Joy{ful}, Joy{ful} We Adore Thee

Joyful, joyful…..my heart is full today.  All four of my peeps spent Christmas Eve at HOME and I could not have been more content.  Gifts were opened first thing but it was really the time spent together that seemed more of the focus this year.  My mother and sister-in-law joined us for breakfast but the rest of the day we stayed in our pjs and played games and watched tv and enjoyed a wonderful day together.  It was almost five before I finally showered and got dressed and that was only because we ventured out for you guessed it….Chinese for dinner.  

Everyone is now asleep and I sat down at the computer and found several amazing blog posts shared by some amazing women today.  I am a follower of Jesus and hope most days I am a disciple to others but I know I can do better.  I hope that someday I will be able to inspire others by writing words like these to be just what someone may need to hear.  Take the time to read these posts….you will not be disappointed.   

Merry Christmas from Momfessionals here

More than a Baby in a Manger here

Merry Christmas from Erika here

A sweet friend gave me a the custom made chalkboard to the left in the picture below and last night Joyful, Joyful was perfect and it completed my Christmas decorations perfectly.  

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day highlights.  

 This girl is one of my very best friends in the world and then we married cousins 13 years ago which makes us family too!  We don’t see each other often enough so I always look forward to Janac Christmas.  

 My 3rd has outgrown my 1st!  These two have similar personalities and I never realize they look so much alike until I take their picture together but there are definitely some similarities.  

 While we were missing some special cousins we managed this picture.  There are 21 great grandchildren on the Janac side with one on the way.  The kids always have so much fun playing together.  So glad we all make the effort to get together so they know each other.  

Me and the main squeeze who is always really excited once Christmas arrives and I am no longer a stress ball.  He has 4 straight days off and I’m so happy he will have some rest and we will have some time together.  

 I attempted these cute ornament glasses for our mimosas…truth be told Keith had to save the day and complete them for me.  If you are interested you can see the tutorial here.  

 All Carly asked for was a plasma car and lego friends so she was a happy, happy camper.  

 And even Dutch enjoyed some new toys.  

My sweet boys….who knew they could steal a mom’s heart the way they do.  

 Carly loves her one in a million Aunt Amy!  

 She spent a big portion of the day putting together both sets of Lego Friends.  I was so impressed at how well she followed the instructions.  

Carly had her “shopping” completed weeks ago.  While some of her gifts were purchased (with her very own money mind you) she gave her daddy a coupon for 100 kisses.  Of course it does expire September 22nd (her birthday).  She is a total daddy’s girl and has him wrapped right around her finger. 

The evening ended with dinner at a favorite Chinese restaurant and some snuggling and more TV movies before bed time.  

 Tomorrow we will be on the road traveling a short distance to celebrate Christmas with my family in my hometown.  I hope all of you have been surrounded by peace and love this holiday season.