Christmas Eve

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"Merry Christmas everyone!!"

Keeping the 17-month-old interested in our traditional Christmas Eve readings was challenging :) First we read the Bible (Luke 2) and then 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  She was more interested in Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See. I think she'll change her tune tomorrow when the shiny packages make their appearance. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Merry Christmas!

Stationery Card

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Winter weather

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"Love these three so much. Here's to a great weekend."

The baby and I walked up the street to meet the big kids as they returned home from school. It was in the 30s (chilly for TX) and so it made for rosy cheeks and red noses. Perfect weather to begin decorating the house for Christmas!

Meeting Santa

For the last few years the kids and I have gone to meet Santa at Clay Casa. We paint ornaments, eat some cookies, put handprints on plates and get into the Christmas spirit. It's a great way to start the holidays! This year CGN was not as thrilled to let Santa hold her. We got some other pictures that she looks a little less terrified. Looking back at all our encounters with Santa is a great way to see how fast the kids have grown. Merry Christmas to all of you!

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"Cookies &; crafts with Santa! We painted ornaments, made handprints on plates, and got into the holiday spirit :)"
(taken at Clay Casa)

Storytelling

"If you want a happier family, create, refine and retell the story of your family's positive moments and your ability to bounce back from the difficult ones. That act alone may increase the odds that your family will thrive for many generations to come." Bruce Feiler (--New York Times)

Growing

Growth isn't always easy. My littlest one has teeth coming in and it's easy to see it hurts sometimes. So why do I expect my own personal growth to come without pain? Pruning is healthy and necessary but not always easy. It's work and the joy for me will come when I look back and see my progress. In the midst of the process, I need to stay focused and motivated. That's perhaps what I'm finding so hard right now.

Harvest Festival

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"Church Harvest Festival and Trunk or Treat"

Here are my three kids and how the trunk turned out. I'm so happy with it! We got lots of great compliments and the kids had a wonderful time. It was a great way to start the week!