Until Next Year?

Things have been so hectic around here the past few days, I've scarcely had time to breathe, much less blog.

While trying to get ready for Christmas, work, and everything else, I managed to come down with some awful virus, food poisoning, or something and spent all of Monday night losing everything I'd eaten and then some. Lovely picture, right? Yesterday was also a down day for me, and today, I finally feel like I'm beginning to recover. Thing is, I lost a whole day and a half. I'm SO behind! So today, I'm going to share a couple of our Christmas traditions, bid you a Merry Christmas, and take some time off.

On Christmas Eve, we all gather round and read the account of Jesus' birth in the story of Luke. It's a wonderful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas each year. Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Son!!!

Every year on Christmas (except last year because I had two sick boys), Channing's parents, brother and fiancee, and we have a big Christmas dinner at our house. We do it Christmas night, and it's always so much fun. We eat lots, sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, and open the remaining presents.

After Christmas (this is our second year going after Christmas, two years ago, we went the week before Christmas), Channing, his parents, the boys and I head to Highlands, NC for a week of relaxation in the mountains. It's a long trip but worth it once we get there. The sights are beautiful, the air is fresh, and it's just a great getaway. After Christmas, it's just what we need!

Well, those are three of our annual Christmas family traditions. I'll probably be taking some time off. You'll hear from me again in the new year, once we get back into town. Until then, please share some of your Christmas traditions, some of you random thoughts, etc. I may get around to posting some of those things between now and then, but yesterday and Monday taught me that I never know what may happen with my time. So if you don't hear from me, MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!! and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Traditions...The Countdown to Christmas

Only 8 more days until Christmas!

Seriously, 8 days until Christmas. Are you ready for the big birthday celebration?!? The countdown is on. Let's make this Jesus' best birthday yet!

On to the Christmas tradition:

I love Christmas traditions, and I'm sure you're tired of hearing me say that each one is one of my favorites, but this one really really is. It ranks right up there with delivering food on Christmas day. Actually, it ranks even higher. Today's Christmas tradition is celebrating Jesus' birthday with singing, praising, and CAKE!Every year, we have a birthday celebration for Jesus on Christmas day. We sing "Happy Birthday" to Him, and we even have birthday cake. Sadly, I don't have a picture of one of our actual cakes (I'm sure I do, I'm just too lazy to find it), so I found one online that I like.

This year, we're getting one of my very favorite types of cakes...Dairy Queen ice cream cake! I was going to make a peanut butter cake this year, but Channing's mom suggested picking up an ice cream cake from DQ. Hey, that sounds good to me! :)

Happy Birthday, Jesus! We can't wait to celebrate (well, celebrate more, if you will. Every day this month has been a celebration leading up to the big day)!

What about you? Do you have something extra special you do on Christmas day to celebrate Jesus' birthday?

Christmas Traditions...The Countdown to Christmas

Only 9 more days until Christmas!

Can you believe it?! Only 9 more days??? Where in the world has the time gone??? Anyway, I'm back to share another of our family's Christmas traditions.

Today I'm going to share two new traditions that we started this year. The first, and one that makes me smile, is Christmas sheets. Both the boys now have soft, cozy, warm flannel Christmas sheets. Both the boys and I love them. I'm not sure who enjoys them more. If I had to guess, I would probably say me.
We got the sheets as a gift, a most generous gift, and they are something I know we'll treasure for years to come. Whenever Asher sees them, he says, "Ho ho!"

Here are Asher's sweet sheets:
And Tristan's:Another new Christmas tradition is Christmas pancakes. This was my first time attempting them. I hadn't planned it, but when Channing was getting my skillet out of the cabinet, my Christmas cookie cutters fell out with it (Karen, you know me and my disorganization). That's when I thought, "Hmmmm...Tristan would love this." And he did.
So there you have it. These are two of my brand new Christmas traditions. What about you? Have you started any new traditions this year?

Christmas Traditions...the Countdown to Christmas

Only 11 more days until Christmas!

Can you believe it?! Only 11 more days??? Where in the world has the time gone??? Anyway, I'm back to share another of our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas, but as you can see, I've missed a few days.

