Ahhhh....Christmas!

My week is winding down. One more day of school and Christmas break begins. I'm so excited! I'm ready for some R and R. My boys had their last day of school today. They already look so relaxed. I'm a bit jealous.

I had a good day today. My awesome daughter got an A- on her Social Studies test. She studied so hard! I made flash cards for her and I drilled her and she studied on own. She knew this stuff backwards and forwards. When she showed me her grade I was so thrilled for her! Her daddy is extra proud of her too. He told her he would buy her a special treat for doing so well and working so hard. I was thinking she would want a sucker, a pack of gum, or some gummi bears....NOT MY DAUGHTER. She asked for BEEF JERKY! WHAT?!?!?!?

Anyway, all the students have the Christmas bug. They are talking non-stop of Santa, presents, and going to grandma's house. It's so fun to watch their little faces light up when you ask them what they want to see under their Christmas tree when they wake up Christmas morning.

It's so easy to get caught up in the shopping, the busy hustle of the holidays, gifts, and running from place to place. However, when it's all said and done, I don't want to lose focus of the reason for all the celebration. It is a tradition on Christmas Eve for our family to listen to my father tell the Christmas story, take communion as a family and then head to church to the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Something about celebrating the birth of Christ in such a beautiful and personal way makes Christmas perfect.

I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful holiday. I hope and pray that you experience Jesus in a personal and beautiful way this Christmas!

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas.

My Beautiful Daughter

Wednesday was the Albany Elementary Christmas program. Sydney has been working hard to prepare for this for weeks and weeks. She had quite a lot to do. She had two speaking parts, singing numbers with her class as well as with the choir. All that was left to figure out for the big night was her outfit.

Thankfully, a few years ago, Auntie Brooke gave Sydney a beautiful black velvet dress that she finally grew into. I know you can't really see her hair but I braided the sides and then pulled the braids back to meet in the middle with a big cream colored bow. She looked beautiful.

She did such a great job! The show was a hit and all the Christmas music put everyone in such a festive mood. I just love this time of year!

Zeus and his new home

I know it's been awhile since I've written. Things are outta control busy around here. I did want to let everyone know that our last puppy left a few weeks ago. Zeus found a great home with the Hoppers a week after Oscar left for his new home. Sydney and I went to visit Zeus and his new family last Friday. He is just as adorable as he ever was...with a twist. Zeus is KING OF THE MANOR! He rules the roost and is quite spoiled. It was great to see him and where he lives. Sydney adores Zeus's "big sister" Tressie. She is very glad that Zeus lives with such a wonderful family. We are too!

Here is a picture of Zeus minutes before the Hoppers came to pick him up. Needless to say, he gets even more love at the Hopper's house than he got at our house! Can you say SPOILED? We're lovin' it!