Reading the Christmas Story

Every year before going to bed on Christmas eve, we read the Christmas story.  Here is a snapshot that mommy took while we were reading about the birth of JESUS.  This time for us is always very special. 

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Every year on Christmas eve, our family reads the famous story, "Twas The Night Before Christmas."  This year, our granny sent a copy of this book with her voice reading this story.  So, here are the little Fuller's as they listen to their granny who lives in Florida read this special story to them.  This is priceless to us!

Fullertown 2010

 Laura's living room tree features her collection of White House ornaments that she has collected for many years.  This tree is very special as it tells the story of our nation's history.

The dining room tree represents our faith in Jesus Christ.  Every ornament on this tree is a symbol of our Lord Jesus and all that represents his birth, life, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. 

The breakfast room tree represents Laur'a collection of snow men.  This tree is fun for our family and guests.

The family room tree is a live tree that we get every year.  It represents our family story.  On this tree is an ornament from every place that we have traveled since we were married.  It also houses every ornament that our kids have made at preschool, sunday school, and elemtentary school.  This tree is very special to all of us at Fullertown.

The garland in the foyer represents the life that Jesus offers to us all year long.

 Our dining room is ready for Christmas breakfast.

 Our foyer

 On top of our piano in the sunroom are part of Laura's collection of villages. 

 This wreath was a Christmas gift from a dear friend.

Fullertown on Christmas eve 2010.



A fullertown Christmas Eve

Every year after our candle light worship service on Christmas Eve, we invite anyone in our church that does not have family plans to come to our home to join us for a celebration of Christmas.  Here is a picture of some of the kids as they were dancing and singing "Jingle Bells" in our family room.  It was so much fun and everyone had a blast.

Christmas Eve Carols By Candlelight Service at Southside

Anna Brooke is holding her candle to represent that she desires to live her life for Christ.

Luke and Paul are holding their candle as our congregation was singing "Silent Night."

Sarah Belle and one of her friends, Natania were holding their candles to represent the light that JESUS provides to the world.

Our Christmas Eve "Carols By Candlelight" service is one of our favorite family traditions.  Our church family gathers together for about 30 minutes every Christmas Eve at 5:00 pm to sing our favorite Christmas songs, read the Christmas story, and light our candles to represent the light that JESUS brought to the world.  We are thankful for this wonderful tradition.

A Special Surprise

Tonight when I arrived home, Laura had all of the beautiful Christmas cards that we received today on the kitchen counter for me to view and read.  As I picked the pile of cards up with anticipation, she commented that one of the cards had a special surprise that would probably make me cry.  I could not imagine what that surprise could possibly be, but my mind began to prepare.  I sat down and began reading the cards, looking at the pictures of children from so many of our friends, and reading the sweet notes within.  Then I came to the special surprise.

As I opened a particular card, a picture of my amazing grandmother fell out.  It was a picture of her in her living room in 1991.  As I held it up, I could feel the tears filling my eyes and it was not long before I just began sobbing. ( A rare occassion for me.)  Then I read the note in the card that said, "Patrick, I found this in some of my things from a very special occasion back in 1991.  As I came across it, the Lord told me to send it to you when I did my Christmas cards.  I hope you will enjoy this picture of your grandmother for years to come."

WOW, I was speechless.  Later tonight, after putting the children to bed and making a quick run to Wal-Mart to get Laura some more tissue paper for all the teacher gifts that will be delivered tomorrow, I sat back down and just looked and looked at that picture.  I wish with all my heart that my grandmother could see my 4 children.  I wish they could know her for her faith and dedication to the Lord.

I will never forget that day in 1998 when she was dying.  She kept asking my dad when I would be home from college for the summer.  He told her that I would arrive the next day.  After finishing exams, I drove 12 hours home and went straight to see her and it was just 7 hours later that she died.  I will never forget the smile on her face as I embraced her that last time and and the kiss she gave me on my cheek.

As I celebrate Christmas this year, that sweet little picture that I recieved tonight in a Christmas card was a gift that is priceless to my soul.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY CHRISTMAS SO SPECIAL.

WAY TO GO SOUTHSIDE!

I was so proud and blessed today as I recieved word that our church not only met but exceeded our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal this year.  We are well above our goal as of yesterday and we still have another Sunday to go to give to the most important offering of the year, our interneational missions offering that supports and leads the way for our missionaries to tell the world about our JESUS!  Church family, I am so proud of you for your faithfulness and dedication to reach out to bring salvation to the world. Let's praise God for all that He has done.