This year feels like a good time to start new traditions. The boys are old enough to both enjoy new games/crafts/and fun events. I always have good intentions to do lots of special things each year around this time. Don't we always have good intentions? What normally happens is I save no time for just our family. Time speeds by and before you know it it's time to take down the decorations and December 25th is 365 days away again.
This year our church is emphasizing a "simple Christmas". It has been my hearts desire for several years now to incorporate simplicity into our lives, especially around Christmas time. We rush around buying gifts, filling up the calendar with parties and events, rushing... rushing... rushing.... This year will be different, however. I will slow down, because as everyone knows mom sets the tone of the household. (Have you noticed that?)
This year we are starting a Christmas bucket list. A list of things to do in anticipation of Christmas day. There are so many things I have great intentions to do but never make the proper time for them. A new tradition this year will be doing a special thing each day from that bucket list. I will try and post at least one picture from each day to share things from our bucket. I think this will be loads of fun especially since I already have everything ready to go starting December 1st (which is tomorrow!) 25 things to do. Who's ready for some holiday cheer!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sorry for the overload of pictures in this post. There were far to many to choose from
What's a parade without the view?
From left to right: Lauren, Logan and Jakob
Thursday, November 24, 2011
"I'm thankful for.." Day 24
Happy Thanksgiving!! wow, I cannot believe this has come so quickly. Well... Maybe I can. If growing up makes time move faster, then I feel like I am moving a warp speed (seems like ludicrous speed sometimes). On the topic of Thanksgiving, mine was bittersweet. My parents were out of town and so this year we spent a little more time at the in-laws. It was wonderful not to be rushed, but I felt a little pang not being able to see my parents. This morning we got up early to head downtown to watch the HEB Thanksgiving Day parade! It was a brand new experience for all of us. I don't know who had more fun, me or the kids. Either way, it's definitely already on the calendar for next year.
Moving on to what I am Thankful for. (Besides the above)
I'm not sure how to express this, but I'll certainly try. And hopefully someone can identify with me on this. As tradition our local Christian radio station begins playing Christmas music on Thanksgiving. It's great for me because I LOVE Christmas music. I like modern songs, but I can't get enough of the traditional ones. For the last few years Christmas music has made me very emotional. I couldn't begin to tell you why, until now. I would just get all tight chested and watery eyed. Even going as far as bawling to some songs. I am not sad by any means, in fact, I think the opposite is true. I am extremely joyful. I still couldn't tell you exactly why.
The thought hit me tonight as I teared up to the first traditional song I heard. I am pretty sure it was "Noel".
Our family is getting pretty excited. And it's not about the holidays. You see, my dear sister in law is expecting her second child very,very soon. As it gets closer, the excitement builds and builds until you get that call that baby girl is on her way. I think everyone can relate to this. Most people have experienced a birth at some point.(other than their own of course). There is just something so exciting and wonderful about a precious new life being brought into this world. It's pure joy! So think for a minute of when you've experienced this for yourself.... Do you feel that excitement yet?
I cannot possibly begin to imagine the excitement and the joy that the whole heavens experienced waiting for the birth of Jesus. And I'm not just talking about the people in heaven or he angels, ALL of creation was waiting for this moment. The very stars in the sky waited in anticipation. They knew this little baby Jesus was the Savior of mankind.
So the tension is building, I imagine during the birth you could pierce the silence as all of creation held it's breath during this beautiful moment. Then suddenly... utter rejoicing, proclamations of peace on earth, thunderous applause, the angels singing hallelujah! Glory to the newborn King!
WOW, what a moment! That my friends is why I tear up listening to these songs. I can almost imagine the noise it must have made. "Joy to the world, the Lord has come!" "Do you hear what I hear?" "Noel, Noel born is the king of Israel" "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" "O Holy Night"
You get the idea. I hope. (by the way, I am tearing up now)
I enjoy other Christmas songs as well about Santa and sleigh bells and Frosty the snowman. But my dear, dear friends... If that satisfies your heart for Christmas... You are missing out.
