Christmas at the Coats 2010

The Nasterators

Coats Christmas Program Pt. 1

Coats Christmas Program Pt. 2

The meaning of Christmas

The Birth of Jesus Christ

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Christmas at the Coats

Christmas day afternoon we headed over to my parents house for another Christmas Celebration. They boys were quite excited (although a bit tired) and had to show off their instruments as soon as we got there.


Todd got a bib in his stocking. He thought it was for him so he decided to wear it for the rest of the night.

Jake got a golf thing although C decided he loved it!!

CJ relaxing like a big boy

Ben waiting for his turn

Still waiting

Finally

War Eagle!!

We then had a delicious dinner followed by our annual Christmas program. As always there was a lot of laughter during the whole thing (see the video posts to follow). It was a great celebration of out savior's birth. I am so grateful for two great families that put Christ first and Love us all so much.

Christmas Morning at Home

Christmas is so much fun with kids. It is great to know that my kids know the real meaning of Christmas. Ask them sometime they will tell you exactly what it is about. The excitement that they have at the "mysteries" of Christmas is so much fun as a parent. I was so excited for them to wake up Christmas morning I don't think that I slept very well the night before. Before I went to bed I had to make sure that Santa came.

Sure enough it looks like they did well

Caleb was kind of in a mood since we had to wake him up. The boys have a rule that they are not able to get out of bed before 7:00. 7:00 on the dot they came bounding in the room ready to go downstairs.

Ben skipped the stocking thing and went right for the big stuff

CJ's big gift (it was a hit for all three boys)

Jake's big gift. I think that maybe we are crazy but he loves them so much!!

Jake got a shaving kit from Josh so that he can have his own supplies to help him get ready in the morning. (Jake runs out of bed every morning as soon as he hears the shower got on. He jumps in with Josh and the proceeds to "help" Josh with every aspect of getting ready in the morning.

CJ got an airplane for Josh*

Ben made us a cool snowman at school. He wouldn't even let us touch the package until Christmas. So cute!!

We had a great morning as a family. It was nice to be able to take our time getting ready and play with all the toys with the boys. I loved it!!

*Ben got a bow and arrow set from Josh but somehow it didn't get captured on film.

Christmas with the Nasts

As always we spent Christmas Eve with the Nast side of the family and as always we were completely spoiled!! The kids were VERY excited and couldn't contain their excitement.



Well actually Jake and Caleb fell asleep in the car on the way over and it took a bit of convincing to get them both to wake up.

After too much food (and that was just the appetizers) and lots of pile organizing it was onto the gifts. The boys kind of stole the show and we were all having so much fun watching them open that everyone else forgot to open their stuff.

Jake got another Elephant that he loves.

Ben carefully reading the names on the packages.

The boys got a tool bench

I just think that this picture is hilarious because all three have such different expressions.

Jake happy about something

The musical family begins. Ben with a red guitar

CJ trying to play his recorder while still in the package

Jake with his trumpet

One of Caleb's favorites that was actually a gift for Jake I think

Ben looking very goofy like a pirate (he doesn't look so scary to me)

The big boys got a scooter and so did CJ

All four of my boys watching a movie before we went home. They didn't get the message that they were suppose to fall asleep. Oh well, they had fun and Christmas only comes once a year.

Merry Christmas

We didn't get our Christmas card out this year but if we had this is what it would have looked like.

Have a great Christmas. We are excited to celebrate Jesus' birth with our families this year.

Santa

We ventured away from our traditions this year and decided to see Santa at Bass Pro. They really do have a great set up for the whole thing and it was a lot of fun (it may be our new tradition). While one parent waited in line there was all sorts of stuff for the kids to do, Coloring pictures, playing games, driving cars, playing with fake snow, shooting guns . . . The boys were completely entertained.

The boys getting a little shooting practice in.

Trying out the fun chairs

And finally the visit with the big man.

Caleb was not a big fan but put up with him for the sake of a picture. Ben commented after that Santa's beard was different from last year. I think that this will probably be the last year that we have all three boys believing in santa. It is kind of sad to me however we have never really made a huge deal out of santa so I am sure it will still be just as fun next year.

On the way home we stopped for some lunch at steak and shake. Jake was a little tired out from the day's events.



12-11-10