Our Christmas in Pictures

We started out with some tree trimming the day after Thanksgiving

My favorite early morning spot

The tree is wonderful to look at, but our decorating that is most meaningful comes in the form of our nativity collection.  This one came from friends who bought it in Kenya while on a missions trip.

This was my grandfater's nativity...many more pieces not pictured here - he made the stable too

Not many years later we got to go on our own mission trip to Kenya and purchased this one!

December was not without it's mishaps, like a maimed toe.  For the record, if you rip the big toenail clean off, you will experience pain and swelling EVERYDAY for about 3 weeks especially at night.  Who knew?

We did some entertaining....table all set

sometimes you just need to wear something sparkly

We received carolers who sung and brought cookies

We made some of our own cookies

This was a tiring day, but oh so worth it

And when we ran out, we replenished the stash - only of these, everyone's favorite

One of my favorite things to do is give homemade gifts.....I started "brewing" these babies back in June.

Love looking at them all wrapped

Nothing like the top half of the lights going out on Christmas morning

This was a wishful thinking gift...bought before I knew whether or not we would receive what we would need to brew them.  You've gotta have faith!

Some of the gifts were picked out and tried on in advance, but somehow not quite right...

Ahhh yes, that's better.  Hey, even Moms forget who's is who's.

But could it happen twice.....?

YUP.  Don't for a minute think that went un-teased.

But sometimes I nailed it!

Nothing like a shiny pair of red boots!

But are they for wearing....or for decorating?  BOTH!

The after shot!  Abundance.

Speaking of abundance....there is no end to the candy and goodies that keep appearing in our kitchen!

This is one of my favorite spots....hot drink anyone?

Some sweet, thoughtful, fun gifts I received

And a few of my favorite people all ready for church

What's the problem?

So thankful that God let me be this man's wife and the mother of these 3 kids

Christmas Love

It is our hope that you, too had a beautiful Christmas with your family and friends.  There is so much more I could mention that made our season special, but I didn't document them all in pictures.  If you didn't tune in earlier in the month to read about our Christmas miracle you can here and here. (it's so good it's in 2 parts!) And actually, Christmas for us, like many of you probably, is not over yet - still a few more family gatherings to attend.

Of course, the main thing about Christmas is always the same main thing.  Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins.  This is so important to celebrate.  But more importantly, to live all through the year.  Every year.  Until we see Him face to face.  Oh, Lord I hope it's this coming year!!

We pray that all those who know His Name will have strength to run the race all the way to the end.  And to do so with JOY, peace and victory.  

Much love - thanks for sharing a few fun moments with my family.