Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

As promised I told you earlier this week that I was in our youth and children's play at church.  I didn't include the details of what I played...

Here is a photo of me and my sister.  She did an awesome job of directing the play!

Yes, I was the granny.  For the play, it was pretty simple.  We pretended that all the youth and children were my children and grandchildren and we "shared" with the congregation our tradition of the Christmas story.  It was of course accompanied with singing.  I know through the scripture and our songs that the gospel was clearly presented.  I could feel God's presence as we were on that stage and hope we planted a seed in someone's heart.  I think the kids really enjoyed it!  I mean come on, what kid wouldn't want to be able to wear their pajamas on stage at church?

Finished up my last day of work (we got to leave early) and excited to start my Christmas break!
Only 3 days til Christmas!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday before Christmas y'all!

I'm linking up to Jamie's weekly "What I'm Loving Wednesday" post.

This week I'm loving that I have one, count it, one more day of work before I begin my much needed four-day Christmas break!

I'm loving it's only four days until Christmas!

I'm loving that I get to see these ladies tonight!  These girls I have known since my first years in college and we have been making it a point to get together around Christmas ever since.

I'm loving that I have all my presents wrapped so far.  (I still have one left to buy!)

I'm loving that Christmas falls on a Sunday.  I know that some people might view that as an inconvenience, but what better way to celebrate the birth of our King then to be in God's house worshiping him with all my church family!

Productive Weekend

I am so proud of myself for having such a productive weekend.  This weekend I wrapped almost all the presents that I have ready and they are now underneath a completely decorated tree!  I was able to finally meet up with Rici long enough to cut her hair and give little Teagan a trim.  We finished shopping for our adopted family this weekend and our Christmas play at church was a huge success.  I loved playing a special role.  (I’ll post more about this one with photos later this week.)

As I was preparing my Sunday School lesson for my 1^st graders I realized something.  As the shepherds were in the field and the angel came before them that was the ONLY sign they had of this king and of this promise.  Think about what we have today.  We have the entire bible, cover to cover.  We have the promise that Jesus came and was born to the virgin Mary, that he died on the cross for our sins, and that he rose.  Why would we not believe that he is coming back one day?  Why do people not believe in Jesus?  And what kind of faith did those shepherd have to simply believe and trust the angel?

This week is going to be busy, but I am excited that I get to have dinner with two of my college friends, I get a day off this week, and Christmas is almost here!

Weekend Recap...

On Friday I was determined that my Christmas shopping would be completed this weekend.  I cannot handle how busy it gets the week and especially the day before Christmas!  It seems like I always try to avoid getting caught up in that madness and every year I end up needing to run get something.  So Friday I met my mom after work and we set out to finish our shopping together.  After hitting up a few stores we ended up calling it a night. 

So of course we decided to take my sister along and head back out for more shopping on Saturday.  It's kind of crazy because I usually love shopping.  No matter who it is for I love the going around shopping for deals and finding different pieces to make an outfit, but I just haven't been feeling it lately.  I'm thinking it is because of all of the rush that goes on this time of year.  I wished people would really contemplate why we celebrate Christmas.

I began thinking on Saturday, if people do not celebrate Christmas for the birth of Christ what do they think Christmas is all about?  As I pondered this question I then began to feel convicted.  As a Christian I should be focusing my attention on the true meaning of Christmas…Christ our Savior’s birth.  I shouldn’t worry if Aunt so and so likes what I plan on giving her or if all cousin’s gifts are equal.  I should be praising God for fulfilling the promise of Jesus’ birth. 

So I’m challenging each of you to really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

On Sunday after church my sister, mom and I hosted a baby shower for Kyra Mae.  Kyra is the daughter of one of our family’s close friends, Rici.  Rici grew up with us through church and gymnastics.  We always referred to each other as cousins!  I am so thankful I get to be a part of her little girls lives.

Here are some photos from the shower.  I attempted my very first diaper cake.  I think it worked out pretty well.

 The finished diaper cake.

 Kyra, Rici's former neighbors, and Teagan

Jana did so well with those pom balls.

Teagan with Santa