Christmas Everywhere

I love that Christmas is not just one day of celebration in one location but rather several days of gatherings in many places.

Wednesday, December 21st: Mckenzie Family at Papa and Onnie's home

Thursday, December 22nd: McKenzie Family of four at our home

Packing Jentry style.

Highway 6, Headed West:

Tasty dinner at the Hamilton Tree Farm:

Friday, December 23rd: Bose Family shenanigan's at Papa and Grandma's home

JJ in The Big O!

Bose Garage:

"Can I honk the horn, Papa?"

Saturday, December 24th: Christmas Eve Presents

Rides in Papa's Excavator:

Christmas Eve Dinner at Aunt Sonja and Uncle Bob's beautiful home in Alma:

The remains of the Santa pinata.

Sunday, December 25th: A thundering Christmas in Orleans

The Stamilton Christmas Piano Concert:

Back home in Sutton: Santa had left presents by the tree!

Now that I think about it...it makes perfect sense that the Christmas holiday should be observed for more than one day in more than one place.  After all, isn't that the true meaning of Christmas? Jesus was gifted unto us so that we may celebrate God's love for us EVERYDAY no matter where we journey.

Angel Baby

Since day one I have referred to Jentry as my Angel Baby.  She was the most perfect gift I had ever received. She was a complete surprise and not necessarily a gift I had requested, however God knew that a precious baby girl was exactly what I needed.

This year she was chosen to be an angel for the school Christmas program.  She had a small speaking part, which she took very seriously. She worked hard and learned her lines in no time. It filled my heart to watch her perform and she had an absolute glow about her on stage.

Papa and Onnie came to watch her perform and they too thought she made a beautiful heavenly being.

I haven't a doubt she was sent to me from above. She has not always be effortless or perfect but she is and will forever be my Angel Baby.

Composing Christmas

Well so far, the majority of December has been spent preparing for the most magical time of year.

The Parade of Lights was on Monday, December 5th and I was in charge of setting up for Santa at the Community Center. Jentry and Mason saw it as an opportunity to work their way to the top of Santa's list. They were actually very helpful.

As usual, the Parade of Lights event did not disappoint. The kiddos had a blast coloring T-shirts, decorating cookies, making ornaments, cruising the craft show, eating goodies and drinking hot chocolate. 

Jentry took part in the Scavenger Hunt with her friend and classmate, Lincoln. They had a blast running from business to business.

After the lighted parade, we waited in line to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Jentry began to second guess her requests and was considering asking for a puppy instead. Her mother strongly suggested that she stick with her original list!

Mason loved every minute of it. He asked Santa for a Lighting McQueen backpack, which was strongly advocated by his mother. When it was time to say goodbye, Mason insisted that Santa give him a hug. It was sooooo precious and melted everyone to the floor. His sweetness even made the paper!

To date, just this month, I have assisted in the decoration of 9 Christmas trees.  Yes, that is correct. NINE!!!  But ya know, I still love the magical glow if each and every one. Mason has been an excellent assistant.

And Jentry, that girl, she is just too much. She has become a young lady after her mother's heart. Lately, I have been finding these treasured little lists in her room.

To Do List: 

Favorite Things List:

Future Dreams Wish List: 

Christmas Wish List: 

Times seven, because then she can just hand someone a copy when they ask her what she wants for Christmas this year.  Brilliant! Why didn't I think of that?

These two children have made December more than I could have ever imagined and it just keeps getting better every year.