Christmas Eve

What a wonderful Christmas Eve we had yesterday, filled with pure joy and precious hugs all day long.  The day started with the sound of Grafton's voice on the monitor singing "Frosty the Snowman;" I looked at Eric and said "This is going to be a fantastic day with Grafton waking up singing such sweet Christmas songs!"  And her singing continued as she and James opened two presents in our bed that morning, as we went for a family donut date for breakfast, then headed to DeeDee and Pops' house for lunch and an afternoon of fun.  Grafton sang "Joy to the World" everywhere we went- she just sang, and sang, and sang...and we loved it!  She had so much fun opening presents, and James liked watching her more than opening presents himself!! We had a fantastic dinner with my family, and the kids were spoiled rotten with gift after gift.  It was such a special day for so many reasons, and the excitement and anticipation was just incredible.  After the kids went to sleep, after Santa came and laid out all his presents, I had a moment to reflect on this amazing moment. As ecstatic as my children were over all the presents and fun things we did today, that doesn't even begin to compare to the anticipation and joy that was felt upon the birth of Jesus Christ.  Oh to be one of those shephards, or one of the wise men, who got to experience first hand the birth of our Savior- what a glorious time that would be! And we get to feel that same joy each time we hear the Christmas story, each time we take a moment to stop and remember what a loving God we have that he would send his precious lamb to us, and each time we look forward to meeting our heavenly Father one day.  Glory to God in the Highest!