Our Would-Be Christmas Card Picture

So, you didn't get your Christmas card from us in the mail this year?! I just couldn't get it together enough this year... or last year...to make this happen. Things were rolling along so smoothly early on this season. We're going to have to make some changes next Christmas in order for us to really enjoy this "most wonderful time of the year."

The picture above, by the way, would be our reality: Jackson pulling Rivers hair. Below would be the idyllic, sweet picture that you would have received in the mail!

Christmas Eve

I love Christmas Eve just as much as Christmas Day and have as long as I can remember! We usually go to the service at First Presbyterian with my family, eat a wonderful homemade supper, and open family gifts under the tree. This year, we had a bit of a detour. I ended up getting a migraine headache (the third one in a week!) that afternoon and Jackson fell and bit through his lower lip leaving a beautiful blood trail in our master bedroom. This was not the Christmas Eve that I had dreamed of! Thankfully, my headache was gone in time for supper, and we enjoyed a wonderful night with my family eating pork tenderloin, drinking Wassail, and sharing gifts with each other.
My favorite gift that the children were given was the children's Bible that I grew up with, the Read-N-Grow Picture Bible. I had asked if Mom would get this for the kids because I loved it when I was young. It has 12 pictures per Bible story, which kept me riveted as a child. We have really enjoyed reading it with Rivers. Thank you Mimi and Pop-Pop!

The 12 Days of Christmas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28GUU1YbP_E

Governor's Carol Lighting

The Governor's Carol Lighting was last Sunday. It has become a bit of a tradition to start the Christmas season by going to sing carols, listen to hand bell and children's choirs, and to just welcome the season that celebrates the birth of Christ at the state house here in Columbia. It was a cool and beautiful night as we said "goodbye" to Thanksgiving and "hello" to Christmas! Above, Mimi and Nanny look to see Rivers' expression as she sees the tree light up.

Happy Birthday Uncle Eric!

Happy Birthday Uncle E! We had a great time celebrating with you! We can always count on you for a good meal out at Yamato's and a YUMMY German chocolate cake!
Rivers helped Uncle Eric make his wish and blow out his candles!

Every birthday as long as I can remember, we have taken posed pictures after the candles were blown out. It is such a blessing to look back through the years at how everyone has changed and grown up. Happy birthday Eric! We all love you!