Santa has come and gone, but the Christmas Spirit lives on!

This Christmas season was probably the best that I can remember!! It was pure joy setting up on Christmas Eve and watching the kids open gifts on Christmas morning.  We loved it!!  I can honestly say I'd rather give, than receive.

On the night of Christmas Eve we went to Church for our Christmas Eve service.  Both Ally and Jase did great in the service.  Ally is always in the nursery and Jase usually has his own activities going on, with the exception of Sunday evening service, and he is with us.  Later that evening we went over the Sheffield's home to celebrate Alisha and Joseph's arrival.  Little did she know, he was asking for her hand in marriage at The Festival of Lights in Moody Gardens.  I am so happy for both of them! Here are some pics from that night!
  

Jase at the Sheffield's waiting for Alisha and JoJo



Alisha telling Jase she and JoJo are going to get married!



Alisha and future father-in-law, Melvin!!

  

Aunt Alisha helping Allyson open a gift!



Newly engaged couple!!



Nanny loving on her boy!!


After we left the Sheffield's, we headed home for our very own Christmas Eve traditions! While getting Santa's milk and cookies ready, Daddy and Jase ran outside to put out the reindeer food.  The weather that night was not that great: cold, damp, and rainy.  Mommy stayed at the door and took a few pics!

Jase and Daddy about to go outside and put out the reindeer food

Jase and Daddy sprinkling it on the lawn

Coming back in- great pic of these two!
We were trying to teach him to look at the camera!!

Homemade candy and milk for Santa and veggies for the reindeer

Next, we sat down as Daddy read us the Christmas story from the book of Luke.  Jase followed along in his bible as well!  Jase has really been wanting to take his bible to church lately, which is great!  The other day he quoted John 3:16 for us...it was an amazing feeling!!! So thankful for Sunday School teachers that devote their time to help our little ones learn the bible.

Reading the Christmas story...the birth of baby Jesus

And now, Christmas morning!! Both of the kids were super excited that morning and we did not think that they would ever get up.  I think they finally woke up at 9 am, which was the norm over the Christmas break.  Before Jase would open up a gift, he would make a fist, throw his arm up in the arm and say "Merry Christmas" very loud and drawn out.  We loved it!!! And sometimes before he opened a gift he would say "thank you Mommy and Daddy." It was the best. 

Allyson opened a few gifts, but really did not have a clue what was going on.  LOL! Seemed like she was more interested in Jase's gifts...go figure!  After they opened their gifts, Shawn and I were in the kitchen starting the cinnamon rolls and he looked at me and said "this is the best Christmas ever!" I agreed with him hands down!  It was pure joy watching the kids open gifts and getting so excited and being so thankful.  

Santa left the stockings full this year!

 

Jase and Allyson love their new kitchen from Santa!!

 

Jase got a new tennis racket and balls from Santa...he loves sports!

 

Mommy showing off her new Vera Bradley bag from Daddy and kids!

 

Jase trying on a new hat!!

As we close the books on the 2010 Christmas season, we know that without a doubt the real reason continues to live on...CHRIST! We pray that we continue to grow closer to Him in the new year and that your family will as well.