The Overton Family: Christmas Eve

This is a really cool picture that a photographer at our church took of Derek during rehearsal on Tuesday night. The Christmas season is very busy for Derek. There are many extra things that are added to his plate during this time of year. There are extra publications that he either creates or oversees, videos to shoot and edit, the living nativity, dramas, and extra choir and band rehearsals. I say all that because he does it all without complaining. He truly does love serving the Lord as a worship pastor and puts his whole heart into making each service a unique experience. God has blessed him with so many talents and many of them shine during this season. The band played a really great song tonight and it was also very difficult. Derek is a very accomplished pianist and rarely needs to practice. I know the song is difficult when he needs to practice it, as he had been for tonight. He and the band did a super job! We are getting away to Orlando tomorrow and then after church on Sunday we are heading up to NC for the week. He needs some relaxation. Derek has such a heart for serving and is very wise and gifted and he takes his calling to ministry very seriously. Most people do not know all that he does or the hours he puts in because he would never say anything. I just wanted to brag on him some because I am honored to be his wife and a part of his ministry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wI1Yk-FEFw&feature=player_embedded
Here is the link to the band performing Wizards of Winter last night - it was super!

We started out the morning with cinnamon rolls for breakfast and had a relaxing day at home until it was time for us to go to church.

Ethan kept asking for tinfoil today and it turns out he was using it to wrap presents.
Here is his note that he typed up for Santa. I will translate it in case you are not up on your first grade writing. "I hope you like your cookies. Do you like delivering presents? Please do not step on the tinfoil presents there is stuff that can break in them."
Is that not the sweetest little thing ever!

So, I am sure you are wondering what was in his treasured presents - I will not keep you in suspense any longer.

Derek got his wild chicken that he made in art class.

I got a Smencil (scented pencil) and a fire truck he had painted.

Aubrey scored a stretchy man, a pig pencil topper and a ring.
These were all items out of his room and he came up with the idea all on his own. I think these are the most treasured gifts that I will get! He is such a blessing in our lives. Now, I did take him shopping and he bought something for Daddy and Aubrey, but he wanted to give something of his own I guess.

My two cuties all dressed up and ready for church

Pastor Barry brought the kids up on stage to help him with the welcome. I had already checked Aubrey into the nursery and Ethan and I were sitting in church and he walks down the aisle with Aubrey and grabs Ethan to go up with him. Aubrey was not so sure about it. She kept her finger in her mouth the whole time, but at least she did not do anything embarrassing, like pull up her dress.

Family shot after church.

We came home from church and Santa had come to our house. You can see the delight on Aubrey's face!

I think she likes it!

Ethan tearing into a present. He got a mixer to mix different songs from his ipod.

Ethan got a percussion set- Santa must know he likes music!

A bike helmet to go along with the bike - safety first!

Aubrey got a Zhu Zhu pet and the Unicorn Webkinz that she had her eye on at Books A Million. She was very excited about these.

Ethan got a fake pink panther diamond that he had wanted after watching the Pink Panther movie - he was really excited about this.

Daddy helping Ethan with all his percussion instruments.

Mommy helping Aubrey with her stocking stuff.

Ethan showing off his tamborine

Aubrey got two princess Polly Pockets that she did not have- Jasmine and Sleeping Beauty. She got Sleeping Beauty for her birthday last year, but Bruster chewed it up the first day she had it.