Merry Christmas!

It has been a whirlwind few weeks. We spent a few days in Indiana having an early "Christmas" celebration with my family. We even managed to get "snowed in" while there which was a nice change! Emma really enjoyed watching the snow come down and the few times we played outside in it. She was smitten with her new toys and clothes that she was spoiled with...Nana even found her some red cowboy boots! We enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping too. We hosted a dinner at our house with most of Jon's family on Christmas Eve. Emma enjoyed opening some of her presents! She wanted to wear a new shirt as pants and immediately wanted to "weed" her new Curious George books. She received an adorable beanie and booties set that was so cute on her! It seems that her Little People House and SUV are her new favorite toys from Christmas Eve.

Jon, Emma and I went to the 11:00 o' clock candle light service at church on Christmas Eve. It was so nice to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy some quiet time with Emma snuggled up on my lap rocking in the cry room. The program was laying in the room so I used it as a book while rocking Emma. I would ask her "Where is baby Jesus?" and she would point to him and the angels, etc. She is getting so smart and becoming such a little girl. What happened to my baby?!

We woke up early on Christmas Day and let Emma open her presents. We had gone a little overboard again this year...clothes, shoes, Kipper DVD, Little Leaps game system and games, Little Touch Leap Pad and books. Jon and Emma were playing with the Little Leaps last night and it is really neat and interactive. I knew she would love it because she loves playing with remotes and Jon's Playstation controls. lol We spent most of Christmas Day in Nashville with Jon's family...brunch was yummy and dinner was ham, rolls, and chili.

It is hard to believe that it has all came and went already. I love this time of year. We do still have a few more days of fun though...Nana and Papa are coming to visit this weekend!

I found this on Love's blog...

First Corinthians 13 Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and
arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen,
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata,
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return;
but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
and endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust,
but giving the gift of love will endure.

--Author Unknown

Goodness...two days until Christmas!

I have so many pictures and things to say but there just isn't enough time. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I'll leave you with a few pictures from our trip to Indiana last weekend...8" of snow! It made me miss "home" more than ever...there is just something about being snowed in. lol Enjoy!