Merry Christmas Eve to all! We had a wonderful family day with a big breakfast with all of the kids' favorites (which means lots of bacon!), went to a lovely church service, had a yummy dinner at our house with Mark's folks, let the kids open a present, and now I am typing away as the kids are tucked in, hopefully drifting off to sleep and Mark is attempting to learn Christmas songs on his guitar. He really is improving and I predict a big sing-a-long at the farm tomorrow! Ella sang a solo and participated as a youth worship leader today at church and we are so proud of her. Unfortunately, she seems to have caught James' germs, minus the fever, and has had a scratchy throat all day. She still did her best today and was so excited to be part of the service. We really had a fun and memorable day. Wishing you all a warm, healthy Merry Christmas filled with JOY and HOPE and LOVE!
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| Ella at Church |
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| Annual Family Christmas Eve Photo |
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| Sweet Dreams! |
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| Isn't she adorable and peaceful looking when she is "asleep"? She was just pretending! |
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| Really Excited for Santa!! I think you can almost see where James tonsils used to be! |
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Here is the prayer Ella read tonight at church:
Dear God, we are your children, and you come
to us this night in your Son, Jesus, as our new-born baby brother. Yet,
when he grows up, he will also be our friend, our King, and our Savior.
Thank you for sending Jesus to us. Dear God,
bless all on this special night: our mommies and daddies, our grandpas
and grandmas, our aunts and uncles, our cousins and friends, and
everyone in the whole world--especially those who are hungry, alone and
hurting. Thank you, Dear God for hearing the prayers of all your
children. Amen
