Merry Christmas. It is hard to believe it's over. I will say that this year was a top 10-er in my book. Why? Well let me share a little bit of the "Smith" action with you.
First of all, we did not have to go out of town on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This was delightful. No rush. No packing up the car. No, "Are we there yet?" Pure bliss.
The best part of Christmas was the Christmas Eve church service. It was simple, heartfelt and completely honoring to God. There was a diverse group of people who humbly honored their Savior through, song, dance, the Word and fellowship. I felt such joy- overwhelming joy during the service. My heart was full and what happened during that service was completely Christ- centered. It wasn't about being on stage- it was about honoring Jesus. I was very emotional during the whole service. To be in God's house with fellow brothers and sisters- together- Celebrating the birth of our Savior and just the realness of it was AWESOME.
After church we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. We took our time and really just enjoyed the different displays. The best one, though, was in the western sky. There was a super bright star (or perhaps, Planet) shining so brightly. For the longest time it was shining alone. My kids got all excited and said, "Mom, it's suppose to remind us of the Jesus star." We looked out to the west for the longest time and talked about how wonderful God is.
When we got home, we put on our pj's and headed to the kitchen for a dinner of fun food. We then made our way down to the family room where we watched, "It's a Wonderful Life" and then it was time for a little present action. After that it was off to bed.
The children woke up at the break of dawn. I laid in bed and listened to them as they looked at what Santa had left for them. I listened to them for a good 20 or 3o minutes. It was delightful to hear them in all their excitement. They quietly came back up stairs to get us and we headed downstairs. I started breakfast and coffee then it was time to open gifts. What fun.
Jack was so thrilled with the Indiana Jones toys that he took over 300 pictures of the them with my camera. I am totally serious- over 300 pictures. He also set up a work shop in the basement to do some wood working with his new tools. He built a bench, ramp and some other contraption in record time. Mia began designing wedding gowns with her new
ds game and was thrilled to get a sewing machine so she could really make some neat things.
We lounged and enjoyed our day. My mother came later in the afternoon and we had a delightful turkey dinner in the evening. It was wonderful.
Today we went to
Gma and
Gpa Smith's. We had a great time but the best part was watching Grandpa Larry play
Wii bowling. I don't think I have ever seen him have so much fun. It was lovely.
We still have one more family get- together with my side of the family. This will take place next Saturday. We are looking forward to it.
Christmas 2008 has been a good one. But then again, every Christmas is the best because we were given the best gift: Jesus. Cling to that and every day will be Christmas.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14
Thanks for reading the blog. Merry Christmas and Happy 2009.
