Christmas...I love this season!

We decided about two weeks before Christmas that we would be moving in January.  Which meant we needed to find a renter for February. And just like God always does he provided.  We have a renter all set.

Then came Christmas.  This season is filled with so many traditions for us.  I love all the traditions and when I don't have moving on the brain I love this season.  There were many times I had to stop and remember what I was doing, why we were celebrating, and who was really in control.

My kiddos loved Christmas day (and who wouldn't).  They were so very thankful for all their gifts.  They loved the day so much that they slept straight through till 7:45 the next morning.  Mason went to bed at 6:05 that night and we didn't hear a peep from him till the morning.  It was sooooooo nice. 

Here is some pictures from Christmas morning:

Just came down stairs to see what's under the tree :o)

Grammy & Grampy

This is what happens to Daddy on Christmas morning :o)

Len and Mason

I loving having family so close that they can come by for the morning!! 

Holding on!

With the tragedies of this week, I felt even more compelled to hold on to my family and enjoy the gifts God has given us.  I wanna hold on tight and make as many sweet memories as we can.

Tonight we went on our annual light seeing tour of the town.  PJ's, hot chocolate, and christmas carols.  Grammy & Grampy piled into the car with us and we spent an hour touring our town looking at the christmas lawn ornaments and lights! 

Then my oldest broke out in song and soon the whole car was singing a I quietly held back the tears of joy for all that we have been blessed with!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by the horror of this week and I pray for peace!

Balancing

I've been praying a lot (and trying to listen a lot) about just what is best for our family.  I have three boys that are so different and so similar it makes for very interesting parenting. 
I work at a job that God designed for me. I LOVE it and all I am able to offer Him through it.  And at the same time I question what about the family he gave me? Am I neglecting them?

While I haven't gotten my answer to that question yet, I have heard from other Mamma's that struggle with this "balance" too.

This weekend with all the family time we shared the word that was loudly echoing in my head was SLOW DOWN.  It was so FUN!  Like the kind of fun you can't replicate but wish would never end.  My kiddos felt heard, loved, and important.  There was no yelling, no tantrums, and no sibling drama. 

My hubby and I sat down Sunday night after the kids went to bed and commented on just how fun our kids are and what a great weekend we had!

Our kiddos need Mommy & Daddy to be present, not just here but truly present with them.  Tyler needs for us to laugh at his jokes, his silliness, and to honor the leadership role he has in our family as the oldest child.  Dylan needs to be heard. Not just yep, uha...but wow Dill, that's a great thought.  And Mason, he needs for us to delight in him.  He likes to be watched.  He does like us to play with him but what he really likes is to explore and have his two favorite people (Mom & Dad, in case you were wondering :) watch, and giggle with him.  He wants to run over for a quick snuggle and go back to exploring the world.  And sometimes when we let our world get too crazy we forget that THIS is our real job!

It's beginning to look like Christmas...

We made Christmas cookies today.  It's something we haven't done in years because it takes way too long for my liking.  And up until this year we haven't been able to decorate them. 
Our oldest is allergic to dye, and well everything fun has dye in it!!
So I bought natural dye and made my own colored sugar.  They're not your typical Christmas colors but beggers can't be choosers.  This year we will enjoy mauve and pea green Christmas cookies :o)

 

 

 



Yummy!!