Christmas Time

We have started off December with as much Christmas as we can handle. We have gone to the Collierville Tree Lighting with Daddy Doc and Granny T:

we have worn our Christmas jammies and watched lots of Christmas movies:

we have looked for snow:

and played in it:

we have decorated our trees:

and watched Christmas parades featuring Easton and Jake:

we have enjoyed Daddy being home and done with school until January 9 (can I get a whoop whoop!) :

 

we have celebrated PawPaw’s birthday with some ribs from the Rendezvous:

we have played  with our girlfriends at church:

and celebrated BFFs birthdays:

we have enjoyed storytime on the Square:

and we have just enjoyed being together at home.We have been doing an advent calendar everyday that tells the Christmas story and the kids can play with the figures. It is such a privilege to be able to share with them a story from the heritage, and one of their salvation. I also have realized this year more than ever how broken this world is. I have a friend whose husband is fighting testicular cancer (& she gave birth to their 3rd child last week-all 3 and under), I have a friend who lost a precious baby this time last year, I have a friend who just got out of jail (for some undeserved time), and I am just heartbroken for the coach and baby girl not far from here who lost their wife/mama. I am so thankful this isn't the end. And thank goodness, because this place isn't good. It is sad and hard. Thankfully, God loved us so much he has prepared a good place for us to spend eternity. And this season, I am trying to remember myself and teach my kids every day that Jesus can get us there. In fact, he is the only way for us to get there.

We have given our daddy a little more love than usual (but not as much as he deserves!)  

The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.
--Henry David Thoreau