Christmas Day

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"       Luke 2:10-11

After playing with our new Santa gifts for awhile, it was time to get ready for church.  Our church looked so pretty all dressed up for Christmas!

Church was over around 10:30 and we had plans in Lawrence starting at 11:30, so we took brunch with us.  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast casserole, some bananas, and muffins to eat in the Activity Center after the service was over.  We were even able to share this meal with some of our church family.

The kids played basketball and skated around the church after we were done eating.

Then it was time to head downtown.  We really wanted to serve the Christmas meal for those in need, but knew this wouldn't be a very Violet-friendly activity.  I was excited to see there was an option to deliver meals to home-bound people in our county.  While we waited to get the meals, the kids decorated and signed Christmas cards to hand out to the families we would be visiting, sharing with them the hope of Jesus!

Once their cards were completed, the kids all hopped in the back (as we were just sitting in the car waiting).  It filled my heart to hear their laughter and see how much they love each other.  This is the best Christmas gift a mom could ask for.

We got the names and addresses as well as the meals, and took off.  We delivered to six different households in Baldwin and Wellsville.  It was a really wonderful way to serve others on this Christmas Day!

The Christ candle is lit because the Christ child is born!  Praise be to God!!

Santa Comes on Christmas Morning!

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  They then opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:10-11

For the first time in the history of our family, Santa came on actual Christmas morning this year!  Since we weren't at Aunt Karla's Christmas B&B, and I didn't have to work like last year, we figured the big guy could go ahead and bring his goodies on Christmas morning.  So the stockings were hung by the chimney with care and the cookies & milk were set out and ready. 

Evelyn did the honors of reading "The Night Before Christmas". . .

Kitty was especially enthralled by the reading.

Eventually the kids found their way to bed, and then the living room was filled with fun surprises!  We actually had a lot of fun this December with the kids as they each knew what the others were getting from Santa.  And the boys' gifts were pretty unique.  Listening to them try to guess was quite entertaining!

So without further ado, Calvin's unique gift was a West Virginia basketball.  Santa had all sorts of trouble trying to find a full-size indoor basketball, and had to settle for one with a picture of West Virginia on it.  He also got a "Porta-Lounger" and Eagles sweatshirt as well as the usual socks/deodorant/candy selections.

Oliver's big gift this year was a cast iron skillet.  He wanted a PS5, and while guessing, Calvin told him he could probably make a PS5 with his gift if he were smart enough :)  He also got a cook book, gaming chair, Eagles blanket, and the usual extras.  I can't wait to see what he cooks on his new skillet!

Violet got an oversized inflatable bowling set.  She had so much fun in her bowling league this fall, Santa knew she'd love this. She also got an Eagles shirt, some fuzzy Crocs, and of course, a new cup.  He wouldn't be any kind of Santa at all if he didn't bring her a cup.

Evie's gifts were probably the most traditional, with the big one being a pair of roller blades.  She also would find a calligraphy set, new brush and fancy edging scissors for her craft projects.

And with that, Santa's work here is done and there will be a few hours of peace before the chaos of morning would ensue.  Kitty enjoyed the quiet time to meditate on the gift of our Savior.

Evelyn was the first one up to check out her goodies!

Then Big Sis joined her.  No surprises, she was most excited about her cup.

Finally the boys were roused out of bed also. There was no PS5 under the tree, but they were surprised with their gifts, at least.

Oh the joys of Christmas morning!

Christmas Eve

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Similar to last year, we had a relaxing Christmas Eve this year.  When we were done with Calvin's birthday festivities, the girls and I got started on some cookies.  They did a great job decorating!

Usually on Christmas Eve, we are getting ready to head out to extended family parties, but I think the season of doing that has now come to a close.  Our last big Phillips gathering on Christmas Eve was three years ago before Grandpa Evan went into the nursing home.  Here are memories of that last party in 2018 (and my blog has countless pictures from each year before as well):

And then we'd always leave the Phillips Christmas to head to Corder, Missouri, for the big Deterding Christmas at Aunt Karla's.  After it was cancelled last year with Covid, they decided the time had probably come to allow families time with their smaller families on Christmas Eve rather than all 50+ of us coming to Corder.  My cousin Rachael is a grandmother now!  So there is a whole new generation of Deterdings beginning.  Here are memories from our final Christmas Eve in Corder in 2019 (and again, I have LOTS of pictures of previous Christmas Eves at Karla's on my blog):

I'm forever grateful that we were able to spend Christmas Eve with so many family members for so many years.  It has been one of life's greatest blessings!  We don't know yet exactly what our new Christmas Eve traditions may end up looking like, but we do know one thing: they will certainly including worship.  We decided to go to church in Ottawa with Mom & Dad, and Joy & Scott.  It was a beautiful service focused on Jesus the reality of the first Christmas.  No fairy tales; all God's love for humanity.

Then we went to Joy & Scott's for a yummy Christmas Eve dinner of French dip sandwiches, twice-baked potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, salad, and yummy desserts.

Evie June goofing off with her Grandpa Kermit on this Christmas Eve 2021!

It was a different, but wonderful, Christmas Eve spent with our smaller family.

And although I really love a big Christmas full of activity and lots of family, I have to remember that the first Christmas was quite simple.  Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus in a stable.  A few shepherds coming to worship after hearing the news from the angel hosts.  Christmas is significant because of who we worship, not who we spend time with.  It's important because of what He came to do, not our plans or activities.  Keeping the focus on Jesus keeps the true meaning in Christmas.  

Merry Christmas!

 From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! 

Happy Sweet 16!

Today is my firstborn son's 16th birthday! Per longstanding tradition, we got movies and pizza last night and settled in for a movie-watching marathon.  Violet was definitely most excited about the pizza, and didn't stay long once the movies were rolling.

The kids went to the library to get movies while I was at work, and they chose some great ones!  I especially enjoyed "McFarland USA" -- I love that my boys always pick a "feel-good" movie like this one.

We took a break before "Cars 2" to toast our newest 16-year old!  

I made it to midnight easy enough, but I didn't quite make it through Cars 2.  Although I did wake up right about 2:36 a.m., his actual birthday time.  It was a great night spent with family.  This morning, we continued tradition with blueberry muffins and kid wine for breakfast.

And then he opened his gift. . .

We got him a cool LED-lit Chiefs light for his room. But the bigger gift was on the piece of paper. Remember when Russ took the boys on a 13th birthday adventure?  Well he decided he'd like to keep this going for their 16th and 18th birthdays as well, which I think is a fantastic idea.  So the boys will be taking off for Cincinnati on New Year's Day to watch the Chiefs play at the Bengals and I know they'll have a great time.

Some years God gives Calvin snow for his birthday; this year he got 70 degree weather!  The boys spent the day outside in their shorts playing basketball.  

I can't believe this boy of mine is 16.  I love that he is more and more like his father every day.  His brother is his best friend.  He loves his sisters and truly likes to hang out with them.  He is crazy smart and athletic.  But most importantly, he loves Jesus.  God has given him so many gifts and I'm excited to see all that Calvin does with these gifts in the future.  He is an amazing young man, and I'm one blessed momma to call him mine!  Happy 16th Birthday to my Calvin James!