Christmas cards

I've been soooo busy with photography lately...Christmas cards in particular. I caught a glimpse of what it must be like for the professionals this time of year. Whew!

I will treasure every card I get; will save it and post it here. It's an honor to be part of helping families spread Christmas joy and celebrating the birth of the sweet baby boy who came to save us.

Bailey's mommy has selected her photos, and am beside myself how she could have left out my favorite...or one of my favorites (you know I can't choose just 1).
But, since she didn't, I get to share it with you all.Do you LOVE it or what? It's like she's saying.... "You'd better hurry up Santa,
these cookies are going fast!"

Cowboy Shirt

Reece truly enjoys playing and watching football. At least for now...and it's not b/c we cram it down him or spend great effort to teach him. He often asks to watch it on tv. It's up there with Elmo, dancing (as in 'with the stars'...I know, I'm embarrassed for myself), and puzzles (Wheel of Fortune).

Yesterday morning he asked to wear his Cowboy shirt, but I told him to wait until the game tomorrow. Tonight, he didn't want to take it off when it was bedtime.
He specifically told me "I want my Cowboy shirt ON, Mommy'. So, I put it back on over his jammies.

Darren is often my picture editor, helping me pare down to a few. Tonight, I asked for his advice and he said "I don't know what to tell you, I like them all." So here you go...

Hanging out

Wednesday mornings are good stuff. Sometimes it's challenging to get there, showered, dressed, parked, and checked in on time, but the time spent studying God's word and sharing with other women is pretty priceless.

We squeeze every ounce out of our time together by hanging out afterwards with our kiddos and sack lunches. Although the time includes many 'teachable moments', Reece does like to hang...I love that picture of Reece.

My Magical Tree

One of my favorite holiday traditions is decorating the Christmas tree the Friday after Thanksgiving. (I'm not one to get up at some crazy hour and shop with the masses. I'm more of a Cyber Monday kind of gal.)Back to the tree, Mom has done this to me. The things that we don't appreciate as children, somehow become fond as we grow older.
I now love the nostagia in uncovering 38 years of ornaments and memories. And I love hanging them with her, making some new memories as we reflect on those past.Mom often talks about things being magical (like the glitter and confetti she puts in her cards). I finally get it, Momma. It's not some new age chatter or a an excuse to make a mess. It is color and sparkle that bring an unexpected joy into our hearts. It makes us stop, for a second, and take it in. We need more of that.

Now my magical tree is not only those things, but a beautiful, daily reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.Thank you, Momma, for my magical tree. I've enjoyed it every day since you left...and it makes me appreciate a little bit more of who you are. (I'm a slobbery mess now.)
Another 'tradition' is Darren's participation in the tree decorating.
He is faithful to hang at least one ornament...I tried to hide it one year and tried to talk him out of it another.
It's kind of like the wagon wheel coffee table of Christmas ornaments. But, somehow I've learned to appreciate that goofy Cowboy lawnchair Santa. And now it's part of our magical tree as well, prominently featured.

Tackle Football

Melts, melts, melts my heart watching my little boy and his daddy play.

Thanks

Thanksgiving day started with one of mom's favorite traditions...watching the Macy's Day parade. Reece was particularly interested when the Sesame Street characters performed.Short trip to Megamaw's; Tootie entertained Reece.Stuffed our facesNo nap. Story time and skateboarding.And football....always lots of football.There's 3 pretty great things to be thankful for this year.

My favorite artist

I didn't save enough ahead, so this is a lump sum.
Quick shot from gymnastics on Monday.I took the covering off the pool table to take some photos of it.
I didn't realize I had unveiled the latest and greatest in children's toys. Reece and Daddy have had fun rolling the balls into the pockets. There is much "go, go, go", "ohhhhhh", and "Look Dada/Mommy, I did it!" going on. And, not sure why the helmet, but he put it on himself.Knowing the cold weather was coming in, Mel and I took advantage of one more beautiful day at the zoo on Tuesday.
I marvel at how intricate and unique each of these creatures have been made. It truly blows me away.God is hands-down my favorite artist.