Christmas Eve Photos

I have the greatest family in the world...

we're a mess.

Today is December 25...you know, Christmas Day.

Not for us, though.

We're saving Christmas this year until we can all be together.

The married one spent her holiday with the in-laws this year which leaves us stragglers in Friendswood spending this day like any other.

I'm not complaining.

Being together is more important to me than the date...for real.

One thing we did do similarly to normal is attend a Christmas Eve church service at my parent's church last night. After we took family photos (sans a couple of important people..don't be bitter, Rachel, we'll retake them when ya'll get here).

Because I have time today, I thought I'd post them here to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

You'll appreciate a few things about these photos. Apparently we can't do family photos with fewer than five...hints old man Sam (my parent's 13-year-old dog) joining us this year (what's that about, mom?). 

I think having Sam in the photo this year makes since as my parent's house has become a literal ZOO with all of our pets (in their absence sister and bro-in-law even allowed their "incredible" cat to be a part of our Christmas Day :) ).

All that to say...MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope your day is incredible. Praise Jesus for what this day represents. 

As messy as we are, I'm so thankful for a family that has shown me what Jesus' love looks like.

and a few outtakes to give you some real insight to the Schmale fam (my brother...the comedian):

December 27, when you're all remembering what a great Christmas Day you had...we'll be celebrating as if it were the 25th. Maybe stretching it out isn't so bad. Don't tell my sister I said so...it's kind of fun to make her feel bad. :)