Another of our favorite family traditions is attending church on Christmas eve. Every year, we go to the very last Christmas eve service offered. This year, our awesome church, Church of the Highlands, is doing services for three days! Yep, THREE DAYS and multiple services on those days! Wowza! Our family, though, is sticking with our Christmas eve tradition. We'll go to the evening service that night. I'll serve in the nursery on Monday night, then we'll all attend together on Wednesday night. I can't wait!!!
How about you? Do you have a special place you like to go on Christmas eve?

Christmas Traditions...the Countdown to Christmas

Only 12 more days until Christmas!

I'm back to share another of our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas, but as you can see, I've missed a few days. In all honesty, I just haven't been very good about posting lately. With work and a sick baby, I've been pretty busy. Anyway, today I am going to share some things that have been on my heart.
Statistics say that during the Christmas season, more people are depressed and commit suicide than any other time of year (oh yeah, this is a joyful one. You're probably ready to click off my page right this second...). According to a doctor on Good Morning America (and whatever statistics she got it from), more people die on Christmas day than any other day. The Christmas day deaths are attributed to people being away from home and away from their doctors who know them and their health struggles and to people ignoring their symptoms because they don't want to ruin their families' Christmas (I mean, can you imagine that one? You don't want to ruin your family's Christmas by telling them you may be having a heart attack, so you die instead? Awful.).

I'm convinced that more people are depressed because of pressure...the pressure to be with loved ones but are unable to because they have lost the loved ones they were closest to, the pressure to provide gifts that they can't afford, the pressure to have the joy and perfect lives that everyone else around them seems to have. Their focus is off. Instead of focusing on what the season is about, Jesus, they are focused on what we as a society have made Christmas about. I don't know this for sure, of course, this is just my thinking.

What I do know is that I have had my days of stress, worry, and hopelessness this month too. I don't know, attribute it to my hormones (which are C-R-A-Z-Y right now), to the stresses of owning our own business in an economy which is struggling, the pressure to buy great presents and the inability to do so...I don't know. Thing is, what I've been realizing over the past few days, with much help from God, is that I am focused on the wrong things. I've spent so much time worrying over things I have no control over (and that don't matter anyway) and have taken my focus off of the glory of this season.

Through different avenues, God has gently shown and reminded me that in my lowest day, it doesn't compare to what is going on all around me. I was shown the example of things that have gone on in Sudan. Families murdered, young children left orphaned, genocide. I have been shown Angel Trees, two weeks before Christmas, filled with simple requests from children who will get nothing for Christmas if their ornaments are not plucked from the trees. I have been shown that I am so incredibly blessed with an amazing family, a family that far outshines any worry that Satan could possibly put in my head.

You see, my kids will not go without. Even if Channing and I didn't buy them a single present, they will get stuff. We are fortunate to have family that enjoys taking care of them too. It's hard for me to imagine those families that have absolutely no one. The families out there that are struggling, that want to get their children gifts just like all the other parents are doing but don't have any means by which to do it. I can empathize with them because we don't have the ability to buy some of the things that others can, yet I can't grasp the total feeling because my kids already have several gifts they're getting.

Seeing these things, my heart has been filled with sympathy and compassion for those who are struggling, the need to pray for those who are hurting, joy for all that I have been given, and the desire to know Christ even more. I want to be totally sold out for Him. I want to hear His voice when I ask Him to show me who and how to help. I want to be His vessel. I want to earn my keep the short time I'm here. I want to be known as a giver. I want God to show me creative ways to help. I am convinced that we don't have to be wealthy to be givers. We just have to have a heart to help.

I am filled with so much joy today, and my prayer is that you will be too. I ask that you join me in praying for those who are struggling. I encourage you to seek God and His guidance in how you can help someone who may need you, someone you may or may not know. Ask God to make your eyes and hearts attentive to those who may need an encouraging word, a helping hand, a little lift. Together, let's remember and serve as reminders to others what Christmas is about...HOPE! God gave us His Son, and He is going to return. Let's spread that HOPE.

Let's also be sure to remind our kids, no matter how much we are or are not able to buy, that Christmas is not about receiving gifts. We have already been given the greatest gift, Jesus Christ. Remind them of what Christmas is truly about.

