I had a hard time getting into Christmas this year. It was difficult for me to focus on anything, when all I wanted to do was think about Jesus. All I really wanted to do was worship, and everything else going on was distracting me. The Tuesday night before Christmas, it was time for my regular weekly set at the House of Prayer. I debated even going because I had several more presents to make, and I was just really, really tired. (I do my set from 8 to 10 pm after kids go to sleep, so it's a long, late night for me). I prayed about it, and finally decided I just needed to go. I thought that maybe having a few hours just to sing and be with God might do me some good. I chose mostly worship songs, and a few Christmas songs. At first it was hard getting into it, and then I got to Christmas Offering by Casting Crowns. I'm sure you've heard it, but here are the words (because I just love them):
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star
While angels sang to lowly shepherds
Three Wiseman seeking truth they traveled from afar
Hoping to find the child from heaven
Falling on their knees they bow before the humble
Prince of Peace
The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love
There is no shadow in your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your blood
It's only through Your mercy
Lord, I come
I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, I bring an offering to you
As I sang this song, it happened. That feeling that I get every Christmas when I look at a nativity set and see the Baby Jesus. It just came over me and I could barely hold my voice together to continue singing. I was so thankful that the Lord told me "Go!", and even more thankful that I obeyed. It was such a sweet time, and my heart was healed and restored. Thank you, God! The time was so precious for me. And it lasted through the rest of Christmas.
So, that was awesome, right? I mean, I couldn't have asked for anything more, really. Well I get up Christmas morning......to a ground covered in SNOW. Do you KNOW how long it has been since we have had a white Christmas in Northwest Arkansas???? I looked out at the pure whiteness, and I felt like God was saying "It's a new start for you." The last few months I've been going through the inventory of my life, my heart, and my home. The Lord continues to open my eyes to things that I need to let go of, and lately it's been a LOT. Which, has made me feel a little "dark". You know, "I am dark, but lovely"? (Song of Solomon 1:5) Well, I've been feeling the "dark", but not so much the "lovely". (Side note: this is a lot of the reason you haven't seen me on my blog much lately. Too busy purging.) Anyway, when I woke up and saw that snow, I felt like the Lord was saying "You are pure! You are righteous! When I look at you, you are whiter than snow to me. You ARE lovely!" Oh, be still my heart! Christmas, in fact, turned out AMAZING for me this year.
So our Christmas went like this.
Ronnie worked Christmas Eve, and as soon as he got home, we headed to my grandparents. We knew snow was on the way, so we didn't know how long we would be able to stay before heading home. The kids draw names for each other every year, and the adults all bring a gift and we play "dirty santa". I hate that name, but I don't know what else to call it! Anyway, I didn't get any pictures of this, but we had a good time. We came away with the movie Invincible, and a tin of cake balls that I made. Ha! I didn't mind because I have to admit, they are delish. It had started snowing and icing by the time we left, but the roads had not gotten slick. Got the kids in bed, and I stayed up until midnight finishing a present for my niece. (Picture of that later!)
Christmas morning, woke up to the winter wonderland! Got kids up, and insanity ensued.
Excited about presents! (Deacon didn't really care, he was just excited because Briley was excited.)
Briley and her Barbie car. I can't believe she is old enough to want one of these. Where has the time gone???
I don't know what Deacon is doing here, I just really like his face. Ha!
This was his mood most of the morning. I don't think he understood the whole present thing, and he was kind of stressed out. He was also getting over a cold too, so that probably didn't help.
New backpack.
I think she was in shock.
The kids had a blast, and I felt very blessed to be able to give them a good Christmas. Ronnie and I didn't get each other anything, we couldn't really afford it, and it didn't matter that much to me anyway. We got Deacon some big legos, and a big tool kit with a work bench, and Briley got a paint brush set. I can't remember everything, but they loved all of them and were very thankful. I am so glad my kids are learning to be appreciative. They still have a bit to learn, but they are getting there!!
We ate breakfast, and then went to my parents to exchange gifts and eat lunch. 
Briley and Ginger. These two are best buds.
Our little family. Deacon didn't want to look.
The parentals.
This is a sweet little nativity set that my mom made for Briley. How precious is that? Her favorite is Baby Jesus, of course. 
Playing dress up.
We had a fabulous lunch, and then packed up and headed home for naps. Then we got up and went to Ronnie's parents to celebrate and have dinner. It was a Cuh-RAZY day.
With Ronnie's mom.
Deacon's new "computer". I think he might be a Mac kind of guy. 
Playing with new makeup with Aunt Angela.
So Christmas was a success in our house. We had a great time with both of our families, and we were blessed to spend the time with them that we could.
Saturday we didn't do much, except pick up around the house from the madness the day before. We did make a trip to see my friend Nicole before she moved the next day to West Virginia. (Sad.) Here is the best picture we could get of the kids. Mine, plus her son Caleb. 
We finally got out to play in the snow Monday night before it all melted away. The kids got pretty cold so we didn't stay out too long, but we got some cute pictures.
I was going to do a year end post, but I decided if you read my blog, you already know everything that happened, and plus I don't really have time. Soooo.....that being said, I hope you all had fantastic Christmases. I hope your New Year's is just as great, and I will see you in 2010!
