Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve we decided to do a Progressive Dinner. It was FABULOUS!

It was great to see everyone's houses decorated for Christmas and experience their hospitality. The kids did great! By the time they started getting rambunctious it was time to move to the next house! We all handed out our gifts at our house and it was nice to not have so many gifts at one time. The kids could enjoy their one gift and not be looking for more.

Here is what we had for our meal:

1. Our house: Salad (romaine lettuce, almonds, cranberries, feta, cucumbers, tomato, and raspberry vinaigrette dressing.)

2. Rose & Bob's House: Potato Bacon Soup and Chicken Noodle Soup

3. Sarah's House: Warm Drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, & Tea) As well as punch!

4. Andrew & Erika's House: Appetizers

They have a popcorn machine that makes movie theater popcorn! We also had Crackers and dip and BBQ Wings. (The popcorn was the kids favorite!)

5. My Mom's House: The Main Course

We had Ham, Beef Roladon, German Potato Salad, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Yummy!

This was one of the tastiest meals I have had in a while! Beef Roladon is very thinly cut beef spread with Dijon mustard, bacon, onions, and a pickle. Then you roll it up. It was FANTASTIC!

This was one of my most favorite Christmas Eve Celebrations! We started at our house with reading the verses that go along with Advent. We read the Christmas story at Sarah's from the "Message" which was neat because I think we get so caught up in the fact that we know the story so well, we sometimes miss the meaning of it. This version held everyone's attention and gave a new perspective. At Andrew and Erika's we went around and shared our favorite memory of 2009.

I didn't have any specific one. The one thing I remember is just getting to know my Savior more and growing profoundly in my walk with Christ. I continue to grow daily with the things God wants to teach me. I want to know Him more. I want my life to reflect His love and beauty. I just remember that this year has had tremendous growth for both Shawn and I through the trials and joys we have shared. I am so excited to see what this New Year will hold!