what a Christmas, what a Christmas

we had a wonderful time in NC

with Brian's family. 

we ate too much,

laughed a lot,

  caught up w/ family,

and celebrated Emmanuel's birth!

we made it home safely last night after driving  

through some crazy weather.

we'll lie low like brer rabbit

for the next few days & then 

ring in the new year!

we spent Christmas eve w/ some

adorable german shepherd puppies

"please buy me, I'm only $900"

a little photo both action

Ecko loved sharing our traditions.

our time w/ her is priceless!

the most anticipated,

talked about,

& dreamed about

Christmas gifts

EVER

our handsome nephew-puppy

two ducks and a turkey

(not talking about my brothers-in-law.)

honest.

always some sort of competition going down.

the re-telling of the Nativity

happy birthday Jesus!

uncle Stephen time

cousins!

"Buon Natale!!"

JOY to the world!

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free

From our sins and fears release us

Let us find our rest in Thee

Israel's strength and consolation

Hope of all the earth Thou art

Dear desire of every nation

Joy of every longing heart!

He came to bring.....LIFE!

"The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.

I came that they might have life

and have it abundantly."

John 10:10

December had been crazy!

There have been some attempts at stealing

joy & life  around here-

car problems, 

crazy, busy schedules,

financial "surprises", family health issues...

we're choosing LIFE!

celebrating the One who was born

to bring that life.

thanking the One Who has provided

for our needs.

praising the Healer for His touch.

choosing to be intentional 

and not accept every party invitation,

but soak up the time we have as a family

while Ali's home from school.

(when she's not working, that is!)

we head to NC tomorrow,

"over-the-river-and-through-the-woods

Beverly Hillbillies" style -woot!woot!

F-R-A-G-I-L-E

 "It's a prize, a major award!"

my babies

let the baking begin y'all

Quinn's deciding which cookie
to eat, I mean decorate next

have a holly jolly Christmas!

Advent

it is truly the most 

 wonderful time of the year!

on the first Sunday of the advent season

we light the candle that represents

hope, expectation, and prophecy.

Emmanuel -God in the flesh,

here with us.

I long, hope for, and expect

Emmanuel to captivate the hearts

of our family this year!

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

Thanksgiving...just the pics, Ma'am

she loves a parade

(using that word loosely here...

what was once a true parade in my

childhood is now a broadway musical

venue w/ some balloons thrown in

 periodically...ugh!!)

Erin's turkeys & acorns

target practice w/ uncle Tom

cousin happiness

the patriarch has arrived

Tom carving the tom...hahaha

my beautiful sis-in-law

uncle Tom tells the best stories

pilgrim appearance

the 5th great-grandbaby!

tree time!

Ali's choice is a little much, I think

LOVE watching her re-discover her

favorite Christmas decorations!

let the Christmas
countdown begin!