Merry Christmas!

Best friends

Just a quick post because these pics are too cute not to...
Hershey and Shelby are truly BFF's.  They get each other... truly get...

Christmas Season

I've been absent from my page and I have no excuse as to why... Life I guess. This time of year is tough. I was chatting w/ a friend of mine and December is such a busy time for everyone. Kids are involved in parties, musicals, skits, etc... Parents are involved in taking the kids to everything, be at everything, bringing food/snacks for everything, buying Christmas gifts, making sure Santa has their lists, that the Elf on the Shelf is watching over them, keeping the Magic of Christmas alive in them why all the while instilling the TRUE MEANING of Christmas in all that they see and do during the month.  This is A LOT of pressure and A LOT TO DO in one month.

I've yet to finish Christmas shopping, haven't wrapped ONE gift, have no idea what Rhett is going to get for Christmas that is equivalent to Shelby's, making sure all the family is happy and equally gifted, the outside of the house has not one cent of Christmas decor on it (however the inside is beautifully decorated) and it won't have anything outside because it's just too late and really the least of the worries... the list can go on and on of what I've not done or need to still do but what I have done is love my babies the best I can, loved their daddy the best I know how, helped keep them safe and warm, and tried to instill Jesus in them. These two plastic clear ornaments w/ what seems like chaos stuffed inside help to remind me that our lives are blessed and that God is the reason. What could've been soo bad and so sad was delivered and made new and whole again, just like God's Son for us as he was crucified, buried but then rose again. The antique ceramic Christmas tree reminds me of my childhood. It was my mother's and and she gave it to me last year. It's the symbol that I remember growing up that meant it was Christmas time. She would get it out, place it in the front window of the house in the dining room and I would get to turn it on. I cherish this precious piece and now my kids get to turn it on. THIS is how I want Christmas to be in my home. Love, rememberance, memories, fun, laughter, and treasuring each other. I strive for this each year as the guests come, the food is cooked, the wrapping paper is shredded and each person is together and loved.

Christmas decor

As soon as we returned home from Branson, we unpacked, and immediately began to decorate for Christmas while we still had the uncommon burst of energy. This was special because this was the first year EVERYONE got to help. Rhett delighted in fluffing the tree and hanging certain ornaments. Only ONE was broken, which it had to be a valuable Christopher Radko one, but it was just a possession that wasn't worth the scolding.

Christmas is my favorite holiday because so much love and so much peace fell upon the earth at Christmas and it seems to be the time of year when that happens the most still today. The birth of Jesus is so remarkable and precious. Having a children of our own, I feel connected to how Mary and Joseph must have felt. The joy they felt at Jesus birth and the joy they must have felt watching Him grow. Children are special gifts from God. At times I forget and let the chaos, mess, and frustrations dim the light they bring to us. Christmas reminds me of the light we are to shine and let our children shine in this dim, dark world.

Thanksgiving recap

We had a blast in Branson w/ my in-laws and the kids. It was a long drive and there were some moments of insanity, as there are w/ anyone riding 6 hours in a confined space w/ small kids. We enjoyed an afternoon and evening at Silver Dollar City, a day on the Branson Landing, dinner and a show at the Dixie Stampede, a trip to Bass Pro Shop in Springfield and a wonderful Thanksgiving day in Springfield w/ family. We are so very thankful for family and friendships! Christmas is quickly approaching and these memories made w/ the kids are fleeting quickly as well.
Thank You Lord for each and every day we have and for this amazing family You have blessed us with.

This was the only ride Rhett wanted to ride the whole afternoon. Very unlike him but he still enjoyed seeing the rides and seeing all the beautiful lights at SDC.

Shelby's favorite ride, the BIG SWINGS, was with her Uncle Jeff this time. 

Balloon Ride w/ Daddy high in the air

 Rhett had a special treat...
Riding on Mr. Phillip's tractor! Rhett was on Cloud 9!

Branson isn't complete w/o a trip to Springfield's Bass Pro Shop!