Merry Christmas from Flach Manor! Keeping up with blog posts might be a bit easier now that I got this handy dandy Mac-book Pro for Christmas! Yup, I got the best hubby and family in the world! We enjoyed a couple wonderful family celebrations the last few days. Christmas Eve we traditionally spend with Wayne's family. The evening includes delicious food, my mother-in-law reading from the Bible about our Savior's birth, my father-in-law sharing a word, prayer, gifts, and family fellowship. It was a good evening.
Rita, John and Victor on the right.
Christmas morning started peacefully. I was up at 6:30am enjoying some quiet time, coffee, and Luke chapter 2. Then Wayne joined me for coffee at 7am. I think it was the first Christmas morning ever that we were up before any kids! Jordan was the first kid up at 7:30am, then they all started rolling out.
Wayne watching Jordan opening his stocking.
We let the kids open their stockings until everyone is up, then Wayne reads Luke 2 and everyone has to share something they're thankful for. I pray and then presents begin flying!
Wayne and Slava enjoying some cuddle time!
Breakfast includes Christmas Quiche, which I make the night before, and our newest tradition - home made cinnamon rolls. Seven years ago when we spend Christmas in Ukraine, our precious missionary friends, Joey & Laura Stoltzfus, welcomed us into their home on Christmas morning. Laura made home made cinnamon rolls for us. Missy and I decided that if Laura can pull that off in her kitchen in Kiev, we could pull them off in our kitchen here in NY! We've had them every year since.
Awe...Kerri opened a blanket for Iona!
Our kids pick names among themselves to exchange gifts. This year Sierra got Kerri's name and sewed her a baby blanket. She stitched a Bible verse (Let the little children come and do not forbid them for such is the Kingdom of Heaven) and stitched Iona Elizabeth in the corner. Kerri was tearfully happy with this special gift!
Slava aka - Little Drummer Boy!
All Slava could talk about was getting a drum set for Christmas. Every gift opened from under the tree he scrutinized to see if it could possibly be a drum set. The poor little guy, we made him wait until the last gifts were opened, then Andrii carried the big box up stairs. He was soooo excited! It was the perfect gift for him. Slava has incredible rhythm combined with his sensory processing disorder which drives him to bang on things - I'd say he's destined to be a drummer!
Jordan and Officer Andersen!
Jordan wants to be a policeman when he grows up. Our good friends and next-door neighbors - the Anderson's surprised Jordan on Christmas morning. Their son, Elias who lives in Vermont but was home for Christmas, came over to arrest Jordan! The hand cuffs fell off and he tried getting away, so Officer Anderson had to taser him - only kidding. But Jordan was thrilled to see a real taser! Elias just completed police academy a few months ago and is an officer with the Rutland police.
Poppy Ken
After the police left, Christmas morning returned to normal and my parents arrived. They opened gifts, ate dinner with us, and spent the day visiting.
Annual Mom & Curtis dinner date.
Curtis and I enjoy an annual dinner date around Christmas - just him and I. We don't get to spend much time together since he's a busy college student and works when he's not at school and I'm busy with the little kids all the time. Pretty soon Curtis will be moving into his own apartment. It won't be far away since it's nearby, but it will be different. Bittersweet.
Missy, Anna, me, Sierra and my mom!
My girls love to take pictures of themselves. They decided that on Christmas day the tree and their grandmother made great props! Seriously, I love this pic with my mom.
Andrii & Jordan - Lego Maniacs!
Jordan is now our official Lego maniac. He got 3 sets for Christmas from various family members. He was on a building mission all day and thankfully, Andrii was his helper.
All in all it was a quiet, blessed day. Wayne Jr. & Kerri spent the day with her family, so they are coming over on Saturday and we'll do Christmas all over again! I am so blessed! Thank you, Lord!
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