Christmas Day

This post is a little late in coming, but I couldn't let Christmas go without posting about the day itself!  As you can tell from my previous post, I LOVE tradition and we have quite a few for Christmas. 

On Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas Story as a family, take a quick picture, track Santa and set out the milk and cookies before being tucked snug in our beds.  This year, Levi was able to read the story to us and was very fluent in doing so.  I'm very proud of the reader he is becoming in first grade.  After the story, it took several tries before getting the Christmas Eve pic we desired. Claire left a special note to Santa from her and Levi with the milk and cookies.  We tracked Santa using Norad and realized he was traveling VERY fast and that we needed to get in bed ASAP!!

The True Meaning of Christmas!

 

 

 

Santa LOVES egg nog at our house!

My children have been known to sleep in on Christmas morning which makes this momma very happy!  But....this year, Claire came to my bedside at 5:30 and says, "Mom, do you think Santa has had time to get to our house?"  My reply, "Probably, but lets wait until Levi wakes up."  She tossed and turned for the next hour waiting for her brother to wake up. When I couldn't take it anymore, I suggested we go wake him up.  He woke up very quickly when he realized Santa had come and we made our way to the living room to see what he left.  Claire remarked later that she didn't know why they couldn't wake up this early on school mornings.....I wonder the same thing myself!!

 

 

 

 For the first time ever, I hosted Christmas Dinner at my house and enjoyed having my parents, brothers, nieces and nephews, and in-laws over to celebrate Jesus' birthday and carry out another tradition...baking a cake (or cupcakes) and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. 

My parents

 

Levi read The Christmas Story to our whole family!  The picture Bible he is reading from was a gift to Matt from his childrens church leader, Mrs. Farrar.  She wrote in the front, "Reward for quoting the 23Ps. word perfect and perfect attendance.  Lord bless you, Matt!"  She was instrumental in leading Matt to faith in Christ and I pray that her legacy will continue as our family reads through this picture Bible this year.  Mrs. Farrar went home to be with Jesus the day after Christmas!

 

We ended the night roasting marshmallows to make smores!!  A new tradition perhaps?

Annual Family Pics

Traditionally, we try to take pictures on the Sunday prior to Christmas and we successfully captured a few  good ones this year that I thought I would share with you.  You can also get a glimpse of the two years prior to this one.

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

2008

School Christmas Program

Claire and Levi both participated in their school Christmas program and did a great job!  Levi's 1st grade class recited "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and acted it out.  Levi was responsible for hanging the stockings by the chimney with care.  I think he did a fabulous job!

 

Claire's 3rd grade class spelled Merry Christmas and had a saying for each letter.  I was so proud of Claire for speaking loud and clear in front of ALL those people.  She would rather not be in front of a crowd!  Her class also sang a song.  It was quite enjoyable.

What's in Your Cup??

This year's Mother/Daughter Christmas Tea was a delight.  We had a wonderful speaker, Sheila Cason Breazeale, who brought a thought provoking devotion entitled, What's in Your Cup?  She challenged us to think about the people or events that have filled our cup(life).  Each lady was encouraged to share a special story about their teacup and reflect on God's overflowing blessings in their lives.  When I began to think of all the people who have impacted my life and filled my cup, I realized how blessed I am!  I thank God for giving me wonderful Christian parents who were the ultimate example in following Christ; Sunday School teachers like Betty Evers who not only talked the talk but walked the walk; My best friend, Candace, whose friendship is always steady and true, and my sweet husband who has a servants heart and makes me strive to be a better wife and mother.  
My prayer is that I will be able to be a blessing to someone and help fill their cup in the new year!

A few pictures from our Tea:

She lights up my life!

 

 

 

Christmas Treats!

Sweet ladies from our church.

Precious Girls

Thanks to Mrs. Wanda for reading a story to our girls!

Thanks to Mrs. Pam for preparing a craft for the girls!

Mrs. Marvine sharing her "cup" story.

Our speaker, Sheila Breazeale

Christmas Tradition

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is celebrating Christmas with my best friend and her family in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  We love meeting up at a great restaurant, strolling along Front Street gazing at the thousands of lights and watching the awesome fireworks show!  Our restaurant of choice for the last two years is well known and has been featured in magazines like Paula Deen and Southern Living.  Lasyone's is  famous for the Louisiana Meat Pie although we ate fried fish, shrimp and gumbo!  After the delicious meal, we made our way to the lights and scouted out a spot to watch the show.  The night wasn't complete until we visited Santa and made our wishes known for Christmas!  I will look forward to this tradition for years to come!

13 years

Thirteen years ago today, I married my best friend and the man of my dreams!  The first 13 have been fun and full of adventure!  I can't wait to see what the rest of our journey has in store.  

I love you, Matt Endris!

2010 Christmas Card

Love 2010 Christmas Card

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