NEW memories

God has done so much in my life this year.

Again this year, God used death and grief to super glue Brian and my hearts together and yet bless us farther than seems possible with love and LIFE. We celebrate Jesus and are grateful for living hope and the fullness of joy that draws us to know him more and more.

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 


We've had fun getting away over Christmas, and also made sweet memories at home. New memories. Memories without my Mom and Dad. 

We spent two days before Christmas with Brian's family. They were tender and compassionate, and it was great to be together.

Brian wants us home on Christmas Eve. He wants the girls to wake up in their own beds and sleepily walk down to their own tree on Christmas morning. Just like we did when we were kids. So we always are home. But this year, it was just us. Usually my Mom and Dad are here with us. New memories. 

I told Brian Christmas morning while we were in the middle of the early morning excitement. The girls were unwrapping gifts... the joy and squealing... I realized a truth, 'Somehow, this is my favorite Christmas yet.' 

That certainly isn't right... Is it? Is it possible that my first Christmas with no parents sitting and sipping coffees while grinning at little girls, could be good? Christmas Day WAS. I am carried by the Lord. Somehow He met me and comforted me. In a very special way.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 
Matthew 5:4

2 Cor 1:11 'Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of MANY.'

MANY prayed for me. For my family. For my heart. For the day. Those prayers were heard.  

'But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.'
2 Cor 12:9

 MERRY CHRISTMAS 

2012

From us

Without exception, the BEST thing God blessed us with in the Year 2012 is our little Eleanor Bliss. We adore our baby. She IS Bliss. 

They love my red lipstick. Can't blame them. It makes me feel so fun. It makes them feel so fun. They thought they were the coolest chicks ever taking these pictures. 

Potentially I have created a monster.  We were on the way out the door this morning to the gym and Evelyn put on lipstick before we left. 

Decorating....Ev-Style.

 

A window masterpiece for the cousins, who were on their way. 

 

I didn't do the annual Gingerbread House decorating BASH this year. It was the first time in 5 or 6 years. 

Instead, Evelyn and I made 5 houses. One for Me, Brian and the older three girls. 

 Thoughtful taste testing...

 New MEMORIES.

I need a Chalkboard...

(The gorgeous 'a & c life' pictures at the top were snapped by my friend Aron Smith whose family was at the party. Thanks Girlfriend, I just LOVE them!)

I need a chalkboard.

A big one.

And on it, I will write:

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

'I will make Gingerbread Houses for our children and their friends for the next 95 years.'

For sure.

Some of the children that come to the party have been coming since they were just about to turn...2. Consequently, at the ripe old age of ....ALMOST 5, they have quite a history of decorating these homemade Gingerbread Houses.

These little guests don't forget. They've asked me in March... when the next party is. They can't believe that Santa knows the way here. They just love it. Therefore. We love it.

And they make faces like THIS. (see Carlisle below) When Santa walks in. Pure wonder.

The next generation... future Gingerbread House decorator.

Somewhere right in the middle of making one zillion Gingerbread Houses, brewing up gobs and gobs and gobs of icing, figuring out where all the tiny guests are going to sit, what to have for dinner for the Mama's and Daddy's and watching my three little ones...I think I don't know if it's all going to come together. But it did.

The party was a SUCCESS. Because I lived through it. :)

Our little ones are making memories. And so are we. Memories of singing with their friends around the Christmas Tree. Laughing. Eating pounds of candy without their parents stopping them. And Santa coming to hand deliver their gifts.

My favorite and new Christmas decorations this year....Ornaments hanging from the ceiling! If you are wondering, fishing line is our secret. Too thin to see, but strong enough to hold em! :)

New Haircuts.