Saturday we had Christmas at my parents house. Since we live 3 1/2 hours away from extended family my mom,dad, and brothers have always just celebrated Christmas as a little family of 5, but over the years more and more amazing new members have entered the small family of 5 which now adds up to 17 with another one on the way :) The Maxheimers have lots of littles and there is something special about Christmas when you can be with them, they tend to make everything more magical. It can be alitttle crazy since we take turns opening gifts, but the looks on their faces when they open something they were hoping for is priceless.
My Mom has always been an amazing gift giver. She never ask people what they want she just listens and spends time with people to figure out the perfect gifts that would bring that extra smile. As my niece Anna was looking at all her treasures she said "how does grandma Amy always know what to get"! I saw my sister in-laws shine with excitement over gifts I know my Mom bought months ago.
And then Zach literally jumped with joy over a new bible with his name on it.
With all the joy, excitement, and new toys I couldn't help but notice the best gift that was given on Saturday came from my Mom and Dads amazing example of love and generosity. My parents have always set an example for my brothers and I that Christmas starts with Jesus. I hope that Mark and I can set an example for Lanie like my parents did for me. Tomorrow morning before Lanie opens presents Mark and I will read the Christmas story, she might not understand it all, but she will in time understand that the reason we celebrate is all because our savior came to us on that holy night.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Polar Express
Something is still down with Blogger , which means I currently can't update my blog account, which means I can't add pictures just yet! I promise as soon as it is up and running I will do picture post :)
This weekend was crazy busy and no time to rest because the next several weekends are looking to be about the same. Friday right after work Lanie and I went to OneLife and got to watch the Big Deal Christmas Theater. This is meant more for older kids and it's a once a month outreach our church does. Lanie and I decided to go this time though and cheer Daddy on because he was in the production this month as the Angel Gabrielle. Mark looked great in his all white, members only jacket, wings, and white wig. He was a trooper because he was not feeling well at all, he actually spent the next two days in bed.
After the show cousin Isabel came over for a slumber party, we had such a good time. Then Saturday the gals because Mark was still down and out, went to a birthday party for our good friend Libby-Kate who turned 3!!! The party was at the inflatable fun factory and for this pregnant momma chasing and climbing around with Lanie about did me in. After the party we went home for nap time and a small rest before we were off again to Uncle Zach and Aunt Melissa's for dinner and cookie decorating. It was so wonderful to watch all the cousins play with each other and even though it's sad that they are all getting a little older on the plus side it means that all the adults get to actually sit and visit with each other. I love my brothers and sister in-laws and cherish my time with them :)
Lastly on Sunday Lanie and I were off to church with Mark still home sick, so I called in my back up , my niece Anna to go to Polar Express with us, not only did she have fun, but she was a huge help with Lanie love. It was so amazing to see Lanie experience the excitement of all the fun the train adventure brought. Two of my favorite parts were when were at the French Lick Resort and they have all these cool displays and decorations and Lanie found this elf display. She thought it was so cool that they were her size and that she could honk their noses she loved her little elf friends. Then my other favorite was when she saw Santa board the train she let him hold her and she just studied him and then finally gave him one of her hugs which are the best.
I get asked all the time if we are going to do the Santa thing with Lanie and usually my reply is why not I don't see any harm in it. We will first and foremost teach Lanie that Christmas might have pretty lights, presents, yummy food, and fun games, but it will always be Jesus birthday before all of that. As independent and strong willed as that little 1 1/2 year old is I can tell she has a good heart and as long as we as parents guide her in what the real meaning of Christmas is I think she will figure out Santa on her own at some point like most kids do.
This weekend was crazy busy and no time to rest because the next several weekends are looking to be about the same. Friday right after work Lanie and I went to OneLife and got to watch the Big Deal Christmas Theater. This is meant more for older kids and it's a once a month outreach our church does. Lanie and I decided to go this time though and cheer Daddy on because he was in the production this month as the Angel Gabrielle. Mark looked great in his all white, members only jacket, wings, and white wig. He was a trooper because he was not feeling well at all, he actually spent the next two days in bed.
After the show cousin Isabel came over for a slumber party, we had such a good time. Then Saturday the gals because Mark was still down and out, went to a birthday party for our good friend Libby-Kate who turned 3!!! The party was at the inflatable fun factory and for this pregnant momma chasing and climbing around with Lanie about did me in. After the party we went home for nap time and a small rest before we were off again to Uncle Zach and Aunt Melissa's for dinner and cookie decorating. It was so wonderful to watch all the cousins play with each other and even though it's sad that they are all getting a little older on the plus side it means that all the adults get to actually sit and visit with each other. I love my brothers and sister in-laws and cherish my time with them :)
Lastly on Sunday Lanie and I were off to church with Mark still home sick, so I called in my back up , my niece Anna to go to Polar Express with us, not only did she have fun, but she was a huge help with Lanie love. It was so amazing to see Lanie experience the excitement of all the fun the train adventure brought. Two of my favorite parts were when were at the French Lick Resort and they have all these cool displays and decorations and Lanie found this elf display. She thought it was so cool that they were her size and that she could honk their noses she loved her little elf friends. Then my other favorite was when she saw Santa board the train she let him hold her and she just studied him and then finally gave him one of her hugs which are the best.
I get asked all the time if we are going to do the Santa thing with Lanie and usually my reply is why not I don't see any harm in it. We will first and foremost teach Lanie that Christmas might have pretty lights, presents, yummy food, and fun games, but it will always be Jesus birthday before all of that. As independent and strong willed as that little 1 1/2 year old is I can tell she has a good heart and as long as we as parents guide her in what the real meaning of Christmas is I think she will figure out Santa on her own at some point like most kids do.
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