Our Christmas Eve Guests

Our Christmas Eve was very special this year. We were priveledged to have 4 missionaries for our church over. I had invited two of them, the Elders that serve in my area, but at the last minute they called to say there were two other missionaries in the surrounding area that had no where to go and could they come too. At first I was tempted to say no, because I already had the table set (with nametags) and I didn't think there would be enough food, since I had not doubled my maindish recipe. But luckily, I came to my senses and didn't turn them away! I just added an appetizer and more sides--and you know what, we had plenty of food (even the main dish seemed to never run out)!

It was a treat to have them share this special night with us and we tried our best to make them feel like honored guests! I think my Mother heart was feeling how much their own Moms were missing them on this Christmas Eve night. I am just so impressed with these young men who choose to give up 2 years of their lives, paying for it themselves to share the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve their fellow men. They bring a special spirit with them and we were so happy to have them!

On the menu:
Brie en croute (appetizer)
Chicken ala King served in bread crowns ( a Chrstmas Eve tradition in my family--for 'Christ the King')
Fresh Fruit Salad
Green Salad with Buttermilk dressing
Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
Christmas Eve Eggnog served over vanilla bean ice cream
Warm Gingerbread Cake with Cream Sauce

We read the Christmas story found in Luke 2, read favorite Christmas stories, including my favorite 'A Christmas Dress for Ellen' (If you have never read I found it here, or you can buy the book that I have here) We also sang Christmas songs from my songbooks that my little sister Erin made for me. They have every Christmas song you could dream of in that book from the hymns to the silly songs. I love it Erin:)

We also watched 'Joy to the World' a DVD that beautifully reenacts the birth of the Savior and has some amazing performances by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I felt like it was one of the best Christmas Eves we have ever had. Their was an amazing spirit in our home that night and I loved every minute of it!

I tried to take lots of pictures of the missionaries so I could email them to their parents. Before they left I had them write down their parents emails and I sent them all pictures of their boys while we waited for Santa to come. I wanted them to know that they were taken care of and had a good night! Can you tell that I am already thinking about how it will feel to have one of my boys far away serving a mission somewhere someday:) I will be so happy but I will miss them so much!

Boys always have to do a silly one:)

Even though I was homesick this year for my family in Utah, we were blessed with a beautiful Christmas Eve.

I felt so grateful to have such a happy housefull as we celebrated the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ.

It was a night I will always treasure!