Shhhhh.....It's a Surprise!

The kids and I went and had this picture taken Monday as a surprise for Daddy for Christmas!

I'm not sure if it (the surprise) will last that long!

Breakfast with Santa

A couple weeks ago Kaden got to go to the local middle school for a "Breakfast with Santa" event. WOW! What an event it was! Crafts, games, breakfast, middle school musicians, face painting, Santa, cookie decorating, and a Santa Shoppe. It was 3 hours long, but Kaden wasn't interested in many of the crafts, so we didn't stay the entire time. Still totally worth the $8 per person ticket price for the amount of Christmas fun.

Focused. Centered. Grounded.

Those words describe what I desire Christmas to be in our family. Focused on the birth of our Savior King. Centered on the spiritual gift of Christmas. Grounded in Truth and void of greed.

How can I accomplish this goal? This goal which seems so unattainable and lofty in a world so full of self and stuff!

One step at a time. This is my only hope for change. One step at a time with a desire and commitment to continue taking steps on this journey. Even though I know it will be like running a race uphill (with a 50 pound backpack), my children's souls depend on my dedication to taking steps.

This year it is a chain. A count down to Christmas chain. Each day we focus on one part of the Christmas story, one Biblical Truth, or one song/hymn of hope. I am blown away by what Kaden comprehends and how much he can remember from day to day. It is amazing what 5-7 minutes a day can add up to over 20 days. My efforts are bearing fruit.

Now...how do I put into practice what I'm teaching? How do we keep the chaos which surrounds December 25th focused, centered, and grounded? How do I show my children that Christmas is Jesus in the midst of a 24 hour (or longer) gift getting blizzard? How? Someone tell me how? My heart longs to change the past patterns and put in place meaningful, enjoyable, relaxed traditions that point away from self to the One in the manger.

Can I challenge you? (this IS my blog, so I guess I can)

What step are you making toward the manger and away from the mall this year?

Pictures with Gramie

Mom got the kids all darling Christmas outfits, then had her picture taken with them to send out as her Christmas cards. It was quite an ordeal just to get two kids dressed up and smiling, so, at least for this year, I'm glad my sister and I didn't try to get one of all 4 of them together. The pictures did turn out cute though.

My sister's cuties. Brielle (almost 2) and Brayden (born Nov. 18th).

Santa Siblings

Thank you CVS for the fun, free Santa hats...I'm looking forward to many more years of pictures like this one!

Eye Candy

Here's something to feast your eyes on until I get my act together and get another, more meaty post written!