Wednesday, December 25, 2013

His message...

Can you hear it? His message to the shepherds is His message to us today. “You will find a baby lying in a manger. You will find my love where you least expect it. You will find me in the mud, in the muck, in the dirt. And in the mess of your sin and the hurt of this life, I will find you.” - Katie Davis

This Christmas - no matter how imperfect you feel,
no matter how chaotic the day was with family,
or how much sin is weighing you down…
may his LOVE envelope you wherever you are.


P.S.  (If you haven't read Katie's book "Kisses From Katie," you have to check it out! I have a copy if anyone wants to borrow it - such an inspiring story about a young girl who literally leaves her "normal" life behind for what she feels like God is calling her to. So many AMAZING insights and interpretations from a brave young woman with an incredible heart!)

Monday, December 23, 2013

Cookie Decorating Fun and a Little Early Christmas Celebration

We had our 8th annual cookie decorating party at my cousin Chasity's house. It's so fun to look back through the photos and see how much the kids have grown…and what new one's have been added:) Chas is such an amazing host - and has all the cookies and decorations ready to go when we get there! Each child gets about 6 sugar cookies or so to decorate however they want!





We also had a chance to get a few self-timer photos of our family while we had all the snow a few weeks ago! I LOVED being snowed in with my kiddos - so much fun and lots of memories made!! We even made our first-ever batch of snow ice cream:)


Last night, we had a early Christmas celebration at my mom and dad's. My mom always goes above and beyond when it comes to the meal - we had salad, filet mignon, twice baked potatoes, green beans, homemade mac-n-cheese, rolls with homemade cinnamon butter, and cherry delight for dessert. I literally couldn't move after eating:) Then we took some family photos and traded gifts. I love how thoughtful everyone was with their gifts…I am so blessed with an amazing family. We had such a joy-filled evening!



One celebration down…three to go:)

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Gift guide 2013

Since I've been stuck at home for close to 72 hours now (don't let me fool you, I've enjoyed every second), I've spent my time decorating, watching Christmas movies with the kids, and wrapping all the gifts I have purchased. I usually go a little overboard with the presents…I just can't help it! I find so much joy in picking out the "perfect" gift for everyone…I spend hours and hours researching different gifts and comparing prices. I probably enjoy the whole process a little too much:)

I do 90% of my shopping online. With a full time job and two small children, it is VERY rare for me to have a free day to go shopping. So for the last few years, I have found it easier to save things that I find throughout the year online at Pinterest.com or Etsy.com. Then when it is time to begin Christmas shopping, I already have a good head-start!  

Of course I don't want to give anyone any clues to what I purchased for them this year - but I thought I would do 3 categories: gifts for women (mom, sister, sis-in-law), gifts for men (husband, dad, brother-in-law), and the kiddos! Here is a quick gift guide for Christmas 2013, just click on the photo description to follow the link:













And now for the kids…













































































































Just a few fun ideas - I would love to know some of yours:) I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!