Twas the Night Before Christmas! 2010

Oh - a Christmas house... is anything more fun? The decorations, the anticipation, the presents under the tree (well, not our house, I don't put presents under until they go to bed on Christmas Eve), the company arriving... it is all so much fun. My parents came in a few days before Christmas and they kids were bustling about so they could turn the boys room into a "hotel" room for Nana and Papa.

They stayed in ROOM 1 which also happened to be named "The Leahy Suite." Their door also came with a "Do not Disturb" or "Come on In!" sign to hang on the knob.

 The beds were neatly made and had a chocolate on each pillow with a note that said "So that your dreams might be sweet."

 They even had bottled water and glasses (the note says "ice available upon request.")...

 We went as a family to the Christmas Eve service at our church. I must be honest - by the time we got settled in and the service began my heart was FAR from wanting to worship. Then - just as 10 more people fill in the row next to us, someone desperately has to go potty. It was so packed - there was no easy way out- I was growing more frustrated. Funny (but not really), how little things can so easily turn our hearts away from our One True Joy. I was so convicted by how easily my eyes leave that miraculous Christ child on a daily basis. And in my great conviction I was reminded of how that child came to die... to save sinners...like me. Praise the Lord.

 After the service we enjoyed some traditions with our dear friends, the Lees. These people are so precious to us and it was a blessing to celebrate, eat, and have devotions with them. The kids also exchanged gifts...

 The Lees bought treasures for each of my kids. How generous is that?! We bought a gift for Maddy and a gift for Mitchell from the Woodard family but my kids so sweetly went through every toy they owned and found things they wanted to give to their friends. Some of the things were a little embarrassing for me ,as the mother, to let them give as a gift, but I loved the heart behind the gesture and decided them to let at it (one of the gifts was a happy meal toy!). Pip got very attached and very emotional to a sock monkey in the movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. Mrs. Lee remembered that (because she is the queen of all gift givers) and found this adorable pink one. Piper named her Lucy and sleeps with her every night.

 The boys... so cool...

 Tyson was pretty excited to get (yet another) Little Einstein DVD (surprise surprise)..

 Once home, Nana gave the kids their traditional Christmas Eve pajamas...

 Then they all got in bed and Jason and I got to work. All the baskets and boxes in place (to put their gifts in as they open them)...

 And we are ready!

SIDE NOTE..... Maybe you noticed in the pictures but a week before Christmas Colson broke his nose!! Hit by a baseball while playing catch with a friend. Bless his little heart. This was a good day...