The most wonderful time of the year...

We have had a great Christmas so far...and it has barely begun for us! We start our family travels later this week to get lots of grandma/grandpa cuddles, aunt & uncle hugs, and cousin lovin'...We attended the Comanche Christmas Parade for the 3rd year where the kids enjoyed bundling up together, running around with friends, waving at lighted parade floats & horses, seeing bright & loud firetrucks, and catching candy.

This past weekend, we had a fun birthday breakfast celebration for Jesus. We have worked really hard this year to keep the Christmas symbols from overshadowing the true reason for Christmas. The girls worked hard at making yummy muffin cupcakes and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.After rereading the Christmas story and emphasizing that Jesus was the very first and greatest Christmas gift for us, we let the girls unwrap an early present.

Audrey has not stepped off of this scooter for two whole days now. I actually woke up this morning to the sound of wheels rolling through the kitchen and down the hall.

We usually have some sort of box to hide in around here, and Brenna was overjoyed to see her "bes fen" (best friend) Mater come to life to serve as our newest playhouse pal.
The lights are looking great outside again thanks to Daddy.

And one of my favorite stories this year: This Cowboy Santa who came visiting on the Comanche Square was none other than Mr. Bolivar, a long-time family friend of my grandparents and parents. We got to catch up and tell old stories with "Santa"...He was so sweet to the girls, and Brenna kept saying, "Santa! Kiss head!" Santa had given her a special kiss on her forehead :)

"Away in a Manger" by: Audrey Lynn

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.

But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.

I love the Lord Jesus. He asked me to stay

and stay in my manger til morning is night."

Our "versions" in life may not always be perfect, but if our hearts are right, it is the sweetest thing we can bring to Him.

Don't let the hustle and bustle of Christmas overshadow the real celebration of the season...Jesus is the Reason!