35th ANNIVERARY , KIDS CHURCH PROGRAM AND FAMILY GATHERING

Today is a special day all day. Starting off with a surprise that I had completely forgotten about in all the busy times lately.  Today is hubbie and my 35th anniversary.  It is laughable at my house thay I always forget this date but hubbie always remembers, although I think he gets a little nudge from daughter.  Anyway he met me at the door as I came back inside from the morning chores with a surprise anniversary gift. This beautiful Pandora charm bracelet.

HAPPY 35TH  ANNIVERSARY HONEY !!!

 Then it was off to church to see the children's Christmas program at church this morning.

They all did a wonderful job from this group of little pre-schoolers to the older kids.

G-son was one of the older kids and he did a wonderful job with his speaking parts as well as all the other kids. It was a great way to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ on this Sunday morning.

G-son loves to sing.

He was one of the Wisemen and had a speaking part in that too that he nailed !

They even sat quietly afterward while the pastor gave the invitation after their program, I was impressed by all their behavior at their ages.

It was a wonderful way to start winter on this 21st day of  December.
We had everyone at lunch of soup and salad. I made some broccoli cheese soup and d-in-love made her special chicken tortilla soup that everyone loves .  It was a light lunch before our main event later this evening of hubbie's family Christmas.
All the girls went to have their nails done , Aa took EL home for her nap, #1 son went to sleep on our couch while g-son watched a Christmas movie on TV.
Hubbie and I began the cooking for tonight's dinner.
We cooked a 10lb brown sugar glazed ham, a deep fried turkey breast, deviled eggs,mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, sweet potato casserole, rolls, tea and blueberry jello .
As the cloudy sky caused darkness to come early than usual I turned all the lights on a little early and I love the addition of these battery operated candles in the sunroom windows this year. I bought these when we were at Ikea last month.

I think they add a  nice touch to my decorations.
This extendable table has served the purpose very well also as it waits for the first extended family gathering since we have had it.

Sis-in-law brought mac and cheese, corn , cake and drinks.  A niece brought some delicious kale salad and chocolate chip cookies which were a favorite of the kids.  We had a feast and everyone ate and ate all the great food.
The kids are big enough now to have a table of their own.

Niece Holly keeps an eye on them.
It was my job tonight to hand out the presents and make these kids happy.

Kalie,g-son, Maddox, Easton, EL and baby Noah all had a great time tonight playing together and opening their presents.

Whew what a wonderful way to kick off Christmas celebrating with these little ones all hyped up and just bouncing with excitement with the joy of the season.
As hubbie and I picked up and put things away after everyone left I felt that typical let down after the anticipation of these gatherings.  I hate to think in only 4 more days Christmas 2014 will be only a memory. Seems it has crept up quickly on me and I haven't had the opportunity to savor the celebration as I usually do with how the days lined up this year and now looking at a very busy next two days guess my "savoring" will have to wait until after Christmas this year.  But you know what I can leave the decorations up as long as I want !!!
This first day of winter has been a cool, cloudy day with a high of 47 and the rain is supposed to begin tonight and last for the next several days making these first days of winter feel pretty nasty.
Would have been nice for some of this rain to have been snow but oh well there is always next year !!
Thanking God tonight for a wonderful day filled with church, family and the love of my precious Savior. And thanking God for allowing hubbie and I 35 very blessed years of marriage.
Good Night, God Bless and Merry Christmas.