Christmas in our new home

Christmas was fun this year--a bit different from any other we've ever experienced, though. Still, it was fun to celebrate Christmas in our new house together. No family was around, so it was just us and a housefull (4 plus Vanessa) of German guests. We had big plans for Christmas Eve day--like going to watch a movie--but the day escaped us much too quickly and before we knew it, it was time to get dressed for church. Then, much to Cami's disappointment, we ended up in overflow at the Christmas Eve service. Still a beautiful and moving experience, but not nearly as cool when you're watching on a screen instead of in the sanctuary. I think we'll reconsider our commitment to the building fund after that!

The disappointment of not being in the sanctuary was quickly forgotten thanks to a wonderful German meal prepared by Laurie Bossert. Sourbroutin (spelling?), potato dumplings, red cabbage, and pecan pie (made by Cami) filled us all up nicely. We gave the 'Bossi' the movie Polar Express for Christmas, and stayed to watch it with the boys. I love that movie--it's true--Santa is as real as you make him, and I still believe with my whole heart.

On Christmas morning, we slept in until our excitement couldn't be contained anymore. Since not a creature upstairs was stirring until nearly 11, Eli and I opened a few of our gifts to each other. Among the highlights for Cami, a gift certificate for an hour-long massage, an MP3 player, clothes, and an after-Christmas shopping trip (which resulted in a beautiful entertainment center for Eli's new TV). Eli got a framed picture of the Gipper (Ronald Reagan) which includes the new stamp and military coin, a laser tape measure (from my Dad), some clothes and books, and the Chronicles of Narnia (all in one beautiful hardback book). He also got a little reminder that his bigscreen TV purchased in November was part of his Christmas as well.

Eli reads aloud from the Chronicles of Narnia each night, and that seems to bring back memories for him. It's apparently a Bremer tradition, as Eli's Dad used to read the books aloud to the boys when they were younger. Even when I first met the Bremer family, Duncan was still reading CS Lewis aloud to whoever was around to listen. For all you CS Lewis fans, I highly recommend going to see the movie at the theatres--everything from the characters to the Narnia itself are exactly as I imagined them when I last read the books in Ms. Dixon's fourth grade Challenge class.

Later in the day, we shared Christmas with our guests, giving Vanessa a German Bible (which was rather difficult to find). Santa must've known they were all at our house, because he filled 7 stockings! Eli cooked up some omelets, and the morning began with a rematch of WWII (the age-old Axis & Allies game). We joined the Maxwell's for an early Christmas dinner, and as always, left there stuffed to the rims! I deviated from my normal spinach artichoke casserole (a Maxwell favorite request), and made the easiest recipe ever--sour cream green beans. I think there is a new Maxwell favorite. Fine by me--it's MUCH easier than the spinach!

Christmas day ended with the continuation of what turned out to be a 10-hour Axis and Allies game! Germany won this time, so I guess we're all doomed until the next rematch!

Merry Christmas!