Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

We had a wonderful Sabbath Day Christmas Eve.  First we attended church.  It was a one hour combined Sacrament meeting with Odessa 2nd ward.  There were two speakers and lots of congregational Christmas hymns.  A perfect way to celebrate Christmas.

My friend, Alma Merriman, and I both sporting our new dresses.  Mine was a $24 Walmart find-woot woot!  I was cracking up when I got home because as I looked more closely at the tag, I realized it was from the maternity section.  Works for me!

Not my most flattering picture, but I guess my dad (illegally) snapped this picture of our row during church.  (Gram, me, Aub, Bryn, Bri and Park)

Church was at 10:30 and then we headed to Kerry's at 1:00 for our traditional extended family plus a few friends Christmas Eve gathering.  It was such a blessing that my mom could come, especially since she had already been to church.  That is a lot physically and emotionally for her.  My dad had to convince her to get back in the car, but she seemed very pleased to be there which I definitely consider a tender mercy.

Charity, Gracie, Gram and Britney

Gram and my brother Nate

She was chatting it up with Adam!  It was just a jumble of randomness, but Adam was all in. (Beth and Nate in the background)

Some families shared a talent.  Just as the wisemen brought gifts to baby Jesus, sharing talents is our gift to each other.  It was fun to have my cousin Thomas and his family there.  They usually don't make it.  This is his son, Easton, sharing a song on the piano for his talent.

The audience

Front row left-right: Gram, Parker, Benja, Lincoln, Charity with Noah, Jake and Christian

Middle: Britney, Courtney (Holden's girlfriend), Tanner, Erin, Bryn, Aubrey, La, Chris, John & Shari Martin

Back: Kerry & Brian standing, Laurel, Alma Merriman, Spencer & Donna Thompson, Thomas Pitt & Danielle

Grandpa called Erin up because it was her birthday, and we all sang to her.

Spencer sharing a story from his mission.  They also made an AI generated crossword puzzle that had Vore family clues to complete it.  (This person is known as a one of the kindest members of the family or this person is a big tease.  There were much harder clues.  I just can't remember them.)

And Donna gave my mom a watercolor painting she made.

We haven't shared a family talent in years, but Brian had a great idea to sing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.  Kaide was the star.  The whole group joined in, and he loved it.  He clapped when we finished and then signed "again" right away, so the entire room complied!

The musical Vores were impressive as usual.  They played the bells, the guitar and sang.

Braddock and Charlotte

After talents, a few of the older cousins helped the younger ones pick out a costume for the nativity.

CJ, little Vore boys, Brinley and Ang

Aubrey, Kaide and Hudson

Ang with her grandbaby Noah

Back row: Ella, Emerson Pitt, Braddock and Hudson
Front row: Ang, Noah, Lincoln, Char, Christian, Bryn, Kaide, CJ and Danielle

We came home and napped and later regrouped to have Family Home Evening and play JackBox games.  

I love this Christmas wreath that has the names of Christ etched in the wood.  I think Aubrey went over to Lauron's for a few hours so she wasn't with us, but Brian, Park, Brinley and I read "The Living Christ" and then shared which name of Christ represented how He was in our lives this past year.  There was a wonderful feeling of peace and love in our home.

Due to missions, this is the first time in three years we have been together for Christmas.  It's been really nice with Parker and Brinley home and Tanner, Erin & Kaide stopping by enjoy being together over the holidays.