Adler Christmas

Lee's parents came down on Tuesday night to celebrate an early Christmas with us. We had a really nice time and Max was so excited to see his Pappap and Nana.

Zierden Family Christmas

The Tallahassee Zierdens(Ben, Kim, Addie, and Emory) arrived on Friday for an early Christmas. We had a great 3 days being together and celebrating Christmas. On Sunday we all went to Steve and Bekah's church in Charlottesville. It was great fun watching the cousin play and thinking that next year Eliza and Bella will be running around with the other three!

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa

A friend posted this on her facebook and I loved it so much, I am borrowing it for here. I think it is a beautiful reminder of what this season is about and it is written so even Max can see that! Enjoy!

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. And then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Holiday Activities

This was a busy week for us. Our church had it's Birthday Party for Jesus on Sunday night. Max had a great time making a self-potrait and a wreath and of course eating Happy Cake! Max's class went to Ferry Farm, George Washington's Boyhood home today. They have an annual gingerbread contest. We saw some amazing gingerbread buildings(houses doesn't do it justice!) and Max's class heard a story, made a craft, and had a fun scavenger hunt. Thursday was Max's last day of school and his class had a party with a special guest! Max was so excited all morning that Santa was coming but he wouldn't sit in his lap. He said later he felt a little shy!

The Gingerbread House

I let Lee and Max decorate the house by themselves this year. However, what started as a nice, calm holiday activity quickly became an icing free for all! Lee and Max were covered in icing when they were done and the house isn't quite as cute as I would like but the important thing is they had fun. Maybe I will make 2 houses next year!

Getting the Tree

We go to a great place in Hanover each year to get our tree. We cut our own tree, ride in a haywagon to get to the field, and Max gets to see some farm animals. We went on Sat. and had a great time! Max is alot like his mommy and he loves getting the ornaments out and getting them on the tree. We are ready for Christmas!