let's be merry.

One last post of pictures of Christmas, then I'm gearing up for the financial break-down of adoption.  I didn't want to total it up before Jesus' birthday -- let's keep the spotlight on the real reason for all this merry-making just a little bit longer.

But first, I must share with the blogworld my awesome husband sporting an iceskating themed vest at his work Christmas party.  Unfortunately, he didn't win the prize for tackiest outfit.

Never seen a man look so good in a sweater vest.  Ever.  :)

Every Christmas Eve after the Christmas Eve service, K reads the Christmas story of Jesus to the kiddos.  Peanut really understood this year that we were celebrating Jesus' birthday, that we get to share in the celebration by giving gifts and decorating our home.  It was my most fun Christmas to date because the kids were so involved in the whole celebration!

We hardly spent anything on gifts because of the adoption, so it was an added blessing that the grandparents had fun buying for the kids!  Peanut and Buddy were thrilled to finally figure out that we actually got to open the "decorations" that had been under the tree for weeks.  This year we decided to open gifts after church so Christmas morning would be a little less chaotic and we could take our time.

Buddy sat patiently watching as each gift was opened.

Then he opened his Indian gift set from Uncle Drew...

and I think he may be ready to play for our next family powwow.  Really.

So you didn't know or couldn't tell I'm part Indian?  (I really am, but no, we don't go to powwows, although I have convinced many people of that over my almost 30 years.  Sorry to disappoint you if you still thought so.)

Peanut took it upon herself to tell lots of people this year "We get gifts from Santa because it's Jesus' birthday."  She said that just before she told them, "I'm getting a pink princess scooter for my birthday.  It's in the top of my mom's closet."  Guess it's not a good idea to buy a birthday gift for her, in her presence.  But it was on big time sale for Christmas and I hoped she would forget!  Doubtful.

The first of many rounds of her new Ladybug Game from Pops and Grandma, while wearing the flapper dress-up outfit from Papa and Juju.  Fun times.

Christmas morning!  Peanut got a doll house my sweet friend Beth gave us.  It looks brand new and Beth didn't want to move it when they pack up next month.  Thanks Beth, for blessing us with it!  Buddy got a train table that Grandma Grace helped buy, which is also his birthday gift when he turns the big 2 in a couple weeks.  He loves it!

We really missed being with our extended family this year, but it was still a wonderful time of celebration.

I'm so grateful for my kids and being able to find new joy through their eyes as they took part in all our Christmas traditions.  We made a few new ones of our own this year that I'm excited to share with (hopefully) three kids next year.

We have a Christmas journal where we record what gift we would like to give Jesus for the coming year.  We think and pray about it before the big day, and then we have a time to share our "gifts" as a family.  For instance, last year I gave Jesus a pillow to symbolize spending time with him during the kids naptime, and Peanut said she wanted to give Him cake.  This year she wants to give Him prayers.  I went ahead and asked Buddy what he'd like to give Jesus, to which he replied enthusiastically, "Santa!"  Maybe by next year he'll have a better grasp.  At least it will make us laugh as we read back over it each Christmas.

One last picture from our Christmas dinner with our friends Mark and Ginny.

It was a tremendous blessing to share the day with them, and we are grateful Jesus blessed us with their friendship during the past year!

Hope your Christmas was very merry and full of Jesus.  Blessings, angela