Seriously!

I'm in the kitchen and I look out into the living room and this is what I see...

Seriously??

"hmmm, is he downloading a new app?" 

Christmas Photo Dump

Hello! I have so much to say I don't know where to begin. We had a beautiful Christmas. Filled with just enough down time and just enough family gatherings to make it perfect, memorable.

Four generations

Thanks Uncle Garret

Grammy made Jules and Kit matching outfits

love chubby baby legs

Never have I been so captivated by the beauty of what took place that first Christmas as I was this year. Having now given birth three times, I thought most about Mary this Christmas. Yes, I've done the homebirth. Nowadays that is so primal compared to the sterile medical procedure that is associated with giving birth. Mary gave birth to our risen Savior in a barn. Yes, he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but at that moment He was just her baby. She loved Him the way that I love my babies. This Christmas my heart ached for the young girl who no doubt writhed in pain amongst the muck of animals so that she could give birth to a baby that would bear the sins of the world.

I feel we have romanticized the nativity and the cross. Both are messy and painful, but isn't that part of the gospel right there? Why we needed a Savior to begin with. Life is messy and painful. Jesus took on flesh. He endured the good, the bad and the ugly to show us the way. He modeled a sinless life to give us hope. To show us that we can put our own wretchedness to death through the power of His resurrection. Praise the Lord for his abundant grace and praise the Lord for that young girl who was obedient to God's will for her life. Who birthed, nursed and nurtured our Messiah. Merry Christmas!!

Friday Confessions and Holiday Highlights

1. I went Christmas shopping on Wednesday and may have spent more on myself than the kids.
2. I tested out a sweet potato souffle recipe this week and ate almost the entire pan myself (thanks Mandee)
3. I hide behind my husband's Facebook and stalk people.
4. I'm going to see Breaking Dawn AGAIN before it leaves theaters (Thursday morning for who's ever interested)

Polar Express Day
Yesterday was the last day of school until January and parent's were invited to participate in the Christmas festivities. Juliana's class watched the Polar Express and enjoyed donut holes and hot chocolate. Oh to be in kindergarten again...

Best buddies at recess

This is Beckett. He LOVES Juliana. He even dropped off a Christmas gift at our house for her. Colored pencils, a rainbow streamer and pez. Getting a little nervous that she already has admirers at 5.

Love Mrs. Henken

Cookie Decorating
It was a day of treats. After school we headed to Grandma's to decorate Christmas cookies with Auntie Jess and Auntie Sarah. This is a tradition that my mom has been doing with us since we were little and now it lives on with my children. She makes my Grandma's molasses cookie recipe in fun festive shapes and we frost and sprinkle and savor every bite.

One of the best things is that everyone gets their own frosting and knife so tasting is 100% allowed

She's on the move...

And just for fun...here's what an evening in our house might look like. What can I say?? They love to use their imaginations...

d

Not sure how the bathing suit ties in with what she's doing

Gotta love the train whistle Trent got from a friend :)

Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas!! Love to you all.

P.S. We're visiting Santa today...so their MIGHT be an afternoon post :)