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!

End of the season...

Shelby closed out the end of the season for riding this past weekend at Ruston! She did GREAT! She came home w/ 16 ribbons --3 first, 6 second, 1 third, 3 fourth, 1 fifth and 2 Reserve Grand Champion High Point (one in Limited 13 and under and one in the Limited Novice category!)! She WON in one of the English Novice classes and she's not been riding English for about a month in a half to prepare for Congress.  She had EXCELLENT competition this time and competed to her fullest! We are so proud of her and how strong she is.

It was bitterly cold but she proudly wore her Championship jacket from Congress :). She is up for end-of-the-year awards in 2 associations, Ruston, LA and Sulphur Springs, TX. We cannot wait!

Rhett had a blast w/ mammy & pop pop. It was TOO  COLD for him to be at a horse show so they kept him for us, which was a HUGE blessing.

we let Sprinkles come inside for a bit yesterday. He/she is usually in the garage w/ a heater in the winter time

We cannot wait for Thanksgiving! We are headin up to Branson Wednesday w/ our family and will have a grand time!! MANY pics to come!