Christmas Aftermath

Christmas has come and gone.
I really hate to sound like a scrooge but THANK GOODNESS.
Since we decided to stay home for Christmas instead of making the trek to Virginia Beach, Richmond or Knife River it was rather quiet with just our family.
Christmas Eve we had originally planned to go snow tubing in the morning but that had to be canceled due to the warm weather and very little snow. I was really looking forward to it, something to burn of the extra energy in the kids and make the evening plans a little easier for them to accept.
Since we had no company for Christmas I set it up that we were going to volunteer at the Western Carolina Rescue Mission to serve dinner. After serving we were going to attend a Christmas service at a church I have been wanting to attend. As you can imagine this went over like a lead balloon with our teenage daughter. Further cementing my opinion that we need to be doing more of this stuff. Self absorbed teenage daughters. Need I say more? Well I could but I am choosing to keep my mouth shut to help maintain some sence of peace in the house. Let me put it this way...there was very little Peace and Harmony in my world Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning came with  a little encouragement from my husband we survived.  Barely.

Sam with his Disc Golf set that he recieved from his grandparents

From December 25, 2011

Carter with his Teck Deck

From December 25, 2011

Carter with his UMD t-shirt from Grandma Polly.

From December 25, 2011

Sam and his computer...which he contributed to the purchase of.

From December 25, 2011

Sophia with her jacket from her grandparents and the phone we got her. I guess this is how we will forever be seeing her, with just the top of her head visible.

From December 25, 2011

I hope your Christmas was peaceful, pleasant and enjoyable!

A Christmas Prayer

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER

by Nancy Burr

It’s Christmas time again for all,

It’s time to celebrate.

I pray you feel God's peace with you,

As you shop and decorate.

I asked the Lord to stay with you,

And take away your stress.

And through the busy days ahead

That He’d help you find rest.

I pray you feel his love surround you,

Everywhere you go.

For He came down that Christmas night

So His love you’d know.

I asked the Lord to fill your soul,

With joy beyond compare.

And that you’d know without a doubt

How much our Lord does care.

We know God cares an awful lot,

By what He did that night.

He sent His Son to save our soul

And to be our guiding light.

I pray that in the coming weeks

You’ll feel our Saviour near.

That you will draw Him close to you

As you celebrate with cheer.

I knelt and ask our Father God

To lead you through these days.

That you would honour Christ His Son,

By giving Him your praise.

I pray you keep your eyes on Jesus

Throughout the Christmas season.

So this year let's keep CHRIST in Christmas

Cause Jesus is the reason.

So celebrate this joyous time

With family and dear friends.

For Jesus came and brought us Hope,

And a life that never ends.

Christmas Day Dinner...

I am always impressed with the food postings I see on my fellow bloggers sites. Their photos that go with their blogs are always great. I have attempted food photos several times but have never hit the POST button. They were never worth looking at. I really think it has something to do with the round plates and square cropping of the photo. It always felt out of porportion and off kilter. So I thought hmmmm, get rid of the round plates. You have this awesome camera that will allow you to do some heavy cropping, do it. I was at the grocery store trying to figure out what to serve for Christmas dinner. Quite honestly I could not stomach the idea of eating any more turkey. Cornish hens are too close to turkey. The seafood department gave me the idea of King Crab legs. It was only going to be my husband, me and the 3 kids. How expensive could it be. Good Luck!  I chose to do it any way. One big 'ol bag a crab legs, 1 1/2 inch sirloins, baked potatoes, salad and mushrooms sauteed in butter and brown sugar. Yum. Oh, and red wine becuase it is good for your heart. From Each Day....

From Each Day....

From Each Day....

From Each Day....

From Each Day....

From Each Day....

Needless to say it was really good. The kids loved them and I ate way too much!

A letter from Santa Claus

From Each Day....

Hello boys and girls, Santa Claus here,

Writing a letter to you on the best time of year.

My elves are real busy making lots of cool toys,

which I will only deliver to good girls and boys.

If you want me to bring these great gifts to you,

there are a few simple things I need you to do.

Mind your parents and do what they tell you to do.

Be sweet to your friends; share your toys with them too.

 

Clean up your toys, put them all away,

to make room for new ones you'll receive Christmas day.

I'll be watching till the night I come to your house.

You will not hear me for I am quiet as a mouse.

 

Try to sleep through the night until Christmas day.

Then you can see what I brought in my sleigh.

I hope you'll be good, I hope that you'll try,

so until Christmas Eve, I must say good-bye.

Sincerely,

Santa Claus

P.S. Please leave my reindeer some carrots, milk and cookies for me

And I will place lots of goodies under you tree.