My in-laws have been very gracious to us, over the last two or three years, to host Christmas Eve dinner. If I had to fit in another homemade meal, table setting, or prepare for company on top of all that we have going on, I think I would crack. Hahah. spend the month of December trying to stay on top of it all and then the week after Christmas I spend an entire week cleaning/organizing, catching up on my sleep, and undecorating. Christmastime like a part time job.
This year, my kids truly needed their wallets to be reloaded. They LOVE gifts, but they also have so many wants throughout the year and we just can't buy everything they want. That doesn't teach them the value of a dollar, nor do they appreciate things nearly as much as when they buy it for themselves.
You can tell by my kids' reactions that what was filled inside of their new wallets was beyond impressive.
Their hearts were full and so were their wallets. LOL! Thank you Grandad and Grandnee for the $250.00 that they each received.
The first photo, in this post, was self-timed obviously. I try to capture every moment, with whoever we are with, as we never know when are last days on this earth will be. The photo quality is horrible, but the people in the photo are awesome. I am so thankful to Reid and Renee for raising an excellent son, who provides and loves our family above and beyond.
We had a lovely time at Grandad and Grandnee's home, on Christmas Eve! I was beyond thankful that they hosted a lovely dinner and I could sit still for 2 hours to enjoy PEOPLE and not the hecticness of "The Night Before Christmas!" The table was set beautifully and we had chicken, potatoes, rolls, salad, and I brought a homemade macaroni and cheese!
Before dinner, we had a small photo shoot, haha! The kids tore through their "presents". They each got ONE gift and then Grandad and Grandnee loaded their wallets up with a crazy amount of cash. I hope to take the kids to the mall or to the Friendly Center in Greensboro for a day of shopping.
For dessert, I brought our traditional Happy Birthday Jesus Cake! The kids and I make Him one every year, but it looks a little different. This year, ours had the manger scene on it. I also brought some homemade oreo bark!
We also enjoy spending time with Darren's parents! Wonderful people, great memories...
Last night, we went out to dinner, with my in-laws, in honor of my father-in-law's 70th birthday! I am so grateful to be a member of the Bolling Family. I don't think one person has a cross word to say about Reid. He's so humble, kind, generous, hard-working, loving, and just a true gentleman. My children LOVE him!!! He has been in my life since I have been 16 (and I am about to turn 40). I am thankful that he has been such a positive influence in our lives and our children's lives. Grateful to know him and to be able to celebrate with him. Turning 70 is a huge accomplishment. LOL!
We celebrated at Shula's Steakhouse and I brought 6 large and 6 mini Bubblecakes to enjoy after dinner. The kids were nothing but smiles the entire time (minus Ty's lack of patience as he waited for his food to arrive, LOL). They really enjoy being with their grandparents.
These two twins are so goofy! Lilah was enjoying trying on grandad's glasses and getting grandad to test out her vision as she wore them. LOL!
Reid, we love you and wish you a very blessed day! I pray we have a good 30 more years with you. "And many more..."
Every Christmas, our family does something to celebrate Jesus' birthday! This year, we made him a 3 layered cake. We made a green, red, and fun-fetti white layered cake.
My little helpers were being mighty goofy!
Lilah made the green layer.
Jax made the red layer.
Tyson made the fun-fetti layer.
The cake pan was so full that the center of the cake would NEVER fully bake (in the center). I decided to cut the center out using a biscuit cutter.
I frosted the cake and smothered it with red, white, and green sprinkles. Then I stuck our "Jesus is the reason for the season" ornament, onto the top.
We saved the cake for our dinner/dessert with Grandad and Grandnee.
We had them at our home this year. I didn't spend too much time decorating the table. Just a quick, simple, and festive winter table.
Before grandad and grandee arrived, we took a few family photos.
Grandad and Grandee supplied dinner and we supplied the dessert.
Thanks self-timer for a sweet family photo.
The kids begged to open gifts FIRST, so we did.
Each of the kids got a FUN-colored pair of BEATS headphones.
They each received a set of WHEELS. Lilah and Jax received an electric scooter. Ty got a very sharp looking skate board from Zumiez. Each of them also received a few other items.
Our dinner was very delicious. We had fried chicken, mac and cheese, dinner rolls, and potato salad. Thanks again Reid and Renee for bringing dinner to us.
Then we CHOWED down on Jesus' cake. I have to say.... I liked it a little too much. It was so delicious.
Below is a small video of the cake before I decided to use the ornament as the cake topper.
Happy Birthday Jesus! We are so thankful for your self-less act on the cross. Thank you for being the propitiation for our sins. Thank you for saving us from eternal death and giving us, who believe, eternal life.
The photos are awful, but the laughter is priceless. You have NO idea how hard it is to capture a multitude of jumping people. Clearly, it was cold and dark outside, but that didn't stop Gram from accepting an invitation to join our Bolling 3 on the trampoline. Eventually, Darren also joined in. I LOVE the video because NOT ONLY are my kids laughing hysterical, but Gram is too!!! I love that my mom is willing to be a GIANT kid when she is with my kids.
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