MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE HINTZ CREW TO YOURS:)

We have had a fun last couple of days! Yesterday we went to church at 5:00... of course we didn't get dinner before we left. Greg had left earlier in the day and had 2 more services to do later. After church, my sweet pregnant friend from our small group said she was craving breakfast for dinner... I asked where they were going... and she revealed IHOP... OH MY... YUMMO!!

(After I delivered Louis 13 1/2 years ago, our sweet friends in Texas, Chris and Mary, called the hospital and said, "You name it, we will bring it to you to eat..." I chose a double order of IHOP hashbrowns... ) Well, last night that sounded pretty good to this pregnant mama!

So we joined the Davis' for some IHOP after church... we had a ball! I have never done anything like that on Christmas eve... but I think a new tradition may have been born:) I was really hoping that I wouldn't have to take the kids to McDonalds on Christmas Eve... but I wasn't really up for cooking either. I had gotten today's meal all ready yesterday... and was wiped out... and hadn't thought ahead to take anything out of the freezer.

Then the kids and I went home, they each opened up a small snuggly item, like Jammy pants, socks or a fleece blanket and we snuggled up on the couch and watched Miracle on 34th Street... then we took a break for some chocolate fondue and some sparking Cider. I really wanted this year to be a year for me to start some Christmas Eve traditions with them, while Greg was still at work. The last couple of years I really was just trying to get through Christmas after losing Samuel... this year felt different and it was nice. I think the kids really liked it too.

Louis stayed up and helped me clean up he house... and Greg rolled in around 1:30 am and we all went to bed:) I was readyfor bed... and wasn't quite ready for church this morning:) But we all made it there:)

Then after church we did present with the kids... we usually do 3 presents per child... just like the 3 wise men so it isn't too crazy... It was really nice and then we had a nice meal together... the whole family. I feel so blessed today... I will post in a couple days about one of our favorite gifts this year:)... hmmmm a hint... it is growing bigger everyday:)

At the same time as we had such a precious day together today... my heart is hurting. I hurt for all of those that I know are hurting today... who have lost a loved one... who are losing marriages...

Would you please pray for precious friends of ours who are near the end of the rope as far as their marriage goes.... We have been and will continue to pray for a miracle for them. Even though good news hasn't come... we will continue to pray! My heart hurts knowing that Holidays can be soooo hard when your heart is broken in two.

Thanks for praying for them...

Much love to you this Christmas Day!