Christmas Season

Reese has been saying it's "Christmas Season" for the past few weeks, so when it was actually Christmas DAY, she was really excited. She may have gotten confused though when we kept on celebrating for several days. It's been such a wonderful month here, and I think I stood in genuine awe for one of the first times this year when I really stopped to think about the magnitude of CHRISTmas Day. Christmas is always wonderful, we always celebrate royally, and since having Reese, we are sure to emphasize the Birth of Christ more and more. However, this year was one of those emotional ones for me when I was able to recognize the Gift Jesus Christ brought to the earth. We are sinners and in need of a Savior, and God sent His Son to be just that. And we, as believers, just get to celebrate and show His love to others! What a gift. I mess up every day, but the gift Jesus offers wipes these things clean and allows me to live with Him and for Him. All I do is trust and have faith.

We did a daily advent reading from the Jesus Storybook Bible this year, and Reese got to put the pictures up each night on our banner. I think she liked it and started to understand what Christmas is. She can tell you it's Jesus' Birthday and that we give gifts because we have been given so much. It's a way to love others. The way she says nativity is about the cutest thing in the world. Ask her to say it if you see her.

I'm just going to let the pictures explain all of the fun we did this month. Some are way out of order, but I'll do some commentary where necessary.

Wes coming home with the tree right as the snow/sleet was starting to fall and right before we were stuck home for a long time.

Reese and I making Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls for ourselves and our neighbors.

Just half the recipe.

We made lots of really good food that week. Turkey Pot Pie, for example.

These two have started playing really well together. Here, they are playing "sleepover."

Snow day escape to Little Giggles.

I have TWO book lovers!

My new favorite thing. Graham is becoming an incredible snuggler.

Mopsy came up for one weekend while Wes and I had some Christmas Parties to attend. Reese and Graham kept her busy!

Kraft Christmas Party.

Mopsy and Reese making Christmas cookies.

Before heading out to the Annual Hoyle Christmas Party.

First Movie Theater experience. Frozen was so so good.

Daily post-nap movie time.

Popsy had to work up here for a couple of days, so of course we got to host him. And Graham took advantage of it.

Who can resist a booty up, ankles crossed, sleeping baby?

Christmas Eve.

Our little family at our church's Christmas Eve Service. I love being home on Christmas.

And I was the lucky one who got to host the Walker crew for Christmas Eve Dinner!!! So so fun!

Cousin gift exchange.

8/9. Graham was asleep.

Silly Faces.

Christmas morning. Sticky buns and Bible story before presents.

Christmas afternoon play time with new gifts.

The day after Christmas, we loaded up for Conway.

He is becoming quite attached to his blue puppy, and it's the cutest thing.

We made this announcement the next day! Yep, Baby #3 is coming in July!!! Surprise to us all, and we couldn't be more thrilled!

One of the lambs that we visited over Thanksgiving had babies, and Mom and Dad's neighbor brought this one home with her for a couple of weeks!

Settlers of Catan. Just come on over if you want to play. I'm in.

We drove home yesterday afternoon, and everyone was asleep by 9pm last night. EVERYONE.

Christmas morning with my camera.

Obviously, Reese was not cooperative that day.