A Christmas Breakfast

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Christmas? I mean everyone does, right, but the holidays have a way of making people happy. Houses decked in colorful lights, inflatable snowmen in the front yard (these are my favorite.. and if I could do it on my own I would put one on my roof... unfortunately my husband and I don't see eye to eye on holiday decor), jingle bells at the entrance to Wal-Mart, mini vans that resemble rudolph, the smell of fresh pine needles that have been tracked throughout the entire house... I mean it just has got to put a smile on your face! Another thing that puts a smile on my face is taking every opportunity for Mason to get to know Santa. That includes Otter Creeks Christmas Breakfast. There were about 300 kids/families that showed up to enjoy a day made for kids. Igloos, penquins, storytime, and even a man with a guitar singing Christmas carols. Im actually disappointed in myself for not taking more pictures, but I did capture a few of the exciting morning.

what better to do when standing in line for an hour to see Santa... play with Mrs. Megan's phone of course!

 

And a few pictures of Mason and the Christmas tree....

Happy Turkey Day!

Why does it take a national holiday, filled with fatty, unhealthy food, a big parade of every kids character you can imagine, and cute little turkey embroidered shirts for me to realize how much I have to be thankful for? Why do I think I am entitled to the things I have... because Kyle works hard? because I try to be a "good" Christian person (whatever that even means)? because I come from a good family who showered me with everything a girl could want? I don't deserve half of the things I have. This year, more than ever, it has hit me how truly blessed I am. I am thankful for a day like Thanksgiving to bring me back to reality... it's not my material possessions (though dont get me wrong..  I love my "stuff") that really matter... it's watching my beautiful, healthy son laugh at himself, having a husband who loves and adores me despite my failures, having an amazing church to call home, and a family who I can always count on to be my backbone. Most of all, it's having God's grace to cover my sins when I definately don't deserve it. Everything else is merely an added bonus.

A couple Sunday's ago, our preacher said something that has stayed locked away in my head.. he said (paraphrased and perhaps not as well spoken) he would go into his son's room at night after he was asleep and say, "God, if you never give me anything else in life... you have already given me more than I ever need". I feel like that is true of my life. I've had more blessings in my 26 years than most people do in a lifetime. I pray for contentment in what I have instead of a desire to always have more.

how can I not be thankful for this animal?! BEST DOG EVER!
 

My challenge to myself is to not wait 365 days until next Thanksgiving to say thank you.

attempt at a cousin shot... we always have such big hopes for pictures but they never go as planned!

Trickin or Treatin

I have to go back almost 2 months and talk about trick or treating. We had a blast hanging out with our good friends, the Tomlinsons, and Mason of course loved hanging out with Will. Mason has started correlating places to things he likes (e.g. we drive past Publix and he yells to ride in the buggy)... well when we turn on Concord Road he starts saying "Will" a million times. It's pretty cute! Mason was a dinasour this year... not very creative but was simple to order with a simple click on the computer.

little water break from all the excitement.

he is definately eyeing that candy!

Happy Halloween folks!