Peace on Earth

'Twas a few days after Christmas,

The celebrating done.

Time to look back on days

Filled with family and fun.

There were onesies, and babies,

And selfies, and food,

And presents, and laughter,

And much gratitude.

For the young and the old,

The big and the small,

And for little Lord Jesus,

The best gift of all.

After our Christmas Eve service, we went to Nana and Boomie's for soup and birthday cake for Jesus, and then headed home for our long winter's nap in anticipation of Santa's arrival. Santa wasn't actually coming to our house until the day after Christmas, when all the kids arrived, but Adam and Courtney got into the Christmas Eve spirit by posing in their reindeer onesies again this year.

We had brunch on Christmas Day for those who woke up here, and those who came later, including Jim's dad, my parents, Adam and Courtney, Jon, Jennifer, Bryan, Noah, and Piper, and Andrew, Darci, Haleigh, and Ella. We had lots of good food, including Darci's homemade cinnamon rolls, peanut butter bark, and other goodies. I didn't take one picture, but someone took this selfie and shared it, thank goodness.

We had burgers and homemade mac and cheese for supper, with Becky's 'just add ice cream' treat for dessert. Yum!

Saturday was our day to have everyone together to open gifts and share our Christmas dinner. Before presents, Jim read the story of the birth of Jesus from the second chapter of Luke.

The kids opened a few things before dinner, and Haleigh was anxious to see what was in her box.

It was Julie, an American Girl doll.

Ella got an American Girl doll too, Grace.

Haleigh showed her doll to her mommy.

Piper got a stuffed dog named Piper, and the book that goes with it, called Piper Was Afraid.

Cayden opened (with some help) a little wooden dachshund, just like Mackey.

Noah, who loves cows, received a Hereford show steer he calls Cooper, after Matthew's 4-H steer.

As is often the case with Noah, he was a little unsure at first.

He let Uncle Andrew do a little taming before he got too close.

Granny helped, too, and soon he was leading Cooper around like a champ.

Matthew got some Star Wars gifts, including a robot he controls with his phone. This is the droid you're looking for. :)

 Jennifer took some pictures of Noah and Matthew.

 And some of all the little boys.

 Noah, Matthew, and Cayden.

We tried to get one of all six grandkids,

 which can be tricky. At least no one is crying!

 Granny even got in the picture! (Thanks to Jennifer, for the photos)

All that gift-opening and posing wears a guy out. Cayden took a little snooze in the chair, and Gumbo curled up beside him.

I tried to get a photo of everyone around the table, and it took several shots to get everyone in.

 Of course, pausing from their beef tenderloin was the real challenge.

The kids got new shades, in anticipation of our trip to the beach in March. Cayden was happy to model his for us.

As we ring in a new year, 

I pray that we are able to spend more time with the ones we love,

be grateful for what we have,

share kindness with others,

and be a reflection of God's love 

to a world in need of peace. Amen.