Christmas 2015

     What a wonderful Christmas season we have had. The boys thoroughly enjoyed family, the elves on the shelf and all the fun that comes with the magic of the season. We had such a wonderful Christmas morning. Billy and I have started several traditions of our own with the boys and its really special to me. On the night before Christmas Eve we eat chili, go to church, and then take the boys for frozen yogurt and to look at lights. I get Egg Nog yogurt, Tanner gets chocolate, and Billy switches up. Holden just started eating it a few weeks ago and he gets vanilla. I LOVE experiencing things with my children and seeing things through their eyes. We only had one or two hairy moments and I guess those are to be expected. I am very thankful for all of it. Christmas Eve was wonderful. We spent it with Grammy, Papa, Aunt Whitney, Tristan,  Uncle Josh, Uncle Scott, Aunt Lisa, Lauren, Alson, and all our Lakeland family. Whitney was a wonderful hostess and I am super proud of my little sister. We do lots of yummy food and fun sitting around talking and sharing. The boys got a ton of stuff. Then we did our Christmas morning just the four of us. We had fun waking the boys up and telling them Santa came. Holden literally ran out and looked for him. SO SWEET!! I love that 3 year old little boy. Tanner got a Woody, a bike, Star Wars toys and lots of other stuff and it was so sweet to see him be so excited that Santa left him Ginger bread Oreos. I Love my sweet Tanner. We left Santa cookies and milk and carrots for the Reindeer. AND Santa left gingerbread cookies for the boys in place of the ones he ate. He also sat looking at one of his new books forever. He is a real book worm. :) I always make a BIG breakfast casserole and make stuff for the boys and it has worked out great since we don't eat Christmas dinner until 2 or 3. WE loved watching our boys have so much fun. Billy and I really enjoyed ourselves with the Elves, shopping, and playing Santa. We then head over to Grampy's and Meme's around noon and have a blast over there opening gifts and eating a wonderful Christmas meal. They make it really fun and I always look forward to our Christmas day with them. The boys got scooters dinosaurs, play doh, and lots of fun stuff. So thankful for all our family. It is a lot of work as a parent or grandparent BUT that's what you do for your children. We know the real reason for the season. My boys know Santa and elves are for FUN. Jesus is OUR KING!!! I am so thankful. I had a couple moments of my own where I felt overwhelmed and anxious. I just  keep seeking HIS will, loving the best I can, and working hard to be thankful and teaching my boys GRATITUDE!  I have learned that at a certain point this mommy needs to decompress. I don't always deal with Stimuli and noise and constant being on and one of my many outlets is this blog. Right now as I type my candles are burning, my boys are asleep, Billy is working, and it is silent in my home. Silent!! I need to get filled up. I need my KING!! I will always fall short and have times when I get impatient. I just will. I will make mistakes. I just TRUST my Savior. God is my rescue and strength. He fills me up when I feel all I do is not enough. He tells me it is. My husband was so sweet and got me a wonderful camera. I love taking pictures. MOSTLY of my children. He is a wonderful husband. He lets me vent, he gives me space, and he holds me close. Today was a really wonderful day. After the gym I took the boys to Cohadjoe park and the 3 of us had a picnic and the boys rode their BIKES! Holden was a champ and loves Tanner's old bike. Tanner was a bit nervous but I know he will get use to his new bike. He was brave and tried hard up and down a few hills. :)  Feeling blessed with this crazy family of mine. LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT CHRISTMAS SEASON!!