Christmas

Another Christmas has passed, and it was a sweet time for us.  It was Owen's first Christmas, and he couldn't have cared less for the presents, and only cared about the paper, bows, and boxes.  Mady took it all in, and it was fun seeing Christmas through her eyes.  It was important for us to have fun with all the activities that come along with Christmas, but to also keep the true meaning at the forefront.  I think we accomplished that.  The other night, after we said our prayer and I was turning out the lights, she told me "I want to go to Bethlehem and see baby Jesus".  I reminded her that baby Jesus grew up, and now is in Heaven.  She then said that she wanted to go see Big Jesus, and Lucy, in Heaven.  Well sweet girl, just hold your horses on that one!   Our girl has such a good heart, and I just love that about her.

We spent our first Christmas in New Braunfels.  Nick had to work, but he didn't have to go in until late afternoon.   We spent most of the day home, opening presents, gorging on yummy food, and relaxing.  Then we ended the day by bringing dinner up to him at his office, and spending some time there.

Since we no longer have a fireplace, we had to set out our special Santa key, to help the guy out when he made it our way.  Thanks Lita! We also set out the homemade cookies, carrots, and milk (in a Frozen cup, of course!)

Santa came!

Santa brought Mady the fish she has been wanting for a couple of months now.  Sadly, Anna and Elsa (which she named them) did not make it.  Actually, the originals were replaced (without her knowledge), but when those died too, we had to tell her.  Now we have to figure out what we're doing wrong before we add on anymore fish.  Apparently, fish are high maintenance!  

Here is our annual birthday cake for Jesus.  As you can see, it didn't come out quite as I pictured in my mind.  Turns out, a cake can be too moist.  It was not the prettiest thing, and not what you would want for a birthday cake.  Nick was quick to point out that Jesus was not a typical king either, and so this was perfect.  Thanks for making me feel better ;)

The day after Christmas we packed up the car and headed to Port Arthur to see everyone.  More fun opening presents, and visiting with everyone.  

Making fun pancakes, and snow cones.  Yes, that is an Olaf snow cone maker!

Can you spot the baby in the middle of all these toys?

This boy is such a ham!  Love him!

After opening all those toys, all they want to do is sit and watch the train.

Another Christmas gone, but great memories had.  In the middle of all of this, Nick and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary.  7 years!! It was low key, with dinner and a movie.  I love my guy, and wouldn't want to spend my life with anyone else.  2014 was filled with some big changes, like having a new baby, and moving cities.  Let's see whats in store for 2015!

Christmas Program

Mady had her first school Christmas program this year.  They gave us a CD after Thanksgiving with the 3 songs her class was going to be singing.  Being the overachievers that we are, we put those songs on our phone, and played them everywhere.  In the car, the house, every day.  I would wake up singing those songs in my head!  After the end of year program Mady had last May, where she had to potty, and showed everyone her undies, I had to make sure she didn't have a repeat, haha.  I wanted to make sure she was comfortable and confident!  I think we succeeded.  She sang those songs loud and proud on stage, with a quick solo "Yippee!" during the Rudolph song.  It was really cute and the kids did so great.  You could tell they were so proud, and of course, so were all of us parents!

"There were 2 little angels!"

Sing it sister!

And now she's showing him her tongue, oh my!

We had to celebrate with a stop at 2tarts after the program!

They're so cute!

Even my parents were able to make it in for the program and to visit for a couple of days.  That meant for extra spoiling time!

Build - a - Olaf

Little man really took to Lola this time, and was constantly found wherever she was

Leading up to Christmas

There are only 4 days left until Christmas. This month flew by in a flurry of parties, gift buying, baking, programs, and festivals.  I had a constant battle of making the season fun and magical for the kids (really Mady, because what does Owen really know at this point!), and keeping us rooted in true meaning.  I think we make it too hard on ourselves, or maybe that's just me.  At one point I felt like Charlie Brown, and wanted to scream out "Can anybody tell me what Christmas is all about?!"  And today at church, I got my answer from Pastor Jason: Christmas is for sinners.  That means, Christmas is for everyone.  It's not just for the religious, the good people, or the Christians.  That night, long ago, we were given a gift.  We were ALL given a gift.  I'm taking my gift, and enjoying it with a grateful heart, during these last few days left of the Christmas season, and every other day of the year.     It was a great sermon today, and with it being our last service at Gospel Life for the year, I left thankful for having found it.

While we were busy, this month, a lot of it has been with fun things.  We have been in New Braunfels for six months now!  This time last year, this wasn't even a blip on our radar.  Oh, what a change a year makes!

Christmas tree lighting downtown:

Christmas in Boerne:

Wassailfest:

Getting the Christmas tree:

Decorating the house:

Santa visits:

Poor Owen was not a fan

First time to see The Nutcracker:

The next morning she told me "Those ballerinas spin around too much Mommy" LOL

Visit from Lito and Lita:

Dine and Flick with St. Nick:

Halloween/Thanksgiving

Oh yes, I'm posting about Halloween in December.  Surprisingly my little Frozen obsessed daughter did not want to be Anna or Elsa for Halloween.  She wanted to be Ariel, so of course, I had to dress up Owen like Sebastian the crab.  They looked so cute!  The wig did not last past this picture though.

We went to Port Arthur for Thanksgiving, and spent it with the family.  It was nice and relaxing, filled with great food and good company.  We had fried turkey for the first time this year, and it was wonderful.  I think we started a new tradition! Our little man got to have some turkey too for his first Thanksgiving!

During the month of November, I put up a "thankful tree" in our house.  I traced Mady's hand and cut out her handprints to make the leaves.  On them we would write throughout the month various things we were thankful for, and put them on the tree.  It was a great everyday reminder of all that we have to be thankful for.  We will definitely be doing this again.