I hope that all readers had a very Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. We, Stevens', had a very sweet & quiet Christmas. We enjoyed the company of each other and really made every effort to remain in each others' presence. Our focus was on our family and it really seemed to work out well. We had a great Christmas Eve. We went to Red Lobster for dinner and then to church. It was delightful for me to have my family in church with me without a single complaint. My kids sat at my right and at my left with attentive eyes and ears. My husband has been winning more and more of my heart as he continues to seek out the things of the Lord and it was apparent that day that he was exercising that in which he has been learning. He is an amazing man and is a seeker for himself. I think that is one of the things that I love most about him. He searches out the truth on his own and talks about it in his own timing. He's open to instruction but examines it as he should. I appreciate that about him and it reminds me to be more of a self-examiner. I loved the church service because it was Christmas Story. Yes, we sang but I'm not completely sure if the kids even understand what the words of the traditional songs mean? It was such a blessing to be able to have the kids be there, to watch the Christmas Story played out and for the opportunity to talk about it later. I truly believe that my Christopher had never heard the real Christmas Story (which saddens me as his parent). We returned home, opened our new pajama's, watched Home Alone and then off to bed so Santa could come. (Yes, we still don't put our presents out until the kids go to bed...it's the spirit of Santa that's important).
Christmas day Rob & I enjoyed the morning together before the kids got up at about 10:30 am. We opened presents, called family members & had lunch at Rob's dad's house. We enjoyed a quiet evening at home playing games, organizing new stuff and messing around with IPods. Did I forget to mention that we had tons more snow that we had to dig out of our driveways?!?!
Overall, it was a great holiday. The kids & I ended the holiday by going snowboarding together on the 26th, while Rob was at work. Now we're just enjoying the end of 2008 as we begin to prepare for 2009.
