Alexander Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with relaxing, visiting, laughing, eating, opening gifts, and remembering Jesus' birth.

All four of the boys received laser tag guns:

Sheridan was given many sweet girly gifts. Unfortunately, she hasn't yet learned the importance of being thankful for all of her gifts. With great excitement, she began to open her final gift:

She immediately realized it was two replacement "woolies" ("Woolies" are satiny blankets that our mom sewed for each of us when we were newborns. Sheridan's original woolies are nearly in shreds from being carried around so much):

She was obviously expecting a toy. Her demeanor dropped drastically and she sadly exclaimed, "That's not a present!":

We spent Christmas Day visiting with many relatives. Sheridan helped Nannie open her present:

Sheridan with our grandmother:
A few days ago, Harrison, Sheridan, and I (Meredith) baked and decorated Christmas cookies. I was given cookie cutters on my birthday for my hope chest, but decided to use them early. :)

Harrison, who asks to be referred to as "The Fist", is convinced that he's the strongest "man" in our family, but still loves helping me with Christmas cookies each year. A few of the 10-12 year old girls from church planned a lovely Christmas Tea Party for the little girls a couple weeks ago. Sheridan had such a fun time and continues to talk about her tea party.

Sullivan, Harrison, & Sheridan's Homeschool Christmas Program

Sullivan, Harrison, and Sheridan prepared the following Alexander Homeschool Christmas Program for the blog! Sullivan and Harrison recite the scripture they recently memorized, Exodus 20:1-17 (The Ten Commandments), and Sheridan follows with her recitation of Luke 2:1 and singing her version of her favorite songs.

The Weather Outside is Frightful

But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let is snow, let it snow

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes! I had a wonderful 22nd birthday and your thoughtful comments contributed greatly to my lovely day. Although I have already thanked Oliver for his blog entry, I want to publicly acknowledge his kindness in writing such a sweet post for me. I am certainly not the most talented cook in Virginia, but I am happy that he thinks so. :) I spent my birthday with my family. In the evening, Mama and I went shopping in Richmond. I spent the birthday money I received on a gorgeous off-white pea coat (below). It was originally $260, but between the clearance price and a coupon, I paid only $105. It is such a classy coat and I am confident that I will be wearing it for at least 3-5 years, so I feel it was a very good investment.
Also during this past week, I have been baking many cheesecakes to fill farm orders. It has been more stressful than baking for the restaurant because the restaurant can work around my cheesecakes' imperfections (occasional cracks), but I hate selling cracked cheesecakes to individual customers for their holiday parties!

Oliver and I began working out this past week. We've been to the YMCA's gym three out of the past four days and are liking it a lot. We are trying to get well acquainted with the equipment before the gym becomes very crowded with people trying to get in shape after the holidays.

.:.:.

My cousin, April, flew in from Nashville and has been spending time at my grandparents' home two hours away. I was looking forward to spending time with her this weekend, but unfortunately the huge amount of snow has cancelled my plans. Instead, we have had a snowed-in day at home spent reading, watching movies and basketball (the Texas/UNC game and the Duke/Gonzaga game), the boys and Sheridan played outside in the snow, and I baked gooey cinnamon rolls (thank you, Abigail, for the recipe). I am very pleased with the way they turned out and I hope to make them again very soon. :)

The roads are too snowy to attempt to make the two hour drive to church tomorrow morning, so we will be enjoying another delightful, restful day at home!

Happy Birthday Meredith!!!

Hello! This is Oliver.

Meredith, along with all the qualities you all know she has, is a cheerful, sensible, and amazing young woman. There are many things you do not know about Meredith. She is the most talented cook in all of Virginia. Daily, Meredith teaches Sullivan & Harrison, bakes multiple loaves of bread for orders, prepares meals for our family, and much more. Our family is very blessed to have Meredith.

Alexander Christmas Letter 2009

Merry Christmas from the Alexander family!To read a recap of the events that shaped our family's year, please visit the following four links:

A New Alexander Adventure: Moving to the New Farm

Tim & Joy's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Elliott's Graduation Celebration

Our New Farmhouse's Before & After Pictures

Our family wishes you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2010!