Christmas

Christmas Eve at our house this year will probably be one of those times that last forever in my memories.  Santa came to visit our house and it was priceless to see little Lindy's face when she answered the door to the find the jolly fellow standing on our porch.  Our friend Mike Joyce came by to visit.  He plays the guitar and has a beautiful singing voice.  We sang Christmas carols and enjoyed listening to his guitar.  This was probably my favorite part of Christmas Eve to have all of my family and Jared's Dad gathered around singing carols.  Christmas morning is always magical and one of those most exciting times of the year as the kids wait with anticipation. 

The Cousins with Santa

All of us!

Mike Joyce

Mom and Allison

Jared's Dad, Jared, Elise and Allison

My Mom and Dad

The Boys

Christmas morning at our house

More important than all the fun, food and gifts we pick a family in need every year and bring them a little extra Christmas cheer.  We decided to have the children be part of the process of picking this special family.  We went to church one Sunday with all of us thinking and praying that we could pick a family that needed us.  I was really impressed with the ideas the kids had and the people they thought of.  Many of them we decided to take treats to but felt they had family support and could just use a little love. We ended up picking a family that Jared knew from work.  The kids and I don't know their names but only their circumstances.  How grateful we are to be in the position to help others and isn't this what Christmas is truly all about.