Christmas is Coming...

It's the most wonderful time of the year….
 Family fun decorating our Christmas tree...
 Excited to spend this first Christmas in our new house...

 December not only brings with it the Advent season, but also birthdays and our wedding anniversary… James will celebrate his 14th birthday this Christmas!  He and his best bud, Caleb, have gotten to celebrate both their birthdays this month by going to see a couple movies… Thor2 & Hobbit.
 We, meanwhile, got a MUCH needed night out with our dear friends, Matt & Shauna Sigmon.  Dinner and a Musical: We Will Rock You (a highly entertaining production and tribute to Queen).
 Our sweet Jana Sophia turned 11 years old this month!

 Presents...
 Giggles...
 Cupcakes to school...

 And then she asked, of all things, that I straighten my hair for her birthday, ha ha…
Before:
 Our incredible Christmas spread for our Imago Dei Church leadership party Friday night...


 Even IDC cupcakes from the talented Missie Branch (OhTasteandSee)...
 AFTER: 
 Basketball games have begun… Joshua and Jana and enjoying playing...

 The holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving, is a wonderful catalyst toward reflecting on the goodness and mercies of our Gracious God… I am so very grateful for our Imago Dei family, for the talented musicians I get to worship through music with, our God-fearing elders who faithfully steward the Gospel day in and day out, as well as the many humble brothers and sisters who comprise the IDC family...  
 This December has been a rich time in God's Word studying about our Redeemer through the book of Ruth…  You can listen to the series here: www.idcraleigh.com 
 After worship this past Sunday (after Saturday night slumber party), we girls caught Moe's for lunch and then a movie matinee to see Disney's Frozen… oh so cute!
Sinai and Victoria...
 Trinity and Angela...
 And the two birthday girls:
Jana and Eden...
 Sunday evening was our growth group Christmas party…
White Elephant gift exchanges (kids first):
 Ben stole one of the best gifts: Bathe and Brew… ha.
 We were missing a few people out of town AND two wonderful couples just welcomed home beautiful baby daughters, Kendra Keziah Strickland and Jericho Maliyah Codispoti. 

 Tony modeling his Christmas socks he won in the gift exchange...
 Monday afternoon we finally broke the news to our kiddos that we're going to DISNEY WORLD as a part of their Christmas!  We leave Wednesday and look forward to a few days of family time in sunny Florida!
Below is the "great reveal."...

 They had no idea (which made it even more fun)… We are all excited!
One of the best lines came from Joshua afterwards who said, "I can't believe we are going to Disney World.  I think I might faint!"

Thanks for sharing in our fun!  I hope to get a blog up again before Christmas, but if not, I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." 
Isaiah 9:6-7

Comments

  1. TaraDecember 17, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    Have the most wonderful time in Disney, friends! I don't know anyone who is more deserving of such a fun family vacation!

    ReplyDelete

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