Making Christmas Memories

It's been a fun week around here! The weather has been cold and Christmas-y. I've been slow about getting my decorations up this year, I normally put them up right after Thanksgiving. But, we've been out of town and have had alot going on so, I haven't completely finished with my decorating. I was stressed about it at first, but I realized that that's not what Christmas is all about. I want to be able to enjoy this season, and if I'm so focused on trying to have everything "just so", then my focus is not on the right thing. I have really been trying to take things a day at a time, enjoying doing special little activities with Emma like putting up her own little tree, making ornaments with her, baking cookies, and going to Mr. Larrell's to get cedar for my Christmas decorations. Making the most of every moment, b/c Emma won't be little for long. These are some pictures from the week. The last one is of her at Larrell's house or Mr. Harold as Emma calls him (it's hard for her to say Larrell). He has a beautiful log cabin and it just feels like a Smokey Mountain Christmas when you walk in! I love going there! Enjoy the pics!

Playing with Baby Jesus!

The true meaning of Christmas? Jesus Christ

The spirit of Christmas is found in the hearts of little children, in the sounds of their giggles, in their excitement and anticipation of the night " you know who comes to visit"!

Well, we have a "new" friend around our house.......baby Jesus. I pulled down one of our Nativity scenes for Christmas and Emma was so excited to play with it! But since it is fragile, the only piece small enough and that probably will not break is the baby Jesus. So.....she has carried baby Jesus around for the past two days! Her little imagination never ceases to amaze me. He's ridden with her in the carseat, sang songs with her as she rides in back. He has ridden in one of her play cars she got from her Uncle Brad. He goes everywhere she goes!

That makes me think about something. My life. Do I "bring Jesus" with me everywhere I go? God calls us to have a child like faith. I think this might be what he means!

A Tree of My Own

Granted the ornaments have yet to be put on or even purchased but Emma loves her own special Christmas tree! When I was a kid I loved the different colored lights so I put those on for her. I'll post more pics after it's complete. I just wanted you all to see her "little" tree.

Family

It was so good to see all the family together yesterday! Robert and Amy flew in for the week, so we all got together to celebrate an "early Christmas" at Amanda and Johnathon's in B'ham. Chloe and Emma had tons of fun playing together. I can't believe how much they look alike!

Roasting Marshmallows

Emma enjoyed roasting her first marshmallows ever on Saturday night at Ryan and Krista's!

6 Years!

On Dec. 2nd, Mike and I celebrated our 6th anniversary! Marriage is an awesome thing and a blessing from the Lord, what can I say! God has taught us so much about what love truly is and what it means to become one. I feel so blessed to have had 6 wonderful years of marriage to Michael!

Getting Ready.....

for the big day was alot of fun for Mike and I. Since Mike hardly ever goes hunting, we had to go and buy him a few camo items to ensure that he did not scare off any potential "game"! He and Ryan had alot of fun getting out at 4:30 Saturday morning and freezing their buns off, unfortunately they only saw does, no bucks! Better luck next time huh?

Mike didn't mind though, it was more fun to him just hanging out and taking in all the beautiful scenery and fresh air!