Rogers Land: Almost Christmas

I know, we're a week into 2011 and I'm just posting Christmas pictures. Don't get too excited it may be February before I'm finished! I am happy to report that all of our Christmas decorations are put away even the outdoor ones.

I've already mentioned how different Christmas was for us this year. It didn't take Noah long to learn the many activities that come with the holiday. We enjoyed showing him all of the traditions that we enjoyed growing up and a few new ones.

For those of you who know me well, you know I love a plan. I thrive on having a plan for each and every day and would love it if were down to the minute. I've thrown some of that out the window since having a child often does not allow for those detailed plans.

We had a plan for Christmas Eve. We would attend an early evening Christmas Eve service, have dinner, bake cookies, make reindeer food all in anticipation of the arrival of the big man in the red suit. Well it didn't turn out quite like that.

We arrived at church about ten minutes before the start of the 5 o'clock service. The parking lot and overflow parking were almost at capacity, but we found a parking space. However, much to over dismay, when we got inside we were told the sanctuary was to capacity. They said the fellowship hall and upper room had standing room only and would have video simulcast. What? How would we keep a two-year-old entertained through an entire service just watching a big screen?

We quickly decided to leave and try to find another service or come back to a later one (there were only four scheduled 3, 5, 7, and 10). We drove a short distance to another church we've visited and their next service was at 6 o'clock. We decided to make a quick visit to Chick-Fila for dinner, one of our favorites and then go to the 6 o'clock service. That's what we did and we got a seat!

Noah was great during the service and was most excited about lighting the candles at the end. Thankfully, we had large cups around the candles and he didn't catch anyone's hair on fire! We returned home and continued on with "the plan."

Sprinkling reindeer food in the yard.