Twas the Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve day was a bit more frenzied than normal--taking the kids to shop for each other's gifts (which they spent their own money on, and were really excited to give each other), opening presents at Grammy's, Mommy singing at church (carols--you can imagine how much fun she had!), and cooking... lots of cooking.

And remember these owls from THIS post?

 Lorelei, Mommy and Daddy did A LOT of painting. And after the kids were in bed, we painted some more. Lorelei's new room had to be ready for Christmas morning!

 For dinner, we had Paula Deen's Shrimp Etouffee over rice. I've heard rave reviews from my cousin, Shelby, who serves it every Christmas Eve. And since we already had our shepherd's pie this week, I thought I'd give this a go instead.  It was delish!

 Mmmm.

 Let's get a look at those kids blowing out our Advent candles...

 We completely neglected Santa and the reindeer's cookies, nog and carrots this year (not on purpose--we just forgot), but did partake in our own nativity play.

 "Mary, you're going to have a baby," said Gabriel.

 "How can this be?"

 Gabriel had some explaining to do.

 Get a look at that belly!

 Look who just arrived on the scene! The birthday boy's here--God With Us, Immanuel.

 Mary loves her baby boy.

 The way Lorelei sits with her hand raised reminds me of the Pieta in St. Peter's--I could stand in front of that sculpture for hours. The picture could almost be holy, if Gryffy weren't playing with his Scooby-Doo slime :o)

 Mary and Joseph.

 And as the kids tucked into bed, we set out the manger on the stairs. The kids can't wait for Baby Jesus to arrive in the morning, their signal to rush downstairs!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!