Christmas Eve 2009

This past Christmas Eve was full of fun and traditions! We spent the first part of the evening at my parents house where we had a nice dinner, yummy chocolate fountain, the nativity story put on by all of the grandkids, a special story about giving told by Grandma and a gift exchange followed by family prayer. It is a fun night that I have always looked forward to. It is really important to Troy and I that we try to take some time on Christmas Eve to focus on "true meaning" of Christmas that isn't filled with presents and things of monetary value; rather, we try to take a few minutes to talk to our kids about the things we are thankful for (with egg-nog toasts) and also take a few minutes to reflect on the birth of our Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope that somehow, somewhere, our actions will have a positive impact on our kids and that they will look for opportunities to serve other people and not solely focus on what materialistic things they have.....but to focus on the fact that giving is so much better than receiving. As our kids get older, we hope to make sure they are exposed to the wonderful world of service and to be able to experience firsthand the joy that service brings into our lives.

One of the traditions we have is for the kids to open Christmas jammies on Christmas Eve. Well this year, we did just that and (I have to blame this on the pregancy), BECAUSE this year they all had matching GIRL jammies! Yes, you will notice Carson sporting the jammies with the bow at the top and the reindeer with rosy little cheeks! I didn't notice this until a couple of days before Christmas when there was no time to try and fix this mess.....so Carson, when you read this and realize what your poor mom did to you when you were 3 years old the only thing I can say is that I am sorry.....but you were the cutest 3 year-old reindeer gal that mom and dad have ever seen!!! If this is the worst thing that your mom does to you during your childhood consider yourself lucky! Here are some pic's from our night: