CHRISTMAS DINNER!!!!!

Last night we were invited to a friends' house for dinner.  Before dinner, we sang a few Christmas carols and had a prayer time.  Dinner was amazing - Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, Raspberry Jello, Two kinds of dip, and Pumpkin Pie with homemade whipped cream.  It was wonderful.

After dinner, the adults worked on a puzzle (can you believe that, kids?).  The boys played a keyboard and guitar (yes, she allowed Zachary to bring his guitar).  The girls each made a gingerbread house.  I didn't get a picture of Emma's house, but here is Elyse's house.

Today, we head down to Chicago to see Macy's ACTUALLY decorated windows. 

CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!!

Christmas Day is here!  MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my readers!  Tim & I slept in, but the kids slept in LONGER.  We even had to wake Zachary up.  My children have never been up before me on Christmas Day.  Not at all like when we were kids. 

We started the day with Dad reading the Christmas story from Luke 2.  Then we headed to the pile of gifts.

Elyse got an argyle sweater (purple) and two bottles of nail polish.

Zachary got a guitar stand (actually two of them).

Looking for the part he missed...

Putting it together...

Elyse playing Santa...

Suspense...

Huh?  What is this?

A DIY!  She will be making her own bulletin board (like Lacey made).

Elyse asking for a little bit of help from me to make the bulletin board.

Simple explanation given...

Studying it to make sure she gets it...

"I'll love it!"

The second guitar stand...

Ta-da!

Both stands, just missing the electric guitar.

We will be wearing matching sweaters today.  Elyse's is purple, mine is green.

Two guitars, one handsome young man.

Magnetic nail polish...

The finished product!

This afternoon we head to the Hedges' house for lunch.  Zachary will be taking his guitar.  He & Chatham play duets all the time.  Chatham plays the piano while Zachary plays the guitar.  It will be a fun-filled busy day! 

Enjoy your celebration of our Savior's birth!

IT IS FINISHED!!!!!

Finally, everything is bought, wrapped and under the "Christmas Tree," aka Nativity Scene.  Which one would you like to open?

Second picture, because I forgot "B's" bike...

The four of us will open our gifts on Christmas Day.  I will send the Bolton's gifts with Mrs. Bolton at 1:00 A.M. on Thursday morning.  The rest of you will have to wait until Saturday (providing we can get it all in the car).

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!!!

AND SO IT CONTINUES!!!!!

Zachary had a half-day of school today.  After lunch, he invited the ninth grade class (plus Chatham) to an "End of the World" party.  Here they are:

News Flash:  Zachary even let Elyse downstairs.  She is only watching at the moment, but I thought that was nice of him.

After dinner, Zachary has a basketball game in Waukegan.  The whole team, coaches and parents are invited to a player's house for a Christmas party.  They are providing Chili, I am bringing homemade rolls (I remembered the yeast this time).  The rolls just finished baking - the house smells so good - AND they are beautiful!

Have a great Christmas celebration of our Savior's birth!

GETTING READY!!!!!

We are kind of being hum buggers this year.  Using what we have and not buying new.

Nativity (a little off center)

Snowflake maker...

Large size...

Medium size...

Three medium ones in each window (white, green & red)...

Two large yellow ones on the sliding door (Elyse says they are gold)...

Mess from making homemade rolls...

Zachary set the table for Sunday lunch (we are having company)...

My decorating partner in crime...

The adult table for Sunday lunch...

Rolls rising...

Next project:  Making 60 Poppy Seed Bread.  Oh, and pizza dough is in the bread machine as I type.  After dinner, we will start the Poppy Seed Bread.  Oh boy!  That's is five batches of bread to come.  I think I will have to make some in the morning - I don't want to have another late night tonight.