We celebrated a small family Christmas here at home, just us and the kids. It was an enjoyable day with the kids falling asleep in the living room after watching "It's a Wonderful Life" to waking up with still NO PRESENTS anywhere! They ate breakfast, dressed and cleaned up and when they returned to the living room, there was a table full of gifts!


"Where'd these come from?!?"

"Andrew, don't miss out on the fun!"

'Cars' toothpaste, specially requested (ain't Faith so sweet in the background?)

"Football!!!! 'ere, Catch!"


"Joystick? What's this for?"

"Oh, a V-Smile!"

And games to go with it!

Of course, we couldn't leave Faith out:

She was content playing with her fingers...

...until we gave her something new to play with.

She loves her little rattle, it makes funny noises and lights up!

Matthew with his new (much needed) winter coat.

Birthday Girl!

Charis turned 6 years old on Friday, the 21st (amazing how fast time flies!) and we let her choose what she wanted to do for the evening. She decided on eating at McDonald's and playing on the playground. So that's what we did. Then we stopped by Bruster's and got her an ice cream cake. After coming back home, we popped some popcorn, sliced the cake and all sat down to watch "Ratatouille." But just before the movie, we pulled out her presents: A few dresses and outfits I picked out for her with Mawmawnee's help while in North Carolina.

And since I mentioned Mawmawnee, here's a picture of her and Faith.

They took to each other like a bear to honey!

Christmas singing

Well, I finally was able to get a clip of Charis and Matthew singing at our church's Christmas program. This was on Sunday night, Dec. 23. Matthew seemed more interested in being able to see Charis than singing, but at least he was singing and doing some of the motions! You can also view the complete videos by clicking here and then click on "preschool" or "combined" children's choir. (As of this morning, the combined wasn't available yet, but it should be before the week is over.

Pastor likes to speak to the children and commend them on their singing. Of couse, the children loves this small interaction with him as they don't get to see him very often (age 4 and younger anyway).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Twas the week before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !