Christmas Eve 2013

We spent Christmas eve doing the traditional thing we've done the last few years.  We had a mexican lunch (enchiladas & tamales) at AB's parents, then came home for a nap before getting ready to church.

We went to the early service this year (5:30pm) since it was for kids/families.  It was precious!  Three kids told the Christmas story and any and all kids who wanted to participate could pick the character they wanted to be (angel, shepherd, wise man) and at their part, they would gather at the back of the church and then walk towards the manager seeking our Savior.

 

Sweet girls that were sitting with were angels so Brady opted to go up with them, as an sweet little angel.  At the end, we broke our glow/light sticks and sang "Silent Night" and let our little lights shine.

I can NOT make it through the Christmas eve service without tears.  I just become overwhelmed by His love for us and the tears just fall.

Blurry is typical for pictures these days.  But he is smiling ;)

Oh how He loves us!

Then to see your child's innocence and love. 

 

Oh.my.  Be still my heart.

Last year we started the tradition of taking Christmas goodies to our local firehouse.  It is just a small token to show the love of Christ and to say thank you for risking your life each and everyday for those of perfect strangers.  Since I've had B, I'd had big dreams of doing all these wonderful holiday traditions, but I have to be real and know those expectations cause me more stress than joy.  Maybe when he gets older, I can try some other things.  But for now this is the one thing we do together as a family from making the goodies and then dropping it off.  There were only 2 firemen at the station, as the rest were out on a call and those 2 had just returned.  So it was a quick drop off, but definitely worth it.  We came home, then went back out to his parents to see the cousins for a few minutes and give them their Christmas pjs. 

Once we got home for the night, it was time to put the boy to bed & play Santa!  After we put out treats for Santa & his reindeer, of course!

His big Santa gift didn't fit under the tree.  So we just left it in the backyard.

 Sorry for the horrible phone pictures.  It was LATE and I didn't think about getting the DSLR out.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men." 

Luke 2:14

Brady: Santa 2013

Last Thursday, I took B to see the big man in red.  Our church had Breakfast with Santa the weekend before and he willingly sat on his lap, but I think more for the candy cane than anything.  He will do anything for food, ha!

So I wasn't real sure how he would do with Santa at the mall.  Figured it would be a take it or leave it kind of deal.

Wrong!

He was obsessed, even whined for Santa when we left.  As you can tell from the video.  So we are two for two on Santa pictures.  I just adore this photo.  Such a sweeeeet boy!

Saviour King

I could listen to this song on repeat.all.day.long.  And tonight that's just what I'm doing as everyone else is snoozing away.

I have a million things to do in preparation for Christmas.  Like sew/embroider last minute gifts.  But instead I'm finding myself just wanting to worship at His feet.  Singing praises to Him for what He has done.

For He is good.

Even when we feel as if the world around us is collapsing.

Even when we feel alone, in what should be the most joyous time of the year.

Even when we feel inadequate in our daily lives.

Even when we don't understand the why's of this life.

He alone is good.

I read on Twitter the other day, "your presence is the best present you can give your kids this year."

Being presence in their little lives, drawing from their sweet little minds, seeing His love through their innocent little hearts.  Loving and praising them for even the littlest of things they have done.

What if this could ring true with our Saviour King.

Our presence is the best gift we can give Him this year.

Being in His presence, allowing Him to be present in our lives, drawing strength from Him, seeing His love through the hearts of others.  Loving and praising Him even for the littlest of things He has done.

After all, He is the reason we celebrate the season of Christmas.  And all He wants is to love on us.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

So what better way to celebrate than at His feet...worshiping and thanking Him.

Loving Him.

For He alone is good.

This Christmas season, we love you Lord, we worship you.  You are our God and you alone are good.

And now the weak say I have strength
By the spirit of power
And now the poor stand and confess
That my portion is served and I'm more than blessed

And now our hearts burn with a flame
A fire consuming all for your son's holy name
And with the heavens we declare you our king
We love you Lord
We worship you
You are our God
You alone are good.

And now your church shine as the bride
That you saw in your heart as you offered up your life
And now the lost being welcomed home by the saved and redeemed, those adopted as your own

And now our hearts burn with a flame
A fire consuming all for your son's holy name
And with the heavens we declare you our king
We love you Lord
We worship you
You are our God
You alone are good.

You asked your son
To carry this
The heavy cross
Our weight of sin

I love you Lord
I worship you

Hope which was lost
Now stands renewed

I give my life
To honour this
The love of Christ
The Saviour King

Christmas Card 2012

Linking up with Faith & Kelly's Korner today, sharing our Christmas card.

We have received some beautiful cards this year!  One of my favorite things of the season, going to the mailbox and seeing our sweet family & friends sending us their love.

I have to admit we have yet to send our Christmas cards.  We ordered them a while back but they have yet to arrive.  Kind of like B's Santa gift, but that's a whole other post.
 

So here's a virtual copy for you all.

 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!  

Oh how He loves us!!

And to our family/friends...as soon as they arrive I'll address them & ship them out.  As of now they are schedule to arrive Christmas eve :( better late than never so they say???

Santa Claus 2012

Today, I took Brady to see the man in the red suit.

Santa Claus.

There was quite a line but I decided we were there so let's just go for it.  Because I knew the closer it got to Christmas and the weekend, the crowds would be even worse and I didn't want to have to get back out with all the holiday shoppers.

So an hour and a half later...we finally made it to the front of the line.

I was SO proud of how well Brady did.  He was so happy during the wait, even though he couldn't get down.  We spent lots of time standing in the stroller, standing at my feet, and distracting him with the Christmas trees, wipes, and water.  He enjoyed watching all the people and saying "Hi" to the people in line with us.  Even the lady behind us commented on how well he had done.  He did start to melt down about the last 5-10 minutes of the wait.  But other than that I was super proud of him and it made this mommas heart so happy.

And he did wonderful once we got to see Santa!  He was so tired and would smile after the flash went off.  But that's okay, I think his picture turned out PRECIOUS and I am so glad I
took the time to wait in line to capture this sweet moment.

It was actually cold today!  So it was the perfect weather to bundle up...so I went all out (wool sweater, scarf, and all) because lately we've had more summer days than winter.    Well, I was a mess by the time we got Santa.  It was HOT in the mall.  I couldn't wait to get outside and feel the wind and glorious 60 degrees.

Oh how I love that sweet boy!  So thankful I get to be his momma!!

Drive-thru Nativity

Tonight, we took Brady to a live, drive-thru nativity scene.  A local private school put it on and it was wonderful.  It's been years since I've been a live nativity scene, probably a good 10 years.  But I was so excited to take Brady and teach him about the real reason for the season.  I didn't even think to take a camera so all I had was my phone.  Not the best quality.  But look at that angel above the stable area.  Amazing!

A babe in a manger, Jesus.

For the occasion, I dressed him in his Christmas pj's.  We made our way to the school and there was a long line, which kind of worried me since it was close to his bedtime.  But he did wonderful and I think really enjoyed it.

We streamed Christmas music through Bluetooth and let Brady hang out the window while we went through.

They offered us hot chocolate and oatmeal creme cookies to enjoy while going through the scene.  Brady LOVED the cookie!  And kept saying "mmm, mmmmm" which makes the mess it made all over the car seat worth it.

 

Brady waved to the all the shepherds, said "hi" and "dog" to the angels lined up along the way.  I think the students enjoyed him also.  They had to stand out there, in silence for TWO hours!  They stood in complete silence and so still.  Some almost looked fake!

It was a special treat.  It was magical.

The students did an amazing job and it was just what I need to get into the Christmas spirit.



Brady was asleep within minutes after leaving.  I hope this becomes a family tradition for us.  Can't wait to go back through next year! 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

-Isaiah 9:6 

Our Weekend & Christmas decor

Hello December!  Normally, I am super excited when December rolls around but this year it is bitter-sweet.  Because we will be celebrating B. turning 1.  Oh.my.word!  Where has the time gone?  He is growing too fast for this momma's heart.

So I am trying to soak in every moment before he turns one.  Our weekend was rather low-key which was much needed.  Friday, honestly I don't even remember what we did.  Oh yeah, we went to my in-laws for dinner.  Pizza!  I was happy to have a night off from cooking.

And I tried getting the rest of the Christmas decorations up!  I'm slowly chipping away at it.

Between Christmas, sewing orders, and planning B's party...I am exhausted.

I had planned to go to a Christmas shopping thing with a friend but plans fell through.  Which I was actually kind of glad because I just wanted a night-in.  I know, so sad.  And old.

Whew, you turn 30 and hmm yeah, turn boring.

Saturday, I worked in my sewing room.  Which is one giant mess that I drives me nuts!  I am hoping to have it all organized, one day.

My friend came over with her baby & spent the afternoon with us.  I watch her baby a few days a week so it was fun to see her & him!  Her husband ended up coming over when he got off work and we had dinner together.  I made Trisha Yearwood's Chicken Tortilla soup and it was delicious!  Hmm with 4 cups of half and half, it should be!

It was a nice little evening with friends and babies.

Today we didn't make it to church, which I was kind of sad because it's the first Sunday of Advent.  I love the Advent season.  But we were going to a Christmas musical to watch my mother-in-law sing and so we stayed home so B. would at least get one nap in for the day.

 So much fun!

It was in another town about an hour away.  I will say it was not a place for an 11 month old.  Luckily his grandfather was more than willing to take him out during the performance.

When we got home, we made a trip to Home Depot to pick out a REAL Christmas tree.  I've wanted to do a real tree but AB says he's allergic.  I don't believe him ;) so we are testing it out this year! 
 
But really real trees just scream Christmas to me and I wanted to put one up in our kitchen/dining area and a small 5ft real one was prefect for the spot!  It is my most favorite tree!  And I think it will know be our new family tradition to go pick out a real tree.

 B. loved riding in the buggy/basket.

Our Christmas tree shopping was so fun...even if it's 80 degrees outside.

And now for it all decorated...the easiest tree I've decorated in my life!  Less is more with this one!

 Burlap, a few snowflakes, and Peace.

love.

 For until us...a child is born.

 

And I think I finally got the BIG tree done!  Only after putting 115 shatterproof ornaments on it...less is NOT more in this case! ;)

My mom taught me that you can never have too much on your tree!

Hard to get a good picture.  I'll have to get a good one w/ our DSLR.  And I need to get more fabric for the skirt.  AB ended up putting the tree on a big piece of wood and anchored it so there is no way B can pull it over.

And that pretty much sums up our weekend.  My view as I write this...

We have a busy week ahead!  For this next Saturday is this not-so-little anymore guy's birthday party!

 
Hope you all have a blessed week!  And know God's grace is enough to get you through...