December Sights and Sounds

So far, December has been full of special moments and fun news! We'll save the fun news for another post (no, we're NOT pregnant, Mom) ... but for now, enjoy these special moments...

We've had a wonderful time anticipating Christmas and helping each other focus on the true meaning of Christmas (which, we've found, is much easier here without all the commercialism we're normally exposed to).

I was especially thankful to hear Verity's answer when she asked me, "Mommy, do you know what my favorite thing is about Christmas?" She answered, "I just can't wait to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus." I will forever be inspired by this moment ... to remember her child-like faith and to likewise anticipate the amazing act of love when God sent Jesus to us.

Moriah (turning 2 next month) hangs onto our star
until we're ready to place it on our tree!

The tree is up, the stockings are hung and the Christmas
outfits are pulled out ...but more imortantly, we're ready
to celebrate the arrival of Baby Jesus!

Celebrating our BRONZE anniversary! David said, "It feels like just yesterday we were writing the post about 'Seven Years and No Itch' ...now, we're already celebrating our 8th anniversary!" From beginning to end, our anniversary celebration on December 11th was so special and a total gift from God. There is no other man with whom I'd want to experience this crazy adventure called life than David!

As is tradition, the wedding video was pulled out again. After Verity watched it, she looked up at me (as she was cuddled in my lap) and asked, "Can you teach me how to be picky when it's my turn to choose a husband?" Gladly. =)

These 3 preschoolers waited patiently for their older sisters'
Christmas Concert to begin last night. I know you've seen
a lot of these girls on our blog ...they are huge blessings!

Verity was excited about being the angel in her class'
manger scene ... here she is saying her line.

Verity takes her spot in the manger scene alongside
her 7 kindergarten classmates.

We hope each of you are also enjoying a wonderful Christmas season. You can click here for a few more December photos.

You just saw our December sights. Here are a few December sounds. My friend, Karyn, just sent me this link to an acapella group that is simply amazing. I kept having to remind myself, "There are no instruments on stage - those are all human voices!" Singing is not one of the gifts God has given me so I appreciate it all the more when I hear it in others. Click here to watch it directly on youtube.com.

As for the last link, I hesitated to post this but then I realized, "You've GOT to see my mom as an elf." I'm sure you all have seen those "Elf Yourself" songs from Office Max. You can click here for a good laugh. More special December moments to come...