Merry Christmas

Yes, its that time of year again. In case your wondering, the hunting trip went great. We got up at O-Dark-Thirty and made it out to a nice wood stand made for three. As we approached the stand, we noticed that two deer were bedded very near. Luckily, we didn't spook them and made it into the stand.

At precisely 0645, the feeder directly in front of us went off. Wow, what a dinner bell. We had no less than nine doe come trotting out. They stayed close for the next two hours. The boys really had a chance to observe them. After we got past the "Dad, aren't you gonna shoot one?" line of questioning, the boredom set in and both boys yielded to sleep. I didn't mind, they saw something most boys their age never get a chance too.

Over the course of the next few days, we saw plenty of deer. We didn't harvest any, but others in the group did and the boys got to witness that also. It was a good trip. And if they both get the bug, I will have succeeded.

But, today is Christmas. Merry Christmas. We have had ample opportunity to reinforce the traditions we are establishing in our family. It seemed easier when they were younger to fight off the blatant commercialism and materialism that surrounds us and presses in. But, for some reason, this year all the boys wanted to do was get to the present opening. However, I stuck to my guns.

On Christmas Eve, we started the celebration the right way, in church. I will take every opportunity to keep the reason we celebrate at all in front of the family. A sacrifice if praise and worship to start the celebration only seems fitting. I've given some good gifts in my lifetime, but I can't give eternal life, or save myself from damnation. Only God through Jesus Christ can accomplish that. So, I am exceedingly glad that He came. That is something to celebrate!

Later we exchanged stocking gifts. This year the boys got Airhog remote control helicopters. What a blast. Once you get the hang of it, flying these miniature helicopters is really fun. They have hardly put them down.

Today, the family came over, mom, dad, my brother, my uncle and my grandma. We exchanged gifts and ate a wonderful meal. I really like the tradition of having everyone come to our house. In fact, I think the older boy started to get it. He said to me after everyone had left, "Dad, I'm bored. It was so much fun when everyone was here!" Exactly.