Christmas Gifts

So, tonight, our little family celebrated our own Christmas together before everyone else arrives tonight and tomorrow. Of course, before opening gifts, I wanted to talk about JESUS and make Him the focus. So I launched into a teaching time with the question, "What are some things you guys think of when you think of Christmastime?" Only our Biggest Boy answered at first, and he immediately said, "Jesus. " I said, "What else?" Then he went on to say, "Mary. Joseph. Herod. The Wise Men." Then the Redhead chimed in with a smile and a loud voice, "JESUS!"

So, all that to say, obviously, my teaching time was not nearly as needed as I thought. I did go on to affirm them for their answers and then to explain that sometimes it's easy to forget that those things really are what Christmas is about, and not the presents and family and food, etc. But what a gift that was to me, as their mommy, and to Jim, as their daddy, to hear them voice from their hearts that when they think of Christmas, they think of Jesus. Hallelujah! That was about the greatest gift I could have received tonight! I would love to think it would always stay this way, but of course, I know that our great enemy is always working to blind and deceive, and one day, just as it is for us, they will struggle with keeping Christ the focus. How I praise God for their sweet and tender and truth-knowing hearts right now that have not yet been too heavily influenced by the world around us.

Biggest Boy's 6th Birthday

As Jim says, "We had a big time!"  :)  The kiddos had a blast playing with their light sabers made from pool noodles and duct tape. And when Darth entered the scene...well, that was just plain awesome! The kids went nuts, and it was way fun to watch!  :)

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The Rip Rider

For Christmas, my boys were given a Razor Rip Rider 360. They got it early because we did gift with my parents at Thanksgiving, since we were together. My punkin heads love this thing. We have had many outings already to the driveway and the nearby cul-de-sac to spin out on this fun and crazy vehicle!!!! Littlest is on his tricycle at the end here, too. Didn't want to leave him out of the pics!

My Big, Bad "Big Boys"

We recently went to a birthday party where we brought Nerf guns and they shot targets and each other all night! They dressed in camo and were given bandanas to wear. Very fun! Very boy!