Pig Out In Your PJ's

What was I thinking? I invited 50 people to my house tomorrow to have brunch in their pajamas. Am I crazy? Probably!

Here's what the invitation said:

Want to wake up to a fabulous hot breakfast on New Year’s Eve? Do you love those days you never have to get out of your pajamas? Then come on over to our house. We’re havin’ a “Pig Out in Your Pajamas" party. Last year, the Larson family showed up at our door in their pajamas with a wonderful home-cooked breakfast. We had a great time together in our p.j.’s. This year, we’re spreading the joy. This Thursday (New Year’s Eve), sleep in and then bring the family on over just as you are. Brunch will start at 10:00 a.m. and we will be in our p.j.’s. We’ll eat, hang out, play games and have a great time. Give us a call and let us know if you are coming. We look forward to seeing you and yours!

Ken and Karen

P.S. No makeup allowed and no showers necessary; however, brushing teeth is encouraged!

I'll let you know how it goes!

A Family Christmas

Christmas is a time for families. It's a time to laugh, remember, and celebrate our connection. Last night was my family's Christmas in Tennessee, and I wasn't there. Many times during the holidays, I feel this little void inside, and this year was no exception. I found myself missing my family terribly. When I get down about it, I have to remind myself that, a long time ago, I told God I would go wherever He wanted me to go. I also told my husband on our wedding day that I would follow him anywhere. So at God's prompting, I followed Him and him north and left my family in the south. During the Christmas season, it's easy to question God's wisdom. I find myself asking, "But did you have to move me so far away from all my family?" Ultimately, I know His plans are best, and so I willingly make the sacrifice in my mind as many times as I need to. I believe He has rewarded that obedience. He has blessed our lives with so many people who treat us as family. That is the beauty of the Body of Christ. In Him, we can gather to laugh, remember, and celebrate our connection through His Son. This Christmas, though I wasn't with family, it felt like I was. We had a great Christmas!

Here are some of the highlights for our family this Christmas and some of the special friends who shared them with us.

Ellis and Aidan's Christmas Program: Christmas at the OK Coral

Enjoying Christmas treats sent by our Granny

Christmas Eve at Ron and Laura's house

Christmas Night at Rob and Nichole's house

(check out her tub)
Thank you, Father, for family - for moms and dads and brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents - and for how they love us unconditionally. Thank You, too, for the people you have placed in our lives where we are and for how they fill the "family" void this time of year. I am so very humbled that You have adopted us into Your family and that because we are Your children, we never have to be alone.

Christmas at Our House

Santa worked really late on Christmas Eve.

I remember this same scene from 11 Christmases ago (Josiah's first Christmas).

Who would have ever thought we'd be assembling a Cozy Coupe car again? And who knew it would have a million pieces - again? I guess we forgot that part.

This is what the house looked like at 3:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve.

You should have seen it an hour earlier. It looked like Santa's workshop!

Here are some pictures of Christmas morning.

Hope your Christmas was filled with family, fun and the fullness of joy that comes from knowing the Christ-child came for you personally!

Merry Christmas with Love

(Click on photo to enlarge card.)

We Survived the Mall

We took the kids to our favorite mall to see Santa like we do every year. We've seen him every year since Josiah's first Christmas. I wonder if he remembers the boys from year to year. (I mean, who could forget their sweet faces?) We helped the boys get their shopping done for each other. I never realized I'd have to teach my boys to shop. I thought it would just come naturally. It does for me!!!

A friend heard we were headed to the mall with the boys and said, "Are you out of your minds?" I'm sure at the time we were, but tradition is tradition, and I'm a stickler when it comes to traditions. All in all, we had a great time despite the crowds.

My favorite moment from the night was when the Santa photo was done. Aidan was crawling down from his spot to leave and he stopped to give Santa a hug - melted my heart!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

I finally got the house ready for Christmas. I kept things pretty simple this year with a toddler in the house, but it feels warm and cozy. I love Christmas!

The Kitchen

The Dining Room

The Fireplace

The Christmas Tree

Master Bedroom