Oh the thinks you can think...: The most wonderful time of the year...

This Christmas season was a super awesome time for our family! I especially love traditions at this time of year and we continue to do a lot from my childhood as well as the ones our little family has added. As our family has gotten bigger over the years our time together has started to look a little different which in some ways is a little hard emotionally but at the same time has made for some very sweet memories. And through all the craziness, traditions and wrapping paper what by far stands out the most is celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The gift from Him is what it's all about and what I want my children to know is the true meaning of the season.

I love reading about the birth of Jesus and every year something different sticks in my mind and resonates in my heart. This year as I thought a lot about the many gifts God has given me the biggest thing that stuck out was that I wanted my family (including myself) to celebrate Christ as if His birthday was every single day of the year. I tend to "worship" the Lord in a more intimate way on Christmas and Easter and I know he desires that no matter what the day is. "Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore." Psalm 113:2

That is definitely my prayer and as I type this several weeks after being right in the middle of those thoughts I already see myself falling out of that mind set. How can it be so easy when the sacrifice He made was big?

This year our celebrating was kicked off by visiting Santa!

Next up were school parties! Noah's sweet teachers planned a brunch and a morning in the classroom with the kiddos, it was so unexpected and super fun. Eric and I loved chatting with the other parents and enjoyed all the yummy food.

Gabriel's party was full of activities for the kids. They decorated a picture frame, did a craft and decorated cookies for snack. It was fun to see all the little faces that he is always talking about and to get a glimpse in to their worlds at school. There is definitely lots of energy and fun personalities in his classroom.

On the Friday before Christmas we spent the evening celebrating with Eric's side of the family.

Peanut butter and syrup! This a tradition that has been around for a very long time and is enjoyed anytime the fam is together. G's first experience so Pa was showing him how it's done!

Noah was not as excited!

Eric and Pa!

This snowman seriously made Noah's day! He loved this thing and giggled and sat in awe everytime he noticed him sitting in our front entry. So cute!

Christmas Eve was so sweet and I could have not asked for a better day with my family! This is typically when all the traditions happen.

Pretty early that morning we baked and decorated a "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" cake.

For lunch we enjoyed potato soup and Charlie Brown Christmas (a must every year)!

Next we went to the candelight service at our church, my favorite part of the whole day! We went a little early so that Eric and Gabe could help out and that was such a treat for Gabriel, who loves helping! We sat with some special friends which was just icing on the cake! :o)

After service and dinner we baked cookies for santa!