Christmas Eve...

I just realized that it has been since Halloween since I have posted. Life has changed so much since then around here. It has been an amazing journey with three children and we are just several months into it. Wow!

So as I sit here and hope to update you the rain is falling and I am accompanied by a cup of coffee and the smell of a wonderful Christmas candle burning on the stove. So I confess -I didn't get one single Christmas card out this year or for that matter I haven't even gotten a picture of the kids sitting around the Christmas tree - but I have enjoyed my children during this season. We have managed to bake some goodies and decorate the house. Isn't that what is important? I put so much pressure on myself for perfection - or at least my idea of the perfect Christmas. I want my children to have memories of a special time with family.

This year we decided in order to teach our children more about Christ and less about themselves at Christmas. We embraced a three gift rule. This means they will receive three gifts each - just like the wise men brought Jesus - three gifts. Honestly, it was completely freeing! I mean where does it end? Two gifts, five gifts or when the tree skirt can no longer be seen? Ugh! I want my children to recognize in their hearts and be joyful about the Christmas season remembering why Christ came to earth. Not be consumed about themselves and what they are going to get. I have really enjoyed shopping and knowing that we have a limit. We also will do small stocking stuffers and celebrate with singing Happy Birthday to Jesus complete with a cake and candle.

Paige - She is really growing up and has matured so much even since Luke has been born. She loves to comfort him, sing to him and is such a big help to me. She did awesome this semester in school and has been reading up a storm. She has been reading our Christmas nativity devotional. She is sensitive and caring - a perfectionist - and loves dessert. She is artistic and loves to make things for people.

Landri - Oh my Landri! She challenges me in more ways than one. She is my free spirit and teaches me everyday to relax and enjoy life. We watched Ramona and Beezus the other day and she reminds us so much of Ramona. It has been a transition for her to be the middle child, but I know that God created her to be the middle child in our family and he has purpose in that. She enjoys coloring, playing Barbies and loves to jump on the trampoline. She can hardly stand to wear shoes or underwear for that matter - ha! She is my beach baby - she is not a fan of winter. She can write her name and did great in preschool this semester. She is smart and witty and can always make us laugh with the things she says.

Luke - Our precious little boy. He has started to smile and respond more to us. He loves to be around people and noise. I guess he is used to it with his sisters. He loves to sleep in his swing and hates his carseat. He has begun to get the little fat rolls around his legs, arms and neck - they are so kissable. We call him "snuffleluffagus", "handsome" and "Lukers". Him and Coley enjoy snuggling together at the end of a long day on the couch. I love the boy clothes and am trying to just let it all soak in that we have a newborn again.

Coley - He has been really busy with work and God has blessed him richly. This is his 5th year back at Holt and 8 years altogether with Holt - so that makes 11 years as a diesel mechanic. He is a loving and caring father who takes the time to play with them and challenge them. Him and the girls can be busy outside for hours together - and I know he is looking forward to teaching them how to water ski this summer. He is a great husband and after 10 1/2 years of marriage he is still my best friend! I am thankful for his dedication to his family and the Lord.

Me - I am really trying to soak in this time with my children - in each of their unique seasons of life and love them through it as the Lord calls me to. I am busy with Harvest Kids at church which I love because it gives me an outlet and challenges me. I am looking forward to seeing all the God has in store for our family and how he will continue to shape me to be the woman he has called me to be. I am thankful for his grace and mercy and his word. So 2011 will challenge me to get back to pre-pregnancy weight and press on to do more to stay healthy!

This is beginning our 5th year back in Lockhart and it feels like home to our family. We have great neighbors and love our church!

Luke is beginning to wake from his nap in the swing so I am off to take care of him. Have a Merry Christmas!