Christmas 2011

How is it that another Christmas Day has already come and gone? The anticipation that builds and builds for months is gone in almost an instant flash it seems--no matter how many times during the day I tell myself, "slow down...savor this moment...stop and enjoy...intently pay attention to this", that moment passes all too quickly and we end up here. The next day, looking at the aftermath of Christmas (aka....the clean-up) and scouring every drawer in the house hoping it contains the necessary batteries. :) 

But regardless of how fast these two days of Christmas fly by, the very reason for these 2 days is celebrated all year long! The birth of our Savior is no "one-stop holiday"...it's a cause for rejoicing and finding JOY all 365 days of the year!! This Christmas season was met with tears (naturally, but is that any surprise to any of you?) and lots of laughter and of course, memories built upon previous memories. I may not have captured every one of them on film, but there are a few that will resonate for years. It'll be those "remember when" memories. ;) It was a Christmas filled with songs and traditions. And of course it was a Christmas that contained those beautifully wrapped packages placed ever so perfectly under that gorgeously decorated tree. The pictures explain it all so enjoy!! And we pray that you all had a very Merry Christmas and are finding the True Joy that comes with loving and serving and taking the very birth of Jesus to heart. 
                                                   
                                                Ready for the Christmas Eve Service!

 The boys always open one present on Christmas Eve...and it's always pajamas!! :)

Leaving the cookies and egg nog for Santa!

Santa left a note! ;)

my handsome guys

Christmas morning!

my little train lover!

Carson with a remote control truck!

Austin opening his new Bible! (and Bible case that he picked out!)

 

 Swords...hum...need I say more?!

the annual fishing lures for daddy!

more legos!!!! (thanks Grandma!!)

Hey...in a house full of boys, I deserve a little pink, right?! :)

 Somehow, almost without fail, Andy does a little something that brings a tear--this year, it was a photograph of my " MN home" (the farm) that he took years ago. It's of a MN sunrise over the frozen creek, the view from my parent's house....yep, that brought some tears. Thanks babe. :) I love it!!!

Yep--it's a Merry Christmas! ;)

 Christmas afternoon/evening was spent at Andy's parents house!

Kyle and Jen and girls

Mitch and Heather and boys (sorry...PJ was sleeping in his car seat but he's still "in" the pic!)

 One of the things on Carson's list was a snoopy and Austin really wanted a blue robe (think Polar Express and the little boy...)--thanks Nanny and Pappy! :)

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!