Our Christmas Day

Christmas Day began around 8:00a.m. when Grace and Emily woke up. Benjamin woke up 15 minutes later and we read the rest of our Advent story, followed by the Christmas story from Luke 2.

We lit all 5 candles on our Advent wreath.



While stockings were being opened, I made a pot of coffee. :0)

Emily loves these velvet coloring pages.



This photo cracks me up. I always put an orange in the toe of each stocking, but Benjamin seems confused by it this year!



After the stockings were opened, we made our way into the office to open presents. We all took turns opening gifts and there were lots of oohs and ahhs and thank yous!



Grace loves her Horse Ink Stamp Set. She also recieved a new wallet, Monopoly, American Girl books, and a new stuffed puppy.



Benjamin was very excited about his new bathrobe, knights and horses toy set, Tinkertoys and Legos.



Emily has had her eye on this Angelina Ballerina doll all year and was thrilled to get it! She also got some new books, clothes, and a Polly Pocket Car Set.



Phillip and I set a budget of $50.00 for each other. As you can see by this new laptop he went way over!!
It took most of Christmas morning for my shock and surprise to wear off and then he was in big trouble! ;0) My brother-in-law pointed out that this should be my Christmas present for the next 40 years! I agree!



We had a very relaxing morning together. I had done most of the food prep the Saturday before Christmas. I put the already cooked ham into the oven around 1:00pm. Phillip's family and a friend from church arrived for dinner.



Honey glazed ham hot from the oven.



I ordered sweetly requested that my three brother-in-laws help me clean up after dinner and my kitchen was sparkling clean in less than 30 minutes! We set out dessert and once dinner settled we enjoyed Christmas cookies, fudge and hot buttered rum.



I also made a cherry poundcake for dessert.



Lastly, I want to share one of my favorite Christmas decorations. Grace drew this picture for me and it hangs on our fridge. It sums up what Christmas is all about!


Good news from heaven the angels bring,
Glad tidings to the earth they sing:
To us this day a child is given,
To crown us with the joy of heaven.
-Martin Luther