Together

Merry Christmas from our family to yours...

We are enjoying some much needed and longed for family time.

We hope that you and yours have a wonderful, safe, Merry Christmas.

The Pickiest Tree Pickers Ever

Every year, my husband's entire family goes to the tree lot to find the very best Christmas tree for that year.



We look high



and we look low



opening up every single tree on the lot



Everyone else grows weary of the process, but every year Kendra (my sister-in-law) and I are determined. We are going to pick the prettiest Christmas tree on that lot for my mother-in-law's home!




and I can't wait to get back to my in-law's home soon to see that perfect tree decorated for Christmas!

You've Got Mail

We love getting mail... and several of you have asked where you can send Christmas cards this year. And if you haven't asked, this would be a hint... I love getting Christmas cards and would love to get one from YOU!

Email me or leave a comment if you need our current mailing address.

I am a little delayed in Christmas cards this year and have decided to do a New Year's Card instead. In the meantime, I am thinking of you and so thankful for the gift of you in my life this Christmas!

Beff-la-hem

I'm dreaming of a white toy-filled Christmas!


As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been trying to teach Austin the true meaning of Christmas this year. Every night, we add pictures to a nativity themed sticker books and talk about the people involved in each scene. We talk about Mary and Joseph, the innkeeper, the angels, the shepherds, even the donkey. There is nothing in the world like hearing my three year old say the word Beff-la-hem, for the city of Jesus' birth.

Last night, I wanted to show off for my brother and sister-in-law. I wanted them to hear the word as only Austin can say it... "Beff-la-hem."

"Austin!" I called from the other room. "Can you please come here and tell your Uncle Adam where Jesus was born?"

"Sure." He said.

And then looking very seriously at Uncle Adam he replied, "He was born right in my sticker book!"

Life is a ...

Well, life's like a road that you travel on
There's one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

There's a world outside every darkened door
Where Blues won't haunt you anymore
For the brave are free and lovers soar
Come ride with me to the distant shore



We won't hesitate
To break down the guarding gate
There's not much time left today, yeay

Life is a highway, I wanna ride it
All night long
If you're going my way, I wanna drive it
All night long



Through all these cities and all these towns
It's in my blood and it's all around
I love now like I loved you then
This is the road and these are the hands
From Mozambique to those Memphis nights
The Khyber Pass to Vancouver's lights

They knock me down
And back up again
You're in my blood
I'm not a lonely man
There's no load I can't hold
The road's so rough this I know
I'll be there when the light comes in
Just tell 'em we're survivors



Life is a highway, I wanna ride it
All night long
If your going my way, I wanna drive it
All night long

December is Here!

Austin has been thrilled about Christmas this year. THRILLED! Every morning he runs out of his bedroom to be the first one to turn on all of the Christmas tree lights. He says "Good morning" to all the characters in the manger scene on the foyer table before he is ready to start his day. And he has been singing. My, how he has been singing. As a mother, I must say that his rendition of "Jingle Bells" is the best version I have ever heard in my entire life. Austin doesn't remember the end of the song, so he starts singing the words "Jingle Bells" over and over again going up and down with his voice...

I am particularly grateful for two beautiful newborn nieces this holiday season. There is something about having a newborn around that makes you recognize Jesus' birth in a tangible way around the holidays.



Last night, I was even able to explain the story of John's birth a little easier to Austin. "Jesus had a cousin named John - Just like Avery and Megan are cousins and they are both newborns!" Oh, can't you just imagine all of Mary and Elizabeth's feelings of love for their two newborn babies!

A few weeks ago, I asked Austin why we celebrate Christmas.

SANTA! was his very eager and energetic reply. Oh, boy... I thought to myself.

Instead of the normal three books at bedtime (since he is three years old!) Austin and I have started doing our own Advent activities before bed. We open a door on our advent calendar, read a story leading up to the Christmas story (hence, the story about John's birth), and then talk about Jesus' birth.

Yesterday, we were riding in the car and I decided to ask again. "Austin, do you know why we celebrate Christmas?"

"It is to celebrate Jesus' birthday!" I heard him proudly declare from his car seat.

"That's right." I said, beaming with pride that my son understands the true meaning for the holiday.

And then... I heard it... almost in a voice too low for me to hear - as if talking only to himself.

"And because we love Santa..."

Oh well...

May your holidays be filled with sounds of Christmas and lots of talk about Jesus!