Christmas 2017

I love Christmas! And I love attending the Christmas Eve Service at our church. It is always such a wonderful service that speaks about the truth of Christmas and that King that was born in a manger over 2000 years ago. That babe who lived a life on this earth to save us from our sins - the greatest gift we could ever ask for. In fact, the children in the service were challenged to stop and before tearing open their gifts, think about the greatest gift there ever was. And sure enough, when we got home, both our kids did just that and reminded us that all the gifts of Christmas are nice but there are nothing compared to our relationship with Jesus. What a blessing!

As part of the church service, we even did a Kahoot survey on things such as what we were having for our traditional Christmas Supper - turkey or ham, favourite Christmas movie - It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street, and favourite Christmas song - Silent Night or O Holy Night. And after singing O Holy Night that evening in church, I think I have changed my mind as it was truly amazing. I remember the days of singing Silent Night as part of the candle light services I remember from my childhood. I do miss the candle light services of Christmas Eve as that hasn't been part of the tradition of our church here and it has been years since we have been to a candle light service. But, that being said, our Christmas Eve service had amazing music, a great message, and snow falling during one of the songs.

After the service, we returned home to enjoy appies and open gifts. This year there was some questions around when we should open the gifts, Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Terry grew up opening gifts on Christmas morning whereas my family always opened Christmas Eve. Kirra thought we should do it on Christmas Eve and Jaret wasn't so convinced. I told them I was fine to do just a few on Christmas Eve and then the rest of Christmas morning but in the end, Jaret decided he liked to open them all on Christmas Eve so he could just enjoy playing with the games received.

Doesn't this picture just say it all - Kirra is thrilled to say thank you with a big hug to her brother but Jaret isn't as convinced. Classic picture.

Jaret was excited that he got a new hover board for Christmas after his was stolen when our garage was broken into at Thanksgiving. Spoiled by the grandparents...

Special Edition Christmas Pj's for Kirra and her doll

This girl still loves her American Girls.

Jaret is totally into mind games and loves to be challenged. 

He got a few different ones this Christmas.

This Mariner's symbol didn't end up being created as it seemed impossible -

poor directions (not LEGO for sure) and such tiny pieces. This wasn't meant to be a brain teaser.

Grandma spent time making headbands for Kirra and her American Girl dolls.