Merry Christmas!

It's over already!?!

We had a wonderful week spent with friends and family! For the most part I felt pretty good, minus the lack of sleep I am still getting. It is still WAY better than it was. Then Tuesday Jared started getting sick, which them led me to develop a scratchy throat and fatigue. I ended us calling my doctor for an antibiotic, (which I hate doing). Jared pushed me to (as always). Reminding me how this very sickness may push me into another flare. So therefore, I guess I'm not taking any chances! This morning I feel ok. Just stuffed up and tired. I know I will be needing a nap with Elin this afternoon. Ok, enough about me.

Here are some picture that recap a bit of our week! 

Last minute shopping trip to the mall!

 

 

Beautiful girl!

 Yay for a white Christmas!

 Before my grandparents annual Christmas Eve party got started. I caught Elin over by the nativity seen. Her great-grandpas bible was lying there and she began to scan through it and "reading" it! It was a precious moment to me!

 The kids playing with about the only tea set in grandmas house! ;)

Yup, someone has to be tickled to smile!

Christmas morning!!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

Christmas Thoughts...

I mentioned the other day just how busy things were around here. I was quickly reminded of this article I wrote for our monthly MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group at church.

 

As we head closer to CHRISTmas, I can’t help but think of what this time of year is really all about? What am I making it all about? We tend to get caught up in the gift buying, party attending, running here there and everywhere. Is it all that important?

I am challenged this CHIRSTmas, and I challenge you as well, to step back and take a look at how you perceive this time of the year.  It makes me wonder how one day a year can be such a big deal. Why IS it such a big deal? Am I making it a big deal with all the gifts, the parties, the food, and spending time with family and friends? That’s all great, don’t get me wrong, but there’s gotta be something more to December 25^th…right?

YES! There is! That tiny babe, Jesus, born many years ago came to give life! HE is the ultimate gift. He is life! THAT is what December 25^th is ALL about!

We prepare months in advance for this day; decorating, baking, party attending, gift giving, etc. I am so challenged to change this CHRISTmas. I want to share the love of Jesus with others as much, or more than I do decorating, baking, attending parties, and gift giving. I want my daughter to see me more concerned about sharing the love of Jesus to others than being worried about having the house perfect for guests and having the gifts wrapped to the T. 

So as you spend these days going to and fro, frantically trying to cross things off that never ending “To Do” list, and spending time with family and friends who may not know the special gift of Jesus, remember; it is because of that babe, who gave us pure, unending grace when He hung on that cross, that we can live life fully with purpose and fulfillment. He has washed you and me of our sins, completely! Open yourself to that today and begin sharing it! There is nothing you can do to make him love you more or less!

  

Wonderful Wednesday!

So yes, it is true. I have been completely neglecting my blog. Nope, not gonna deny that. Things have been busy around here. I'm sure many of you can relate. Christmas is in less than a week, parties, shopping, not to mention trying to keep up with my sweet almost two year old! WHAT?!?! Did I just say two year old!?! Oh brother. Here are some photos from the last two weeks of wonderfulness! ;) Enjoy!

Wonderful things this week:

So, this picture is just hilarious! I was making supper one night and dropped some shredded cheese on the floor. Elin and Lexie (our dog) were in the other room. I called Lexie in to clean up my mess and Elin follows her in, realizing there is cheese on the floor. She then gets down on her hands and knees eating the cheese off the floor and yelling "no" to Lexie as she pushes her away from the cheese! Oh my! And yes, I did let her eat it off the floor while getting this picture. I had cleaned the floor that morning if that helps! ;)

Getting the tree up...

 

and putting the ornaments on!

Small town Christmas productions

 

Lunch and shopping date with my girl! And I was so glad she let me put a headband on her! 

 

Family Christmas parties and the kiddos having fun cleaning up after!

Play dates with new friends! 

 

And this topped it off! This wonderful couple announced that after 2 & 1/2 years of wanting to add to their family, they are expecting a sweet baby in July!!!! My excitement for them is just too much to handle! So excited to have witnessed a special Christmas miracle! You can read more about Jessica and her experience HERE!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Wonderful Wednesday

Wonderful things this week:

 

Babes praising Jesus at church band practice. Love.

My grandpa decorating a Christmas tree at church.

 

My extremely talented mother's Christmas arrangement she made for me and the old cough drop tin from 1904 that I found to put it in!

 

 

 Had a hilarious time packaging deer meat with my sister and mom. Just like old times at my grandparents. (my dad took this pic. Notice the finger ;)

A wonderful visit with an "old" wonderful friend. 

 

Taking Elin to an old "five and dime" with my mom.




Returned home from a stressful morning of grocery shopping on not much sleep and finding this little piece of beauty right outside my car door. Just for me. Oh He is so good.


Have a wonderful Wednesday!