The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is Here!

Frosty, our elf, made his much anticipated debut of the season last night...

and what a mess he made of the chocolate cake the kids left for him

 

As if we needed any more excitement, snow fluffies are in the forecast for tomorrow, which means we had to do our "bring on the snow" traditions- pajamas backward (thank you, Uncle Mark), orange on every window sill, and spoon under every pillow...I have no idea where they got the orange and spoon idea...

Love the creativity of 7 year olds!

This Christmas...

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.  Love everything about it.

Since having children, T and I have been striving to incoorporate the fun of the season- Santa, our elf, presents while keeping our focus on the reason for the season- our Savior's birth.  This year it seems to be really weighing on my heart.  The stories of the craziness on Black Friday make me sick to my stomach.  How have we gotten it so wrong? 

I'm guilty too, having spent way too much time trying to find the things on our children's wish list and wanting to make their dreams come true with stuff. 

Last year we started doing a Jesse Tree... a wonderful way to have family time and read Scripture in a tangible way that is great for little ones.

And today I was so happy to be introduced to Light 'Em Up 2011...this is what I have been after.  I feel like we (I) have gotten so wrapped up in material things, we have forgotten the true spirit of giving..things from the heart that don't cost a lot of money, but take time. 

Isn't it always harder to give your time?

 This site gives great ideas for ways to teach your children the joy of giving to trash collectors, needy families, drive-thru workers, etc. 

We love playing Santa and making our children's wishes come true and our elf, Frosty, is expected to make his debut tonight,

but I am praying for a Christmas season with our eyes and hearts filled with the waiting and watching for the most beautiful Story ever written.

Thanksgiving 2011

We are home from another wonderful Thanksgiving at the farm....

Grandma's rolls and dressing (made only with cornbread, thankyouverymuch), lots of laughter from the cousins...this generation and the older, but most of all, just being with family....

those who have known, loved, supported, and inspired you from day one.

Some of the younger generation of cousins enjoying a ride in the "crocodile" with

Great Grandpa Hudley.

The Girl's Dedication

This morning at church we dedicated the little girls. 

It was maybe the most lively dedication ever...squirmy 7 year olds, talkative 15 month olds who threw their bonnets, pulled the bow out of their big sister's hair, pulled their big brother's hair, and one who responded to our minister's attempt to hold her with a shaking of the head and "No, no, no, no!"

We selected a life verse for each girl....

Lyla James' is Isaiah 43 1-4: 

Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. 

I've called your name.  You're mine. 

When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.

When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.

When you're between a rock and a hard place,

it won't be a dead end-

Bcause I am GOD, you're personal God,

The Holy of Israel, your Savior.

I paid a huge price for you:

all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!

That's how much you mean to me!

That's how much I love you!

I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,

trade the creation just for you.

Mary Connor's is Isaiah 41 8-10:

I pulled you in from all over the world,

called you in from every dark corner of the earth.

Telling you, "You're my servant, serving my side."

I've picked you up, I haven't dropped you.

Don't panic.  I'm with you.

There's no need to fear for I'm you're God.

I'll give you strength, I'll help you.

I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

After a fun lunch with our dear friends and a long afternoon nap, I think we have recovered!

Christmas Picture Outtakes

Is it just our family or does everyone struggle with getting a good picture for Christmas cards?

My sweet friend came to my rescue and snapped some shots for us yesterday...

 and the winner....

Thank you, J, I love them!!!!

15 Months

Today we had LJ and MC's 15 month well check visit, so I thought I would do an update for memory's sake.

Lyla James, you weigh 26 pounds and you are 33 inches tall (97th percentile)....I think you are going to be a tall girl! The pediatrician laughed at your refusal to stand up (you will if something is out of your reach and your big brother isn't at your beck and call)

 You are a great eater and pretty much eat whatever is offered.  You love books, play food, and music.  You do not like when a toy is taken from you and have taken to biting MC when this happens...lovely.

Words you are saying:  what's this (while pointing), Bubby (Brian), sissy, daddy, no, momma, girl

Mary Connor, you weigh 22 pounds and you are 29 1/4 inches tall (25 th percentile).  You are on the move and walk around so proud of yourself. 

You are so busy, it's hard to get a picture of you that isn't blurry!

You too are a great eater, but you especially love fruit.

You like the push behind toys and will push LJ around the whole house.  You also love music.

Words you are saying:  Daddy, momma, yes, and mo (more)

You both are obsessed with the washer and dryer...the minute y'all hear them turn on, you both race into the laundry room and laugh and clap for them...

We love and cherish you both!

Sweetness

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11