Christmas with the Nafzigers

Christmas Eve we went to church up in Auburn for a lovely service full of energetic singing. Then Christmas morning was just our family. We had a wonderful time opening gifts and eating apple turnovers.

As soon as we were packed up and ready we headed up to the Hanover area to have Christmas with my side of the family. My mom and dad, my Grandma and my brother Mike, his wife Karie and their four kids: Aaron, Rae-Ann, Jakob and Isaak. We had a great time up there with all of them. I know we are so blessed to be able to celebrate the holidays with my Grandma. I wish Joel still had some living Grandparents, but I know that he loves my Grandma dearly as well. I could tell when we sat down to pray before our Christmas dinner that Grandma was feeling so blessed to be sharing another Christmas with her family, she had tears in her eyes as I squeezed her hand at the end of the prayer. Here is a picture of "Great-Grandma" sharing a story with Lyric. It brings back so many memories of her reading to me when I was a child. Her soothing voice as she chuckles at the children's stories. She has always been a lover of books since I could remember.



Here's a picture of Isaak...the final installment to the Nafziger clan. It is bittersweet to know that our families are complete. Next year there won't be any more 'babies'. He's a little sweetie, but unfortunatly doesn't know his "auntie Mel" too well since we don't see them very often. I wish we could spend more time together because we always have a blast when we do! I'm so grateful to have 2 families that all get along so well, many of my friends dread the family-get- togethers because of unresolved issues in their families. Thank you Lord, I know I am blessed.


Here is a picture of my Mom and Dad's incredible tree this year...it was huge, and glorious. I enjoyed watching Lyric dance around it, tapping at the balls to make them swing...one by one as she ran around the tree. Sweet moments that so quickly disappear if we don't savour them!


We had a wonderful Christmas! With good health, and every member of our family was able to make it this year which is such a blessing. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well, and took some time out of the flurry of gifts and food to remember the real 'reason for the season', the greatest gift of all: Jesus!

Mel