A Leimkuehler Family Christmas!

We were so blessed this year to have Tom's whole family come to Houston for Christmas! We had a ball being together, playing outside in the mild TX winter, going to the beach in Galveston and walking on the Jetty, hunting for shells, playing the Wii (bowling especially), PS2 Batman, cooking, eating, opening gifts, eating at the Rainforest Cafe, taking Hugo out for Mexican (and he liked it!), taking up a whole row at church, more cooking and eating, the cousins making Reindeer Cookies and everyone else enjoying them, eating the endless plate of fudge, cookies, peanut brittle, etc..., going ice skating at Discovery Green, all the boys hitting the lanes for a few games of bowling, sports on TV, conversation, etc... It was so great to have all 13 of us under one roof!

Thank you, God, for the blessing of time together with those we love.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

Christmas Morning...

Christmas morning came early since Tom and I are not morning people. Andrew was awake and excited, but stayed in his room as instructed. :) We had to wake up Braden (which we never do, he is usually our early bird) and Colton. Then we took the traditional pic on the stairs and sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus before they headed downstairs to see what Santa had brought them. Andrew got lots of Pokemon cards, Braden and Colton got their Havoc Hellis (remote control helicopters)! Lots more gifts and fun opening presents was had before we had to clean up and get ready to pick up Gramby, Pa Pa, Aunt Tammy and Uncle Big Tom from the airport. A crazy, but wonderful Christmas morning. We were so happy to be at our own home this year! :)

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Twas the day before Christmas and Mommy tried real hard to get everything done, but she still had much to do to get ready for Christmas day and lots of family coming... But she took a break anyway and watched "Space Chimps" with the family and headed off to Christmas Eve service at Church and then to some good friends, The Swiggards, house for Christmas soup, lots of yummies, gifts, and fun!

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:8-12

Braden's Pokemon Party!

Braden's 6th birthday party = Pokemon Madness!

In the middle of all the Christmas festivities... we paused to celebrate our precious Braden! We had a fun time celebrating Braden's 6th birthday with lots of fun, friends, and food. The kids got to decorate boxes to keep all their Pokemon cards and other treats in, there was a Pokemon walk, Hot Potato, Pinata, and Braden's favorite... a dance competition! Who knew that Braden had so much break dancing abilities? :) All the kids got a prize for their best dancing skill! Braden's choice of food: pizza, skittles, holiday marshmallows, BBQ chips, cake (that we baked and decorated together at 10:30 the night before his party!) and ice cream! He got some fun presents... but most of all he enjoyed his friends and adding to his Pokemon card collection! Happy birthday, Braden! We love you so much!

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Our Small Group Christmas Party!

As with tradition, we had another Caroling Hay Ride! How fun to take a hay ride around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols! As always, the night was filled with awesome food, fun fellowship, a snow machine, Christmas movie for the kids, and did I mention the food? :) Always so fun to get together to celebrate anything, but to celebrate our Saviour's birth is even better!

Sharing the Christmas message!

This Christmas season was filled with all sorts of fun programs to praise the name of Jesus! The boys had a great time being shepherds in our church's Christmas Program. It was an amazing morning of praise and worship led by the children!

At school, Andrew, along with all the 2nd through 5th graders put on an fantastic production of "The Christmas Country Spelling Bee"! What a clever way to tell the story of Jesus' birth. The next morning Braden, along with all the Pre-K 3-1st graders entertained everyone with a very cute program called "Christmas Hide and Seek"! Leave it to children to put on a program that touched the hearts of all in attendance! I praise God for allowing my kids to be a part LSA where they can proclaim the name of Jesus at Christmas and every day! :)