1 short day to go!

The crazy, sweet memories of Christmas Eve at our house...

Lydie invited me to a tea party with Belle and Cinderella

You can come, too. But "pretty shoes" are required (even if they don't match your outfit).

Lydie tried on another outfit, just for fun. She pulled out her horsie and wanted me to take a picture. Modeling for the camera is on her top 5 list for fun things to do.

Meanwhile, the boys are up to no good.

So I take a minute to read in the Bible and catch up on Crazy Love. I though it would be post-modern fluff. But this book is rooted in sound, applicable doctrine.

Oops, who is watching the toddler? Where did she go? All's well, she is just playing hide and seek with Cinderella again.

A new tradition- a trip to the Dollar Store. The boys spend $1 on each family member- of their own money. This is a milestone. My oldest son with hot chocolate in hand.

Capturing the moment- again, boys are up to no good.

Lydie's reaction to not being invited into the picture above. Did I mention she likes to have her picture taken? Daddy, still, up to no good.

Our nice dinner before the candlelight service at church. Never too dressed up for a turkey leg...

Andy smoked the biggest turkey ever.

Toot got the biggest piece of the wishbone. They wrestled over it for several minutes. Again, big old bird.

Only Andy can make a Christmas picture book this funny...

And then read the story of Jesus' birth with such beauty minutes later. I love this sweet man. He stops after every sentence with questions like, "Do you guys know what the word "Bethlehem" means?" and "What exactly is a manger?".
I should add that I bought the most adorable Christmas pajamas for the kids. But the pjs are fleece and it is 65 degrees today. Hence, the shirtless boys.

Another day with a little laughter, a little chaos, a few hurt feelings, some tears and a lot of joy. A special day to antipate the birth of the One that came to save us from ourselves. Another day to wonder, "Why did you do it, Lord? How could you leave perfection and dwell among us?" Another day to be thankful that through Christ Jesus' birth, life and death- we are made into something beautiful- crazy day by crazy day. Another wonderful day to celebrate knowing the Messiah.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.