We had a wonderful Christmas. We praise God for sending his Son for us. and for keeping us safe during the holidays.
Matt woke me up this morning at 5:20. He had a stomach ache and then couldn't go back to sleep. So what do we do? Open presents! We then went to my parents and had a great time hanging out and opening gifts.


In our home we have several decorations and ornaments from my childhood. A couple of years ago my mom gave me this particular decoration because no one in my family appreciates it quite like I do. It was my favorite growing up. Enjoy!!

Santa is very respectful. :)





This was a gift from my sister and brother in law to Matt. He can't stand cats or Rachel Ray. :)Very funny.



My niece Brynne was opening a gift from my brother. A duplicate from earlier that day.

Brynne (4): "Uncle Shawn why did you buy this for me when Santa already gave it to me?!"

Matt's family has always called the day before Christmas Eve - Christmas Adam.  Because Adam came before Eve.  :)  Last week Matt taught the meaning of Christmas Adam to all the kids at Sunday school.  They asked for presents on this holiday before the holidays.  I'm sure their parents thanked Matt for yet another day their children ask for presents.  

We have been seeing commercials for the new American Gladiators and everytime they come on Matt gets so excited. He hopes they have cool names like Laser, Nitro and Blaze.

 "This decision was very difficult for me. My parents have always put a lot of pressure on me to follow in their footsteps, but when it came down to the end I realized my heart has always been at Oregon. Quack Quack!"

Today was the choirs last performance at church and it was great, but whew I am glad its over. Getting up extra early on Sundays, spending my Saturdays practicing, it was a lot of work but I think it paid off.  

THE SCENE: Late at night both of us in bed the lights off, silent.

BETH: You know what I love about york peppermint patties.





(that's my wife you gotta love her.)

 You beat me at shuffle board, and the bet was that I blog a post saying so.

You know what I'll do you one better because that's just the type of guy I am.

I dedicate this poem to you ENJOY!








Dude

U

Kicked

Every ones

Butt

Let us

Understand

Eventually the

Depth,

Experience and

Vast

Intelligence of

Lord

Shuffle Board

I have lived in Portland my whole life and I have never seen the Christmas ships! We got to go this year with our new neighbors Ford, Lindsay and Kealy and another couple from our church. The girls had cocoa and the men had beers and shuffle board at a local bar. Then we went down to Sellwood park and watched the boats from the dock. It was alot of fun. Here are a few pictures from my first Christmas ship experience.

Last night we had our christmas party for our small group. We ate good food and opened white elephant gifts. It was alot of fun! Here are a couple of pictures from our fun night.










Kayla actually stole this gift. It was a book called God's Gift - hotties and dreamboats from the 70s and 80s.

I am in the christmas choir again this year and we just had our first practice. We are singing both services on the 9th and 16th of December if you would like to come and see me sing and visit the church. Services are at 9am and 10:45am. Here is the link to the church to get the address. Hope to see you there!

www.pearlchurch.org