Oh Christmas Tree

I LOVED decorating for our first Christmas in our new house.  It was so exciting figuring out where everything would go.  We did a tree downstairs...

Amelia helped me do this whole tree while Ross was at work.  She even helped me carry the box downstairs.  It was so sweet to see how into it she was this year, plus I needed the help!!

This stink bug ran around like a crazy woman.

A little tree in the playroom...

Our precious tree from Mammaw in the living room...

And new pink tree in the girls room...

I know that Christmas trees have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus, but the lights twinkling on the tree honestly feel so special and spiritual to me.  I loved lying in there the whole season and looking at the ornaments from the couch and recalling all the memories attached to each one.  It was such a cozy spot to reflect on my blessings each night.  Totally worth all the hard work!

Elise Mae is THREE, How Can It Be?

This sweet and precious girl wanted a dog birthday party and she just requested dogs everywhere, lol.  She was SO very excited for her big day to get here. 

Elise is a major ham- the funniest person in our family.  I knew she would act wild and crazy at her party, but she didn't.  She acted pretty reserved and even a tad shy.  It was so weird.  No matter how much you think you have your child pegged, they can surprise you!  She still had a great birthday, but definitely wasn't sure of what to think with all the attention just on her. 

Elise Mae,
You are such a wonderful, sweet gal.  I just can't get enough of your snuggles.  We all call you the snuggle bug because you love to sit in laps and nuzzle your head on my arm and shower me with sweet phrases.  You do the same to your sister and always tell her how much you love her.  Your sweet can turn sour really quickly when you want something, haha.  It seems you got your Momma's feisty nature and you definitely won't be talked into something if you don't want to do it.  I can see that personality serving you well in the future!  You crack us up daily with your hilarious one liners and funny faces.  It seems that you are always teaching me something and that is so humbling and dear to me.  Thank you my sweet one for your innocence and your curiosity.  I love you more than you shall ever know my three year old!
Love,
Momma

Sugar Cookies at Jen's

Every year, as far back as I can remember, we made sugar cookies at my Meme and Pop's. Always the same sprinkles and tablecloth and Meme wearing her red and green apron.  I always thought that apron was so cheerful and festive.  Then, schedules got busy, Steph and I got married, Steph and I had kids, and the tradition had to change a little.  A few years we made the cookies at Mom's house, and one year at my house in Ozark.  This year we did them at Jen's.  Whatever works into the schedule.  And, although flexibility and change really aren't my thing, I know in my heart it doesn't matter where we do them, as long as the tradition is carried on.  So, even though this was the inaugural year of just Steph and her girls, me and my girls, and Mom and her girls (haha) we had a blast.  The sprinkles and dough and concentration still evoked all that emotion in me of years past. Jen's dough tasted just like Memes and it was all prepared perfectly.  If I closed my eyes, we were at Meme's in her kitchen and I was 13.  Listening to Christmas music and making cookies.  I realize that traditions live on in your heart, no matter how they have to change to be carried out now.  And even if one year they can't be completed, the tradition NEVER goes away.  That is the awesome thing about my parents and grandparents working so hard to keep these going year after year; the memories remain.  And they always will!

This last pictures says it all- total happiness out of this fun day!!

Class Parties

I don't have to reiterate over and over again how happy I am with the school that the girls go to, but I will anyway.  It seems like just yesterday I was researching and agonizing and touring and questioning directors to death.  And then, I just had a peace.  This was the preschool the girls should attend.  And oh what a wonderful, wonderful place it has been for them.  So lucky that I was able to go to both of their Christmas parties (and that they were on different days) and that their school celebrates Jesus's birth!

Grinch kabobs

Thankful the Lord led us here!

New Traditions: Christmas Eve Donuts

  Steph and I decided that we would go to her house in our jammies on Christmas Eve Morning and just let the girls play and hang out.  This was so mom could get the house/food ready for everyone and to help the morning pass faster because the girls had already asked 574 times when we opened presents.  And...it worked!!  They never mentioned the presents we were opening later because they had so much fun!

 We played games and babies and ate donuts and colored and dressed up and had the most wonderful few hours ever.  This will definitely be a new tradition that we do each year!  Christmas Eve Morning with the cousines.

No make up monster faces