Its Tradition

Here we are it is Christmas Eve and our family "traditions" are in full swing. It is a little different this year seeing the kids no longer believe in Santa. Cookies were made but nothing is being left out - they know mom and dad eat them - and no reindeer food is on the lawn. However, we have many other traditions that need to be kept!   

Tonight we went to our church for the Christmas Eve service.  It was a wonderful time of singing carols and listening again to the true reason for Christmas, Jesus birth. The most wonderful part was a living nativity scene that was performed by the kids from our children's church program. So cute!

When we came outside from the service, snow was falling....such a wonderful sight!

Once we got home, we prepared the popcorn we would eat while watching "The Polar Express". I think this is the 3rd, maybe even 4th year we've watched it.

Of course before the movie, the kids opened their Christmas Eve present of new pajamas. Once everyone got comfy and settled, we brought out our newest addition to the family, Jingle, to join in on the Christmas Eve festivities. Jingle was not too interested in sitting still on Emily's lap and decided it was time to have a supervised tour of the living room, kitchen, dining room and Matt's room. The poor little guy had to adjust to the slick wood floor and tiles while trying to hop. He had quite a few slips and slides but he held his own. Sadly, we had to put him back in his cage after he hopped out of the laundry basket we thought would contain him so he would stay and watch the movie with us. 

I love the few traditions we have established with our little family. The kids are at the age now that they know what to expect from Christmas Eve and Christmas and even though the idea of Santa has changed it hasn't changed their love of the traditions we have in place.

What is most important is that they know the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus, our Savior's birth. He is the greatest gift that has been given to us and the greatest gift we can receive. 

Soon we will all be going to bed and Christmas Day will come filled with family and other "traditions".  Merry Christmas to all of you!

Welcome Home Jingle

Oh my goodness, we are making another attempt at a pet. Many of you know we had a Guinea pig earlier this year. Sadly, Strawberry was with us for a very unexpected short time.

Dave and I haven't been quick to jump on the pet wagon again.  My biggest fear being that another pet would be with us for a short time and the kids would be devastated again. BUT we must overcome our fears especially when you have a 10 and 7 year old desiring a pet. 

For months now, Emily has been telling us and everyone she meets how much she wants a bunny. Several weeks ago Dave took the kids to a pet exposition and the talk of bunnies became constant. It seemed like everyone I talked to who knows Emily had heard of her deep desire for a bunny.  

This past Saturday Dave took the kids out to run some errands and during that time they went to a local pet store. The store sells fish of all kinds, many exotic animals along with household pets like.......you guessed it dwarf bunnies. Of course, Emily fell in love with a little black bunny. Later that same night we all went back to the store to see the bunny and the other animals (they sell pure bred English Bulldogs which are so cute). By the time we left the store, we paid for the little black bunny and scheduled to pick him up today - Christmas Eve. 

We had to tell Emily before going to church yesterday that although we know she is excited about the bunny she did not need to tell everyone at church that we got him. Trust me she would have announced it from the pulpit if she could have.  

For the last day and a half, we have been trying to determine a name and settled this morning on Jingle. A name appropriate for the time of year he came home. 

He is a little cutie.  His cage is in Emily's room and since we brought him home the only time Emily has left his side is to make a Gingerbread House.

We are very happy with our newest addition to our family. According to Emily, this is the BEST Christmas ever!!!

Grandma & Grandpa's Christmas Visit

The kid's were very excited for Grandma & Grandpa's annual Christmas visit this year. Especially because they would be coming to town the day of their school's Christmas program.

Emily & Matt were excited to show them their new school, teacher's and friends. Although the kid's had to go to school on Friday, they enjoyed the time that that they did have with them the rest of the weekend.

Saturday we went for a family breakfast at Grandpa's favorite place to visit in NJ - Flapjack's. After that, we went to a few specialty food stores they don't have in their part of NY. At night, Grandpa and Grandma taught Emily and Matt a new game. Sunday brought church, lunch out, football watching for the boys, napping for Kathy which was followed by caroling and the opening of Christmas presents.

We had a wonderful visit and look forward to next year.

HCS Elementary Christmas Program

Thursday night was a special night because Emily and Matthew participated in their school's elementary Christmas program. 

This year the kid's started attending a Christian school. Most people ask us why we chose to have our kids go to private school and our answer is simple - we felt God wanted them there. Sadly, God has been removed from the school system.  What I find interesting is that I am expected to be tolerant of what has been deemed as "politically correct" and yet what I believe in most, God, has been removed from the educational arena. This in itself is a whole other post which I am not yet prepared to write. 

I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to hear my children along with their fellow schoolmates sing and speak of the true meaning of Christmas - Christ, our Savior's birth. 

Emily was thrilled that she along with the girls in her fourth grade class got to sing a portion of "Go Tell it on the Mountain." Matthew was excited that he was chosen to play Joseph while the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes sang "Away in a Manger" & "Silent Night".

Oh, sweet Matthew that boy is one enthusiastic performer. He sang with such happiness.  

What made this "event" even more special is that their Grandpa & Grandma Wessel came to NJ for their annual Christmas visit and made it in time to attend the program.

A friend did make a video of the program but I am unable to get it to load on my blog.
Let me just say it was excellent! Well done kids!!

The Gift of His Son

Today I went and put up the new bulletin board outside my church's sanctuary.

This is not your "typical" Christmas season/winter themed board which comes as no surprise as I've come to learn that I am not a typical bulletin board creator.

With this year having been an election year and our church doing a "Pray for America" campaign during the election season, I thought it would be appropriate to continue focusing on America and that God is ultimately in control of all things.

Many people are concerned with the condition of America and I felt it was important to bring it back to the One who created us and has everything in His hands.

I made the White House from foam board and used paper/card stock for the elements of the flag. Originally I was going to just put on a title of "Pray for America" and include a verse of how we are to submit to those in authority. Then this past week my son's Bible memory verse for school was Isaiah 9:6: 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor

the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.

Although I wanted to use the whole verse, I felt it was best to just focus on the portion:

...unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders....

I'm so pleased with the outcome and what I love is that this board makes you think and consider what the message is. For each person, it may mean something different but to me it means that God graciously and mercifully sent His Son and I have a comfort and peace in knowing that in all circumstances God is in control.