Final Preparations & New Traditions
In the few days leading up to Christmas Eve we began making our final preparations for the big day.
They loved helping me wrap presents. Later I was in the kitchen and Beckett comes running in. "Mom! Come quick! You have got to see what we did to Eli!" And then in comes the cutest and most proud little present you have ever seen.
They had their last gymnastic class before the holiday break. Pajama day and Winterwonderland. They LOVED the "snow tent". The closest they will come to snow this Christmas!
We also wrote our Santa letters. They dictated and I helped them write. They couldn't wait to take them to the big man!
We painted our holiday ornaments which was a big hit.
The day before Christmas Eve after work we set up our Santa cookie making shop. They both were very serious about making the perfect cookie for Santa. Mommy was very seriously happy about finding these awesome precut cookies at Target. Score!
And then we headed out to deliver gifts and spread holiday cheer to our neighbors!
Christmas Eve brought new traditions for us. Being on staff at the church I served in all 4 amazing services.
The day was long but seeing so many people and their families come to celebrate Christ's birthday was incredible. Each service was candlelight & communion and twice I teared up :-) I prayed fervently for those who walked through our doors on Christmas. Praying that in someway they would be touched and their lives changed. That they would pause from the craziness of the holidays to worship and celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth.
They loved helping me wrap presents. Later I was in the kitchen and Beckett comes running in. "Mom! Come quick! You have got to see what we did to Eli!" And then in comes the cutest and most proud little present you have ever seen.
They had their last gymnastic class before the holiday break. Pajama day and Winterwonderland. They LOVED the "snow tent". The closest they will come to snow this Christmas!
We also wrote our Santa letters. They dictated and I helped them write. They couldn't wait to take them to the big man!
We painted our holiday ornaments which was a big hit.
The day before Christmas Eve after work we set up our Santa cookie making shop. They both were very serious about making the perfect cookie for Santa. Mommy was very seriously happy about finding these awesome precut cookies at Target. Score!
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| no shoes. no undies. no problem. |
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| Beckett's favorite method. The dump. |
Christmas Eve brought new traditions for us. Being on staff at the church I served in all 4 amazing services.
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| excited to ride this bus from the server lot |
When I got home, these 2 cuties were having a blast with their daddy. They were enjoying their hot chocolate by the fire all snuggled in their Christmas jammies.
When I got home, I was a little sad that I didn't get to spend the day with them. I started thinking about the family things I missed that day. As I was putting them in bed, I felt the Lord so sweetly speaking to my soul. A gentle reminder that the "traditions" of the holidays are not what it is about. Making cookies, visiting neighbors, cooking huge meals mean nothing. The JOY, The meaning is honoring God's greatest gift. And nothing could be more important. For in this gift, we have hope. We have life. We have peace. We have freedom. We have the greatest love ever known. The ability to have a job bringing that message to as many as possible is my gift at Christmas.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Love,
The Riley Family
When I got home, I was a little sad that I didn't get to spend the day with them. I started thinking about the family things I missed that day. As I was putting them in bed, I felt the Lord so sweetly speaking to my soul. A gentle reminder that the "traditions" of the holidays are not what it is about. Making cookies, visiting neighbors, cooking huge meals mean nothing. The JOY, The meaning is honoring God's greatest gift. And nothing could be more important. For in this gift, we have hope. We have life. We have peace. We have freedom. We have the greatest love ever known. The ability to have a job bringing that message to as many as possible is my gift at Christmas.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Love,
The Riley Family