Christmas 2010

I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head today. So much that I want to say, so many moments that I don't want to forget. I have already started my list-making this morning: lists of things I need to get done for Sienna's birthday party (in 2 days!!!), lists of moments I want to scrapbook or blog about, lists of things I want to change about next year's Christmas celebration, lists of "resolutions" for the New Year. My mind is a bit chaotic and jumbled, and I feel the need to take a big deep breath, clean out the old and start the new year fresh. But before I move forward, a look back.......

a special date with Gaga for a Christmas concert

a visit with Santa

a family photo (all looking at the camera!!)

a class book exchange

 decorating gingerbread houses

a class performance in pajamas

a special friend's birthday party

riding on the Polar Express

going on a carriage ride with cousins

matching family pj's

a very happy girl (thanks Jon-Jon and Su-Su)

and a very happy boy!!

I don't know if I'm the only one, but in the midst of the Christmas season, I have a tendency to get a little panicked....I put a lot of pressure on myself to create the magic, to keep up the traditions, to make the memories, and sometimes it causes an unintended backlash = I end up cranky, stressed out and very "un-spirited" and that's when I know that I am not in the right frame of mind, that my focus is not where it should be = on the One we are celebrating in the first place. But as I look back on our photos from the past few weeks, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude! This Christmas was definitely not perfect: there were arguments, blurry photos, cranky kids (and moms), broken ornaments, messy rooms, bickering kiddos, mad dashes to Target, and runny noses...... BUT there were also squeals of joy, smiling faces, hugs of forgiveness, piles of presents, sweet songs, and enough love to last a lifetime......and for that, I am forever grateful.

Christmastime

Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! I can't believe the big day is just around the corner, yet I am sticking to my promise to myself not to get carried away in the stress, the rush, the pressure.....and instead, to focus on the magic that is around every corner this time of year.

The next few weeks will be busy for us. We still have lots of activities to look forward to: our annual cookie decorating party at Gaga's house, a visit with Santa Claus, Christmas parties at school and a very special 5th birthday party to plan. But my prayer is that I will ease into each activity with a sense of grace, a sense of peace and a heavy dose of gratitude!

I am behind on my December Daily album, the Christmas cards have yet to be mailed, not a single present has been wrapped (although a few too many have been purchased), and the house is in a bit of a mess, but I am choosing this year to focus on the twinkling lights, the beautiful tree, the cozy nights by the fire, the Little People nativity set on the coffee table, the hand-made ornaments, the freshly baked cookies, and the anticipation of the days to come. There may not be time left to "get it all done," but there is still time to read a few stories by the fire, deliver goodies to the neighbors, to talk about the birth of Jesus, to pile in the car and look at the lights, to stop and give thanks for all that we have been given and all that we are blessed to be able to give.

thanksgiving recap

December has arrived, and the Christmas decorating is in full swing around our house, but before we get too far into the holiday season, I wanted to post a quick little recap of our Thanksgiving holiday.

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Mississippi, surrounded by family that we only have the chance to see about once a year, so we try to squeeze in as much as possible in just a few short days. We laughed and ate and played around the clock = NO naps for Grant after he discovered that he could climb out of the Pack-n-play (frankly, I'm a little surprised it's taken him this long)! We saw "Tangled," played at the park, did a little shopping, watched the Macy's Parade, ate at Five Guys Burgers, stopped for ice cream and generally left chaos in our wake :) Sienna and Grant had a blast with their grandparents (lots of Bendaroo building and Candy Land playing), and ran around with their cousins until they literally dropped into bed at night! We also made several trips to Starbucks and the local bagel place, and Johnny and I entertained ourselves at night with some extreme Scrabble games on the iPad.........we're crazy like that :)

We made wonderful memories, took lots of pictures, and made it home just in time to jump into the magic of the holiday season.........here we go!!!