With Natalya
Originally uploaded by fylliska.
On Christmas Eve I invited one of our neighbors to come up for our advent time. She's an English teacher, so she's interested in our holidays and the Christmas carols (although, we usually sing them in Russian 
). Plus, she loves our children. Back when I planned, I had written a new note, which only works in Russian, but our verse was the same as the one on the list: John 3:16. Jaan and Raia were so excited about the balloons, that they couldn't listen very well, though.
By the way, this neighbor informed us that she was talking to Jaan recently and mentioned something about all the snow that Дед Мороз (Grandfather Frost) had brought us. He was very quick to point out that Jesus, not Дед Мороз, had sent the snow.
There was one last treasure for Christmas Day:
Comparison
Originally uploaded by fylliska.
Look how she's grown!
Originally uploaded by fylliska.
I particularly liked the message:
"December 25 - Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus and love Him forever!"
(The pictures on the ornaments are from their first Christmases.) Our sweet children bring us so much joy, and Jesus does even more so; He is our Joy!
4 comments:
Isn't it a pleasure to see the uniqueness of each child displayed even in their reactions to the ornaments?
As your parents, your birth, Phyllis, brought us great joy, and your life today causes us to continue rejoicing. Much love....
The ornaments are adorable!! We have a tradition with our family to make an aluminum foil star with our children's most recent baby picture on it for their first Christmas. The first star put on our tree was of course Mama and Papa's wedding picture when our family began. =)
I love how you were able to share your advent with a special friend! May the Lord bless your love and hospitality!
In agony, waiting for news of Shannon, as I know you are. Helps to pray, doesn't it?
:-)
I'm hoping the lack of news means she's still in labor because the baby was turned!
Your kids are adorable!
Laura T. :)
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