoyed every minute of it(that we wasn't sick). 

Here she is feeling better and matching her baby doll. 

We made our annual Gingerbread man even though no one felt like eating him. 

I got this picture of Maynard one morning at work. It pretty much describes his life with Fed Ex during the holidays.

Tara and Rueban came in for Christmas for a few days. We went to the new house in Pittsburg to celebrate Christmas with the Parker family. I was only expecting a handful of people and we ended up with a houseful. 

 

Maynard's oldest brother and family. 

And his older brother, Kenny. 

Tara and Shonda 

We ate pizza and opened gifts. It was nice to visit with everyone. 

Afterwards, we went home and tried to get the kids in bed. I had already wrapped almost everything, but had a few straggler things to finish and prepped for breakfast in the morning. 

Ready for Christmas morning. 

This Christmas I was excited because my kids had memorized Luke chapter 2 1-16. On Christmas morning we had them stand in front of the tree and quote it. We videoed them and here's the link if you want to watch it.  

https://youtu.be/xxg6GR8b3dA

Don't be fooled. It took about 3 re-do's to get them to quote their verses without fighting. We finally  had to settle for one. Lol 

However, I was super proud of them for memorizing it so well.  They kept saying instead of reading the Christmas story they wanted to quote it on Christmas morning and they did!!!

They started out opening presents one at a time and then I don't know what happened. Is it that way everywhere??

Here's a few pics. 

Amelias's big gift was a vintage Barbie camper like I had when I was little. She had been asking for one. 

Her favorite gift was probably her roller skates. 

So she got roller skates, Barbie Camper, fringe purse like her boots, clothes, mermaid Barbie, volleyball, and knee pads. 

Titus would only ask for Nike Just Do It shirts. That's what he told everyone he wanted when they asked. I was so glad to finally find them after looking everywhere. Then ended up being at Goody's. Titus is the sweetest. He appreciates everything so much. Like he gave me a hug when he opened  up socks. He's so sweet. Titus got Nike shirts, pants, fleece blanket, socks, 3 stooges figurine, light saber, and a hot wheel model car. 

We kinda played a trick on this boy. He's more of my "trying to be thankful, but not quite pulling it off kid". Ha ha 

He was quite certain that he was getting a PS3 for Christmas. So certain in fact, that we decided to pretend he didn't get one. He opened all gifts. He forced a smile all the way through it. He got clothes, ball outfits, radio, fleece blanket, and cologne set.  After all the gifts were opened  he said "This was my 2nd best Christmas I ever had."  I was about to die. He was disappointed because he didn't get a PS3. Finally, Maynard gave them their last present. It was a PS3 with several games. All was right and bright again. Ha ha. I have to give him credit. He tried his best to be thankful and not show his disappointment. 

While the kids played I started on breakfast. Tara and Rueban stopped by to eat with us before they left. 

I made breakfast casserole, sausage, eggs, hash browns, biscuits, gravy, and homemade cinnamon rolls. Everything was delicious. My kids look forward to using the "Christmas China" every year. (What's left of it). 

We left for Elizabethtown to have Christmas with the Harpers'. 

I feel horrible, but my phone quit taking pics and I didn't get one picture to share there. 

As usual we had a blast playing Dirty Santa and White Elephant. We stayed all night and headed for home the next day. The kids were begging to get back and play with all their new stuff. 

We enjoyed the rest of our week off of school. We slept late and they pretty much played with toys and played their PS3. 

I am so thankful for the wonderful Christmas we had and the wonderful memories we made. Love having family to share it with.