Remedy This Heart: Christmas 2011.

This year we spent all of Christmas in Tennessee with my side of the family. We were able to see James's family in October and at Thanksgiving. This Christmas was a little different though. With Christmas falling on a Sunday things seemed a bit off. However, it turned out to be a wonderful Christmas!

James and I attended our church's Christmas Eve Service here at home, which was beautiful. The one thing that stood out to me was when our pastor said that he does not like the song "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." He went on to say why..."From now on, our troubles will be out of sight." That message is never one of Christianity. Being a Christian and knowing Jesus does not mean that we live in a carefree world, nor should we strive to live for comfort and ease. We still have problems in our lives, the only difference is that Jesus walks through us with them bringing along... love, joy, hope, peace, understanding, and guidance. That is the beauty of Christmas- the gift of Jesus given for every single one of us.

We then headed to my parent's house for our Christmas Eve Party. We ate some food, watched some football, and socialized. I took lots of detail shots of mommy's decorations.

We ended the night playing Rook(one of my family's favorite card games) with my parents. I would just like to point out that on one turn I had a killer hand and got every single play. I love some competition so when I get a win like that you know I had a good time!

This was not my killer hand- I do not want to confuse you =)

James made him some hot chocolate and we headed to bed late!

Christmas morning we opened gifts then headed to the Christmas Service at my parent's church.

After church the rest of the family came over and we cooked our traditional Christmas Breakfast (which this year we had at lunch time) and opened gifts. It was a great Christmas 2011!