And for those that enjoy Christmas traditions, my sweet friend, Donna, has a super great one on her blog. I think it is so creative and extra special, so check it out: Sweetness

If you stuck with me through this, thank you. I know it's not the fun and short posts that most people enjoy.
Blessings to you and your family during Christmas and in the year to come!!!

Christmas Traditions...The Countdown to Christmas

Only 15 more days until Christmas!

I'm back to share another of our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas, but as you can see, I've missed a few days. I'm having some trouble with our home computer.

Anyway, the tradition I want to share today is making gingerbread houses. Every year, our family (mostly Tristan with a little help from one of us) makes at least one gingerbread house. This year, though, we have the grand privilege of making three. The first house was made on our Thanksgiving trip to see my family. My mom, aka Nana, got Tristan a gingerbread house, and the two of them decorated it together. Tristan did most of the work, and I have to say, I think he did a pretty good job.Whenever you make a gingerbread house, you have to enjoy the candy and icing!The second gingerbread house was made by Tristan (with some help from daddy) at his school. Every year, they have a gingerbread party, and each child can invite one parent. Last year, I was chosen. This year, it was daddy. Here are some pictures of their fun:
The third gingerbread house is still in the box. It came via Mimi (Channing's mom). Tristan is chomping at the bit to get it out and decorated. I think we'll do it this week and will let Asher help too. Thing is, I'm pretty sure he'll just want to eat the candy. Oh well!

How about you? Does your family make gingerbread houses?

And here are a couple of shots of our Christmas trees. Just because...just because I love them!

Our kids' tree in the dining room:Our living room tree:

Christmas Traditions...The Countdown to Christmas

Only 16 more days until Christmas!

I'm back to share another of our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas, but as you can see, I've missed a few days. I'm having some trouble with our home computer.

One of our most favorite family traditions takes place on Christmas day. Each Christmas, this year will our third year to do it (both our boys were super sick last Christmas), our family (Channing, me, the boys, and Channing's parents) deliver food to the elderly and to shut-ins. The food is offered and prepared by The Jimmie Hale Mission.Our first year to do this was 2005. I called The Jimmie Hale Mission because Channing and I wanted to serve in the soup kitchen on Christmas day, serving food to the homeless. It was our first year to be home for Christmas and to begin our very own family traditions. Serving the homeless was at the top of our list. We really wanted to do something meaningful on Christmas day, something that would change lives. We also wanted our kids to be a part of whatever we did.

When I called the mission, though, they were already flooded with volunteers for the soup kitchen but were in need of people to deliver food to shut-ins. I asked to be placed on the list, and we all headed downtown. We picked up the food and our lists and headed out on the trail. It should have taken thirty minutes, but it took more like two hours. Yeah, we got lost a few times. :) It was worth every minute, though. Seeing how some people live, I was overcome with gratitude for all that I have been given. Each time we deliver, I have a renewed compassion for people. These people may need us, but we need them more.

I called this week and signed us up. I was excited to find that they still needed help. If you're in the Birmingham area and have a desire to reach out to those in need, I strongly encourage you to consider the Jimmie Hale Mission. It will be well worth your time! The number is 205-323-5878.

Christmas Traditions...The Countdown to Christmas

Only 20 more days until Christmas!

Today is day four of my posts sharing our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas.

Another of our family's Christmas traditions is reading Christmas books and watching Christmas movies and shows. We do this through the whole month of December. I grab all the Christmas books and put them in the forefront. I do the same with the boys' dvds. I keep my eyes peeled for more great books at the bookstores and keep my eyes open for what Christmas shows are coming on and when. It's SO much fun!!!

We read books and watch movies/shows about Jesus and His amazing birth, Santa, snowmen, Rudolph...you name it. It just makes this month extra exciting!

And for those of you out there who incorporate Santa into your Christmas, I found a great book at Barnes and Noble last weekend. It's called "Santa's Favorite Story". It's basically Santa telling the story of the birth of Jesus and explaining that Christmas is not about getting presents. I thought it was super sweet. I didn't get it but think I may go and pick a copy up.We have several favorite books at home, though. I think one of my very favorites is :
How about you? Do you have a favorite Christmas book (other than the Bible~That will come in a later post) or show/movie? If so, please share! These posts are about sharing traditions and possibly introducing people to new ones.

Merry Christmas, and God bless!

