Day #24

Merry Christmas! Today, we woke up as if it was Christmas morning. We let Kaylin put up her last Advent magnet - Baby Jesus. Then, we opened up our little lamb ornament and put it on the tree as a reminder of the gift of Jesus. We had a great time taking pictures of Kaylin enjoying her stocking and opening her gifts. Then, we all took naps! When we woke up, we had the traditionally Monkey Bread breakfast and later in the day got a chance to play the game that Chris got for Christmas (Ticket to Ride). Now, it is a few final moments of packing, and then we're leaving for Oregon to spend the next nine days with my family! I have really enjoyed keeping this blog and making note of my Christmas activities...maybe it will be a Christmas tradition!

Day #23

We considered this our "Christmas Eve" since we are celebrating as a immediate family before heading out to Oregon. We ate Baked Potato Soup together (second annual Christmas Eve meal!) in the evening, and then spent an hour reading, singing, and reflecting on the truth of Jesus coming as a baby. Kaylin got to play with her nativity set while we did that! Then, Chris and I had fun filling stockings and putting out the presents.

Day #22

Playing cards in my pajamas while listening to Christmas music - once this morning with my brother-in-law and mother-in-law, and tonight with my hubby!

Day #21

Tonight we went to a special service at my in-laws church. Everything was decorated beautifully for Christmas in the fellowship hall area. We sang carols and drank coffee and wassail and ate cookies. It was a really nice time.

Day #20

Christmas break is here for Chris - let the traveling begin!

We headed up to Nappanee today and had a Christmas gathering with the extended family. In the evening, we exchanged gifts with Chris' family. We played a couple of games, and now are just hanging out and enjoying celebrating Christmas together.

Day #19

Some friends had invited me to go and see the Behold the Lamb of God concert in Kokomo presented by Andrew Peterson (see Day 5). At the last minute, they decided not to go after all, but I drove up for the concert myself. It was a powerful evening of reflecting on Jesus. Everything is about Him! What a great night to just soak up the miracle of God entering the human race and to reflect on the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. If you haven't had a chance to listen to that free online version of the Behold the Lamb of God CD...I would highly recommend it!!! I loved having an evening set aside for reflection during this Christmas season. How amazing that God became...a baby? Wild. Bizarre. Beautiful.

Day #18

Is it Christmas yet? This month has felt long - probably because it has been well celebrated! Today - a simple taste of Christmas. I just finished eating a candy cane.