The Phillips Household at Christmastime in 2009

What's been going on around the Phillips household this Christmas? Well...not too much! It has been a low key Christmas season and I have been so thankful for that. First of all, I can't go without recognizing that my baby girl has officially moved into a big bed! It breaks my heart but I am so proud of her. We did it on a whim. I had no intentions at all, because she has showed no interest and that was perfectly fine with me. Her big bed has been set up in her room since we moved in. I was just waiting on her to be ready to use it. Well, one night last week, it happened? Dennis mentioned something to her about sleeping in it, and she goes "OKAY!!!!!!" and seemed real excited, so we just went with it! She has done great every night and she loves, loves, loves it!!! She hasn't tried to get out of it one time. Thank goodness, b/c I have heard some horror stories about kids that get out and play all night long, etc.

Other than that, we've just been running around and trying to get things ready for this week. The kids are sooooooo excited about Christmas. It has been so much fun. I know that Christmas morning will be a blast. I have tried to incorporate the real reason for Christmas into everything we've been doing. I want them to know that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus on Christmas and that it's not all about toys, presents, etc. I'm not sure they totally get it all yet, but I figured that it's never too early to start!
Here are a few pics we got Sunday morning before we left for church. The kids had their Christmas outfits on, so I had to get a few pics. I had to keep the nursery that morning, so that is why I wasn't dressed up.




Sunday night, we had Christmas over here with my dad, sis, Jeffrey, and the kids. We had the BEST time!!!! My dad cooked a gourmet meal, as usual. We had prime rib, beef wellington, potatoes Anna (no, they are not named after me...just a coincidence) broccoli/cheese casserole, rolls, and cheesecake for dessert. YUM! I was sick when I went to bed because I was still so full. We opened lots and lots of presents. I was so proud of my dad for everything that he picked out for all of us. He did sooooo good! He had hardly any help at all! He was so generous and we all just had so much fun together. The kids screamed, yelled, ran around, chased each other, and had the time of their lives.









Today, (Monday) Grammy came and picked up Sadie and took her over to Aunt Pam's to make gingerbread houses w/ Cole and McHaney. From what I heard, they had a great time. I think they have pictures that they took, but I don't have them quite yet. Here's a picture of Sadie's masterpiece!


This is my most favorite week of the whole year. The excitement of Christmas just around the corner. I love it!!! I only wish Dennis was off work all week to enjoy it with us. That would make it all absolutely perfect!!! Thank you God for sending your precious Son to be born into this world and giving us all a reason to celebrate this time of year.