It's beginning to look....

...a lot like Christmas!! The tree is trimmed, decorations are up, the house is outlined in white lights, egg nog has been consumed, and presents appeared under our tree within minutes of it being completed. (literally....minutes. see photo below) There were 6 little eager hands as we set out to make it an evening of "Christmasing". 

Austin helping daddy get the tree ready!

Mason would clap every time a string of lights turned on :)

Time to hang outside lights!

daddy and Austin

 As we unwrapped the ornaments that would soon adorn our tree, the boys were ever so anxious to find the ones that had their names on the bottom. There were the "baby's first Christmas", the ones from Aunt Jen, ornaments that hold sentimental meaning, and some that had a little story behind them. It brought a smile to share the stories, to hear the boys exclaim "I remember this one!" as they found that perfect branch to place their ornament on, and to look through their eyes as our living room exploded with vibrant color. 

I love this pic. of Mason!

 

Austin put a present under the tree for daddy!

The boys have "upgraded" their nightlight in their bedroom to a small tree that illuminates their entire room! 

As I look around our home, I can't help but notice a central theme: Joy. It's the one word that I think sums up this time of year pretty well. And really, should sum up every day of the year. Even with all the presents that will line the base of the tree come the morning of December 25th, not one will be greater than the ONE gift that was given over 2000 years ago. He is the ultimate source of Joy, no matter what season we find ourselves in. 

"...I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10 & 11