Memories...

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The little things... 

Christmas Day

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By the grace of God, the kids have been sleeping in regularly.  NEVER thought we'd get here.  But also knew that Christmas morn would be different.  That said, I feel grateful that when we tell them nothing's going to happen before 7:30am, they respect that.  So we started with Andrew's annual piano playing while I "poured coffee and checked on breakfast" (i.e. dressed and braced myself for the chaos to ensue).  

The Stocking Mystery

 
"Why did we get ping pong paddles?"

 

 After stockings...sibling gifts---and oh, the hugs, the hugs, the HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS!!!!

 She was sincerely as excited about Harry Potter #2 as anything!

 Margaret counting her "blessings"...

 Then, our important Christmas tradition of visiting folks--and this memory from SIX years ago with Miss Helen.

Nancy Goodrich, Pastor Tom's sweet 91-yr-old Mother, is always a joy for us to visit.  She is wise beyond her many years, a great conversationalist, and a stitch to boot!  Hospitalized with a stroke and the family in Norfolk with Mary's dad, she was the perfect addition to our list. 

The Carras' weren't home, but 91-yr-olds Tom and Pat McDonald (oh, the plaid golf pants!) entertained us as much as we them on our way to pounce on JJ.   (Earlier this week...)

Across the street to the meadow for some late afternoon shooting at the milk jug and coke can, Little Man nailed the tiny coke can with the pistol on his first shot!   

 Lovely to have Susan here for our rare roast beast with her grandmother's silver:-)

  But wait!  The night was JUST beginning:

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.

All week, the kids had worked so tirelessly on their own pageant.  Andrew scripted the entire thing, complete with lyrics, videos and costumes.  The dress rehearsal in Richmond was VERY rough(might have something to do with the 5-yr-old tech support!), but the Christmas night grand finale was more polished (even if still a bit of an SNL skit).    

 Messenger Angel---take special note of the "fearing" element...

The Wisemen praying over the nativity (that you can't see).

 "Oh, What a Glorious Night"...

 

 ...gets REAL (wait for it).

 

Candle Light "Silent Night" (aka a perfect SNL skit) 

 

 Big Brotherly Love