Terrible Blogger!

Okay I INTENDED to complete the Christmas countdown. I INTENDED to journal leading up to Christmas. I INTENDED to post the fun and exciting pictures of the children leading up to Christmas ~ but I didn't. I am sure that does not surprise anyone who reads this blog ;)

This Christmas was truly one of my fondest memories with my family. We celebrated Jesus' birthday and the blessing of my stepfather's full recover from just a few weeks post brain surgery. We met my parents and brother in Tennessee at the cabin on the Cumberland Plateau. I left on the Monday before Christmas and Skip came up the following Wednesday with a packed sleigh.

The air was crisp and cold, so perfect for Christmas. We all (including my stepfather!) walked through the woods, rode four wheelers and fished. At night we all sat by the fire and enjoyed the exhaustion and just being together. This little town has stopped in time and the cabin does not have internet, so for Christmas our lives slowed down enough for us to just be together. It was such a sweet time.

The last Christmas we spent together was 12 years ago, Olivia was 1 and Annabel was on her way. Five children later, we had all the chaos and laughter I remembered dreaming of wanting as an only child. My brother, who is 24 years younger, has also grown up basically an only child. I am still not sure if he also dreams of a lively Christmas, but that is exactly what he got!

My mother has set up a room for Skip and me in the cabin. This is the first time since I got married that Skip and I did not use the guestroom. The room has a beautiful very tall heart of pine bed and the most beautiful quilt. The linens are so comfy and the room is sweetly decorated with pictures of our precious little ones. The room is a perfect gift!

Santa found us! Thanks to the luminaries we set up on Christmas Eve. Christmas day was alive and full ~ Just like Jesus.

Joy to the world! Merry Christmas!