Christmas and on to a New Year

Merry After Christmas!  We had an amazing Christmas.  I say that each year I think and it keeps getting better.  There is nothing like having a kid at Christmas time unless you yourself are one :) . 

And the joys of having kids at Christmas is putting toys together or in Michael's case ...



Blowing toys up!  We decided to get Paxton a ball pit this year.  That kid loves balls!  Michael got him an over the door basketball goal and I wanted to get him the pit. 



I apparently thought it came with more balls, but it only came with 20.  I will have to buy another bag soon. I don't know why though.  They just end up all over the floor :) 

We put together everything on Friday night so that Saturday we wouldn't be in such a rush. 






We started our Christmas on Thursday night at Michael's aunt and uncle's house. The kids had a blast as you can tell:

Even the big kid :)
 
Friday night, we ventured out to let Anna Claire pick out Santa some cookies.  She was very particular about what cookies he needed this year.  She said he needed to have Frosty cookies.  Kroger was all out.  Michael took her in Wal-Mart and thankfully they had some. 





Little brother kept stealing the cookie dough. 

Christmas Eve












Christmas Morning


This kitchen was a hand me down and it was the best present she got :)  Got to love it!  Thanks Jason, Dawn, and Katelyn!
















I guess we will have to get Pax a desk next year!


There he goes again stealing food. 




I love these two babies with all of my heart!


Michael framed the kids school pictures for me :)


Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!!!




Christmas in Brookhaven














We had a wonderful time celebrating Jesus' birthday!  Michael and I are truly blessed and we are thankful for both sets of families. 

We are leaving for Gatlinburg to the Winter X-Treme Conference with the youth.  Please keep us in your prayers!  I am a little anxious about leaving my babies even though its only three nights.  I haven't been more than a couple of hours away.  I will be TEN this time! 

























My two aunts and my mama :0)






Have a wonderful New Year!!!!!! 

Tis the Season for Memories!

I need to stop saying how busy we are.  I mean, we are BUT we are making some good memories!  I do have to stop every now and then to remember to put away the commercialism of Christmas.  I have looked at my Christmas list probably everyday for the past few weeks hoping that I haven't left anyone out or wonder if we have bought the kids enough "stuff."  We did do pretty good this year though.  Last year, we started buying super early and ended up with way too much stuff that they didn't play with.  This year, we scaled back a lot.  Focusing on what they need more than what they might would like.  I pray that Anna Claire will truly remember why we celebrate Christmas.  I ask her frequently and she always says, "It's Jesus birthday."  I am thankful. 

Our First School Christmas Program







School Christmas Party

I was at work that day but thanks to her teacher for texting me some pictures. :)





Breakfast with the Disney Characters
















Anna Claire and her cousin Colby






Paxton wasn't having none of it

Papaw's Birthday






This kid ate THREEEEE  bread sticks at Olive Garden.  I guess he takes after his mom.

Randomness

































I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!!!  Enjoy your family and friends!  Remember that tiny baby that was born in a manger that changed the world.  I will leave you with this:




CHRISTMAS IS IN SIX DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!