Christmas has come and gone...

The memories of this past Christmas will last for a lifetime. We had a joyous time from start to finish. We attended a number of holiday parties including the Youth Group Tacky Christmas party, office holiday parties for both Steve & I, our Home Group ornament exchange and chili cook-off, as well as family gatherings on all sides. Beyond spending significant time with family and friends, it was most special to reflect on Christmas past and celebrate our Savior Jesus Christ! After all He is what the season is all about. His coming to earth allowed creation an opportunity to experience unexplainable joy! As God, he humbled himself, stepped into our world, spread love to all, died for all, crucified sin to the cross, and conquered death in his glorious resurrection. That is something to celebrate!! So this Christmas we celebrated! We worshiped together, exchanged gifts, soaked up priceless time with family and of course we ate like kings and queens :)

The break-down of the holiday season:

We spent time with Mom & Co. (the Lobis) in mid-December. I was battling a cold at the time, but we still enjoyed every moment. The nephews (Reid, Dylan & Wyatt) are getting so big! Highlights included Bob's brisket (to die for!), Dylan sporting his Bob the Builder talking tool belt, and mom's unforgettable beanie baby tree - yes, this means a Christmas tree decorated with countless beanie babies, I loved it!

We started a new tradition at Dad's in getting the family together on Christmas Eve Eve. The whole gang was there, all of the "kids", the 'rents, and ALL of the animals... 4 dogs (including Barron, Lisa & Jason's puppy, the newest addition to the fam), 2 cats, 2 birds and 2 fish! And Dave (P3) made a guest appearance, which was a nice surprise. The night consisted of Scene It Disney Edition (Jorie pretty much destroyed us all), a turkey dinner, gift giving (Debbie filming every minute with a good portion focusing on the dogs), and oh yes, catching Murphy and Riley attacking the turkey carcass, which Riley dragged from the kitchen counter to the floor leaving a glistening trail of grease behind! It was a really special evening. Oh, and did I mention my sweet Redskins coat, which Steve outwardly despises but secretly admits is really cool?

Finally, we spent Christmas Eve & day with the Norrises in PA. We attended a Christmas Eve service at their church, started a puzzle that evening and received pjs from Mom. Christmas morning began with a delectable breakfast (in the Norris home food is always first priority). After filling our bellies, we unloaded stockings and opened gifts. Riley enjoyed the day just as much as we did. He was so cute prancing around with a new rope in his mouth and reindeer antlers on his head. The rest of the day was very relaxing. Dinner was fabulous! Later in the evening, we all went to see Marley & Me. The movie was very good; I liked it especially because it was so real, a great depiction of life. All 6 of us laughed our butts off and balled our eyes out! The night ended gathered around the dining room table determined to finish the 1,000 piece puzzle. Just as we completed it, Mike came around the corner and attacked Mom with silly string! He found the silly string in the box of randomness sent by Uncle Matt. So Uncle Matt, rest assured, your goodies were put to good use! Haha.

What a *great* Christmas!


Pictures to come.