Christmas Traditions...The Countdown to Christmas

DAY 3~Only 21 more days until Christmas!

I missed a day because my sweet Ash is under the weather. I'll probably miss the next few days too. Who knows?

Today is day three of my posts sharing our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas.

One of my personal favorite traditions is doing our Christmas trees. Every year, we get a live tree and use an artificial tree. The artificial tree goes in our dining room. I call it our "kid tree". It's got the colored lights and the Santa, snowman, and reindeer ornaments. I also put all the ornaments the kids make on that tree. It's our super fun tree, and I love it!

This was our "fun tree" from last year after Tristan decorated it (before I fixed it and added the rest of the ornaments). See how all the ornaments are in the same spot at the bottom of the tree?

Our live tree goes in our living room. We always get a frasier fir (I think that's right). On this tree we put (ok, I put) white lights and all our other ornaments on it...the nativity scenes, our collected ornaments from trips...lots of stuff. It's our "pretty tree". We love it because it makes the house smell grrrrrrrrreat! And this year, we got an added bonus. We paid a THIRD for our tree than we have paid in year's past. Usually we pay about $90 for our tree (I know). This year, thanks to Marvins, we got a beautiful tree for $30!!! Isn't that awesome?! It looks just like the $90 trees, minus the extra green we had to spend!

Ok, so this was our tree from last year. It was looking pretty rough by Christmas day. See how it's leaning and all the branches are droopy? Yeah, it was ready to go. Oh, and does anyone know the trick for getting a good picture of your Christmas tree? With the lights on, the pictures look terrible, and with the lights off, their bad too. What am I doing wrong???

My dream is to one day have a tree in every room of our house. Each tree will have its own theme. Currently, we have plenty of ornaments, it's just the trees that we don't have. At the end of each December, I plan to buy an aritificial tree when it's on sale, but I never do. Maybe this year will be different??? My mom said that she'll give us her aritifical tree (the one that is not pre-lit). I'm thrilled with that because it will give us three! YEA!!!

So how do you do your tree(s)? Do you do one tree? More? Colored lights? White? Themes?
Share! I want to hear ALL about it!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND GOD BLESS!

Christmas Traditions...The Countdown to Christmas

DAY 2~Only 23 more days until Christmas!

Today is day two of my posts sharing our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas.

One of our family's most favorite annual traditions is to ride around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It is something that all four of us absolutely love doing! This year, we began two nights after Thanksgiving. We rode to Enterprise, AL to see some houses that go all out. It's AMAZING! They had the Alabama score on one of the houses mere minutes after the game.

With gas prices being so low, this year, we can thoroughly enjoy our nightly rides with no guilt! YEA!

Here are a few shots of some of our family favorites from last year:Stay tuned each day for more Christmas traditions. Feel free to share some of your own. Together, let's spread the Christmas cheer. Just say "NO!" to those who say "Bahumbug!". It's Christmas! The day, the season, we celebrate the birth of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. To me, there is no better time of year!

Merry Christmas all!

Christmas Traditions...the Countdown to Christmas

DAY 1~Only 24 more days until Christmas!

Today begins day one of my posts sharing our family's Christmas traditions. My goal is to post one of our traditions each day leading up to Christmas...kind of like an Advent Calendar...which, coincidentally, happens to be the first Christmas tradition I am going to share.
Every year, we do an Advent Calendar with Tristan. This year will be the first year we do one with Asher too (I'm sure his favorite part will be eating the chocolates!). If you're not sure what an Advent Calendar is, let me fill you in... According to Wikipedia, "An Advent calendar is a special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas." The one we use has little boxes for each day with a piece of chocolate inside. Each box has a special message or picture that relates to Christmas.
To add to our Advent fun, my mom gave the boys an Advent book collection. So, we'll do the regular Advent calendar each day AND read a little book each day too. HOW FUN!!!

Today, we'll get started with our Advent calendars and our Advent books. Let the fun begin!!!

Stay tuned each day for more Christmas traditions. Feel free to share some of your own. Together, let's spread the Christmas cheer. Just say "NO!" to those who say "Bahumbug!". It's Christmas! The day, the season, we celebrate the birth of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. To me, there is no better time of year!

Merry Christmas all!