Merry Christmas Eve

I love Christmas Eve.  The kids are so excited and filled anticipation.  We finish all the last minute things for Christmas.  Today that meant wrapping two gifts, some cleaning, and choir camp practice.  Drew also went on one last shopping trip!

Every year we give the kids new pajamas.  I want clean and pretty looking children in all the Christmas pictures.  They know what they are getting, but are always thankful for a new set of pj's.  It is getting harder and harder to buy cute and appropriate ones for Emma and Jonah.

We had to be at church at 4:15 so Emma and Jonah could practice one last time for the Children's Christmas Eve service.  Drew came closer to 5p with Samuel and Elena.  This year the children performed "Arrest These Merry Gentlemen" and it was wonderful.  The children sing, act out the show, and play bells or chimes.  Emma was the Goat Napper and had two lines.  I was very proud of her because she does not like public speaking.  Of course, she was wonderful!  Jonah was Joseph...no lines, but a very important role in the Christmas story!

Emma practicing

Jonah kind of practicing!

Emma playing bells

Jonah playing chimes

Unfortunately I missed the end of the show because Elena threw up on me.  It was an awesome experience.  I am hoping her coughing fit was the cause and not a stomach bug.  Time will tell.  We left church pretty quickly after the service because there was still stuff to do and Elena was ready for bed...poor girl!

Even after throw up, Elena is still cute!

Drew stayed to sing at the 7:30 service while the rest of us returned home.  First on the to do list was to sprinkle reindeer food and carrots in the front yard.  Every year Kelsey sends Christmas balls filled with the food.  The kids loved putting out the food for Rudolph and his friends!  Elena insisted the carrots go outside as well because the reindeer don't come inside...smart girl!

Then it is time for the Christmas pj's and putting out cookies and milk for Santa.  Emma writes the note for everyone and always asks for a reply!   I put NORAD on the computer for Emma, Jonah, and Samuel.   When Santa gets close it is time for bed!

Glued to NORAD!

After everyone is tucked safely and warmly in bed, it is time to finish the preparations...fill the stockings and put the presents under the tree while watching It's a Wonderful Life.

Poor sick baby

He was pretending to be asleep.  Jonah is always the last one to fall asleep.

We are ready to celebrate Christmas in the morning....

Luke 2:10-12    But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager."