It's the most wonderful time of the year!

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Christmas has come and gone, which always leaves me with a bit of sadness. I think that more than the actual day itself, I truly treasure the month or so leading up to the 25th. All of the family functions, the beautiful decorations, holiday music on the radio, the excitement and anticipation in my childrens eyes, etc., etc. This Christmas was one to remember. The kids are at the perfect age (Carson-4, Cassie-2.) Cassie couldn't wait to eat all of the baked goodies that were being saved for "Jesus' Birthday Party." As a matter of fact, I caught her shoving a huge piece of fudge into her mouth when she thought that no one was looking. And you would have thought that Carson was being physically tortured having to wait for the shiny packages that sat under the tree for the month. The adults of the family decided to simplify things this year, by giving homemade gifts. It turned out to be a meaningful change. From jam, to custom photo albums and table runners, to wine charms, everyone's creative streak was in full-effect. It was a nice reminder that it is the thought that counts. My family, is definitely gift enough!

All of the traditions were so special this year. We made salt dough ornaments and gingerbread men. Spent the day with family decorating my grandparents house. There was the annual Christmas light cruise, complete with hot cocoa and sour cream and onion potato chips (the kids felt those were the perfect accompaniment.) Carsons preschool class gave an incredibly cute performance telling the story of Christ's birth, set to music. The kids unwrapped a surprise Christmas-theme book each night at bedtime. We saw an the awesome "JOY" concert at church. Had a nice evening at my Dad & Karen's. Christmas Eve was spent enjoying a Mexican feast at our house with the Craigmile side of the family. My Mom read the kids "The Night Before Christmas" as she put them to bed, only to be woken a few short hours later to Carson's early morning wake-up call. To wrap it all up we had dinner with the Lazenby's in Carlsbad on Christmas day. It was a month jam-packed with fun, magic, and memories! I feel so incredibly blessed to be surrounded, not only by my husband and children, but also a large, boisterous, and loving extended family. What a way to celebrate the birth of our Saviour!