Christmas Peace

Its the most wonderful time of the year...

Christmas preparations, Christmas light sightseeing, an amazing road trip, and some time at home enjoying our gifts and each other. That's how we've spent our 2 week vacation.

Santa left Em'ry's computer at our house a little early because he knew she would enjoy it on the long journey.

Em'ry traveled like a champ! We enjoyed our visit with the Popes and loaded back up to finish our trip to Booker. This Christmas was so special for so many reasons.

Its kind of a tradition for our family portraits to have me wearing a mysterious hat ;)

To sum it up...FAMILY! And, when you think about, how do we celebrate family?

We eat together!

COOKIES!

I'm all about messy fun! And, believe it or not, BRANDI was in charge!

Em'ry being 2 makes a big difference. She understands the whole Santa thing, and though she refuses to sit on his lap, she was more than happy to leave him milk and cookies and enjoy the gifts he left.

She also appreciates the gifts and loves on the people that love her.

We are truly blessed to be able to travel to God's country and enjoy our family.

When we returned home we began the cleanup and organization that is necessary with the passing of each year. Em'ry's room was the biggest project as I placed her changing table and 6-12 months clothes in storage to make room for all of the fun toys she received this Christmas.

I am so excited to see what God has in store for our family in the upcoming year! So, as for 2010,

that's all folks!

A December to remember...

Family, friends, trees, hot chocolate, lights, hayrides, Christmas movies, and JESUS!

It seems like yesterday that my sisters and I were giddy with excitement as we loaded up with my parents and made the trip to find our Christmas tree. Wow, what vivid memories I have of overflowing stockings, houses FULL of people who came together in love to eat and share gifts, taking naps in front of the fireplace, opening presents at midnight and then waking up before dawn to see if Santa had visited. Santa always fulfilled our wishlists, Grandma Dovie's tree was always perfect and equally so were Grandpa's Christmas lights, and Grandma Godino always had amazing food. Man, I have big shoes to fill. A home of my own and a husband and daughter that deserves the best.

The stockings are hung and the yard is lit with beautiful lights. In a few days, we'll travel to Booker and fulfill a couple of those longtime traditions. But, I'm learning that its time for me to step up and take the reigns. New traditions are emerging.

We will bake Christmas cookies with our own intentions. We will celebrate Jesus's birthday! Em'ry has been singing Happy Birthday Jesus for a few weeks now and the sound is so sweet. As times change and people move on, one thing remains, Emmanuel. God With Us!

One of those new traditions, began this year at Dewberry Farms where we found our beautiful tree!

We ventured out with friends to the Cat Springs Tree Farm for a hayride and smores around the fire pit.

Em'ry and Cade enjoyed a visit with Mrs. Clause. This is now the third Christmas that Em'ry will experience without sitting on Santa's lap. And, I'm okay with that.

Well, Richmond is far different from Booker but I'm proud to call it home.

What a December we have had so far and the best is yet to come!