Moving on to what I am Thankful for. (Besides the above)
I'm not sure how to express this, but I'll certainly try. And hopefully someone can identify with me on this. As tradition our local Christian radio station begins playing Christmas music on Thanksgiving. It's great for me because I LOVE Christmas music. I like modern songs, but I can't get enough of the traditional ones. For the last few years Christmas music has made me very emotional. I couldn't begin to tell you why, until now. I would just get all tight chested and watery eyed. Even going as far as bawling to some songs. I am not sad by any means, in fact, I think the opposite is true. I am extremely joyful. I still couldn't tell you exactly why.
The thought hit me tonight as I teared up to the first traditional song I heard. I am pretty sure it was "Noel".
Our family is getting pretty excited. And it's not about the holidays. You see, my dear sister in law is expecting her second child very,very soon. As it gets closer, the excitement builds and builds until you get that call that baby girl is on her way. I think everyone can relate to this. Most people have experienced a birth at some point.(other than their own of course). There is just something so exciting and wonderful about a precious new life being brought into this world. It's pure joy! So think for a minute of when you've experienced this for yourself.... Do you feel that excitement yet?
I cannot possibly begin to imagine the excitement and the joy that the whole heavens experienced waiting for the birth of Jesus. And I'm not just talking about the people in heaven or he angels, ALL of creation was waiting for this moment. The very stars in the sky waited in anticipation. They knew this little baby Jesus was the Savior of mankind.
So the tension is building, I imagine during the birth you could pierce the silence as all of creation held it's breath during this beautiful moment. Then suddenly... utter rejoicing, proclamations of peace on earth, thunderous applause, the angels singing hallelujah! Glory to the newborn King!
WOW, what a moment! That my friends is why I tear up listening to these songs. I can almost imagine the noise it must have made. "Joy to the world, the Lord has come!" "Do you hear what I hear?" "Noel, Noel born is the king of Israel" "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" "O Holy Night"
You get the idea. I hope. (by the way, I am tearing up now)
I enjoy other Christmas songs as well about Santa and sleigh bells and Frosty the snowman. But my dear, dear friends... If that satisfies your heart for Christmas... You are missing out.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
"I'm thankful for.." Day 17 18 19 & 20
Could it be? Really!?!
No, I did not fall off the face of the earth.
It just so happens that the reason I've missed these last few days is the very reason I'm so thankful. I know I've posted about this guy before, but I don't think one post can due him justice. He's my twinkie, my love. He makes me smile when I'm down in the dumps. He loves, honors and protects me. He puts up with my ever changing moods. He brings home the bacon (turkey cause he cares about my health ;). He gives me everything I could ever wish for and more. And even better, sometimes he knows what I need even when I do not. He's my handy man. My shining star. He has given two amazing, handsome boys. Their are lucky they got his smarts!
He planned this amazing get away for us to spend some much needed time together. I cannot begin to express how much all of his planning and researching means to me. What did I do to be so lucky?
No, I did not fall off the face of the earth.
It just so happens that the reason I've missed these last few days is the very reason I'm so thankful. I know I've posted about this guy before, but I don't think one post can due him justice. He's my twinkie, my love. He makes me smile when I'm down in the dumps. He loves, honors and protects me. He puts up with my ever changing moods. He brings home the bacon (turkey cause he cares about my health ;). He gives me everything I could ever wish for and more. And even better, sometimes he knows what I need even when I do not. He's my handy man. My shining star. He has given two amazing, handsome boys. Their are lucky they got his smarts!
He planned this amazing get away for us to spend some much needed time together. I cannot begin to express how much all of his planning and researching means to me. What did I do to be so lucky?
I almost forgot to mention the reason for the trip, we celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary.
I remember that day clearly. Cannon in D still brings me to tears.
I remember that day clearly. Cannon in D still brings me to tears.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
"I'm thankful for.." Day 16
I love our Wednesday night tradition. No matter what the week (or even the day of sometimes) holds, we count down the minutes until we get to spent this quality time together as a family. We have been supporting a local business every week. That is something that is important to us. We do what we can to support the little man, especially with Michael and I both running small businesses. We've gotten to know the owners and sometimes it feels like family. I feel extra special when we walk in and their already have our favorite pizzas prepped and ready to go into the oven. Yep, Joe and Uncle Sal are like our Italian family.
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