Merry Christmas!

As I sit here, typing away, Mitchel is putting the finishing touches on the last of his Christmas business, Parker is snuggled up warm in bed, and The Polar Express is playing in the background. Oh....and Lilly is licking her feet. Hmmm. So much for the peaceful scene I was setting up.

I get very thankful this time of year for the ways the Lord has blessed us, and this year is no exception. The tree is trimmed with nicely decorated packages, the kitchen is overflowing with baked goodies from friends, family, and myself, and I have a silly, beautiful baby girl, and a wonderfully sweet, kind, and good husband. 

I've been thinking a lot about Mary here lately, and what life must have been like for her as the mother to Jesus. I've read so much about that this year, and it brings me to tears to think what a long, hard, glorious road that must've been for her and Joseph. I'm so very glad that I can somewhat understand the burden, sacrifice, and love that was poured out over that baby, child, and man now that I'm a mom. However, I pray that God would reveal in me the power Mary had in the Him. I want all that He has to offer Parker, and yet I know that requires sacrifice and determination on my part. So day by day we go.

This has been a wonderful holiday season for us. We've stayed well, praise the Lord! And Parker has really enjoyed all of the special things that come along with the holidays. In our advent calendar this year, we placed in each door a mini m&m for each day, so now every time she walks by it she points and says, "mmmm." We baked cookies today, and I thought she would have lots of fun playing with the sugar cookie dough and helping cut out the cookies. Ha! I gave her a chunk of dough, and you guessed it, right in her mouth it went! I mean A LOT...I about fell on the floor laughing. What a great idea that was! She ended up with flour all over her and sneaking 2 MORE chunks of dough into her mouth before I had enough of that fun. We'll try again next year I guess! Little turkey, or maybe that would be my fault:). We are eagerly anticipating the fun tomorrow will bring for her. We pray you all have a very blessed Christmas, and enjoy the pictures below. Merry Christmas!

Santa, Parker, and oh yes, mom. We had a nice FAMILY photo with Santa this year. Ha!

Our girl, coloring a Santa picture.

Christmas at Nana's. Yes, a purse, necklaces, and a bracelet. No doubt about it, she's a girl:).

Christmas Eve at Mimi & Papa's.

Being silly in reindeer ears. They had jingle bells on the antlers, and she kept shaking her head to make them jingle. That girl cracks me up! I just love her.