'Tis the Season!

First things first...Congrats to my Dad for all of his faithful years at ExxonMobile and his retirement that is coming at the end of December.  We had a little surprise party for him when he and Mom came up last weekend.  :)  

 Also, we had out Candle Light Service at church.  Justin sang with his class...

 ...and Peter sang with his.  I was so proud of both of them.  They stood tall, sang well, and even flashed me a few smiles.

 This was the first year they were allowed to hold their own candles.  They loved it.

 Later in the week poor Justin came down with strep throat and Jane got a double ear infection.  Poor babies!  We are so thankful that the Lord kept the rest of us well.  I did get a bad head cold, but that was nothing compared to the Little Ones.  We all felt a little better so we went down to see the big Christmas tree Down Town.  It was actually pretty warm...the first year we didn't even need jackets!

 Before we leave for Houston, we always have our own little Christmas.  We read the Christmas Story from the Bible, open presents, sing, and then drive around to look at Christmas lights.

 I just love to watch the kids open presents.  They have the best reactions.  :)

 We found Legolas action figures for the boys.  I fully intend on getting in on some of the epic battles that are sure to follow.

We love because God loved us.  We can give because God gave to us.  His only Son.  The perfect gift.  The only gift we ever truly need.