Christmas 2013

Well, I did a poor job of taking pictures of our adventures around Christmas, but I can say that we had a very special year celebrating with family, friends and the one that gives us reason to celebrate - Jesus! It can be hard to keep the focus on the reason Christmas exists in the first place. You know, with all the food, presents, get togethers and such, but we tried each day to be intentional about HIM. And I tried with God's grace to not get stressed. I think I did a pretty good job, and I THINK Geoff would agree. 

You always feel like there's one more person you should have made cookies for or in our case, I start to feel bad that I sent zero Christmas cards out when I get all these lovely ones in the mail from people like you. But what I have realized is that while all that stuff is good, it's not what it's all about, so I should do what I can without it feeling stressful. And this year, Christmas cards was going to feel stressful, so they didn't happen. And let's be honest, a stressful life is not the life God wants for us! And with no work (that I get paid for at least), what I really got to do this season was S.L.O.W. D.O.W.N. with my children and enjoy it. Man, I am thankful for that. 

The kids, especially Mary-Michael, really got Christmas this year and helped to keep me focused. M&M has such a generous heart. She took an offering envelope from church a few days before Christmas and asked if she could put all her money in it to give to people who didn't have any. All on her own. I was proud and surprised! So she filled it up with every coin and bill she had, and I drove her to church to deliver it the next day. It was a moment when I felt like, "we're doing something right!" Now before you give me a "mom of the year" award or think she's a little angel all the time, she also still asked, "are there more presents?" after opening up more presents than I could keep up with from all those generous grandparents and family members. I mean, she is only 3, right?!

Here are a few pictures from the Lawrence Christmas (the only family gathering where I actually took pictures) where Eddie (the newest family member) stole the show. We had a lot of fun (and noise) with 14 of us opening presents in one room, and then we had the pleasure of hosting 8 of the Lawrence's at our home for the weekend after Christmas. 4-Wheelers, guns (shot safely) and cards (Hand & Foot) filled the agenda, and I think everyone had a good time!

And I can't leave out a picture from a mid-December gathering of all the "Desperate Petites" - aka the children and grandchildren of my momma's dear group of friends, called The Desperates. We have had bath times together, camped together and grown up alongside each other. They are a very special group of people!

Oh, and a few pictures from our Christmas tea party at the library (they also dressed up while there). Very fun!