How I love your branches...

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...How I love your branches...I love that song! 
Well, we plan, prepare, decorate, shop, wrap, cook, bake and rush, rush, rush to get it all done before Christmas. Well, this year...was a little different. We decided this year, to focus on the kids. And, the whole week leading up to Christmas I was sick with the stomach flu. So, we were basically at home, laying low trying to get well before the big day. We did not exchange gifts with our family and instead decided to just get Jake & Sophie gifts. Since, really...it's about the kids anyway. To experience Christmas through a child's eyes is one of the most amazing gifts God can give you. The excitement, the wonder, the innocence...all that is gone so quickly.  For me, I began the holiday season a little sad because I knew I wouldn't be seeing my family in California (most importantly, my Mom & Dad). But, after I really thought about it...I realized that it's about my family right here; Deon, Jake & Sophie. We have to start our own traditions and instill things in our children that will be with them forever. So, that's just what we did. Christmas Eve we attended mass in Old Town. It was a beautiful scene down there. The streets were lined with luminarias, there was a live nativity in front of the church, carolers...I definitely felt the spirit of Christmas there. And, even though, the church was 'standing room only'...we all had a seat and as we listened to the Christmas stories, we were reminded of the true reason for this holiday...Jesus' birth. This is what I want my kids to grow up with...knowing that Christmas is about more than just presents and Santa and crazy shopping malls...it's about our faith in Jesus and our love for our family. I am so blessed...I can't even begin to explain...all I know is that I'm truly grateful for the love of my husband, the joy of my children, the support of my family & friends and most of all, Jesus Christ...who watches over us, continues to bless us and who renews my faith over and over again. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Sophie Lynn in her beautiful dress. 

Sophie & Dad checking out the luminarias

Mom & Dad in old town

They couldn't wait to open presents

Sophie changed into her jammies...but she wanted to put her dress back on

My little redneck. Sportin' his John Deere boots & Belt buckle.

Sophie got a purse with a compact & Lipstick...she LOVED it. 

Dad & Jake...playing rock em' sock em'

Jake really liked this gift...a digger

Santa really knows Jake...JOHN DEERE

Such a girlie girl. Melissa sent her some leg warmers...and  Sophie loved them. She had to walk on her tip-toes.

Talking to Nana & Bob

Melissa sent this really cool puzzle and the kids were amazed by it...

Monkey See...Monkey Do

We had a wonderful Christmas. Thank you to Pa & Coco for all the wonderful gifts, for the delicious Christmas Eve dinner and all the love too. Now...let's ring in the New Year!

Snowin' in the metro...

We got snow in the metro! It's a joke we've had since we moved to New Mexico. On the news they always say we're gonna get snow in the metro...and it never happens. So, when it does...we get all excited. So, of course...we had to go outside and play and take some pictures of it. Feels like a white Christmas.

Jake...it's snowing in the metro

Hey, little snow bunny

Having some fun in the snow...

I love the little footprints

Sophie was amazed...

Hey Jake...over here

It's the little things right? Like snow, kids, smiles and happiness...the little blessings God gives us everyday. We are looking forward to Christmas and we hope it snows then too. Not quite snow man making weather...but we still appreciated the snow. Jake & Sophie are so much fun. Love my little ones. 

Noah's 1st Birthday

Happy 1st Birthday to our cousin, Noah. He had a fun Christmas themed Birthday party with a very special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Jake & Sophie had a good time. 

Noah wasn't feelin' it...

Jake is not scared of Santa

But Sophie is scared of Santa...so I had to hold her. Maybe next year...

Sophie took over Noah's hi-chair. As soon as he left she went over and told me to put her in it. Which is strange, because she won't sit in a hi-chair at home or at restaurants. 

 All the kids were playing and running around...Sophie wasn't quite sure...but after a few minutes of watching...she decided to get out there too! 

Here's the birthday boy! He's walking...

Sophie & Jake found this case full of old cars & trucks...you know Jake, he knew what every truck was. 

Jake told Santa what he wanted for Christmas; a digger, a backhoe, a semi and a John Deere

All of us with Santa...Sophie still crying

Mmmmm....these cupcakes are good. Let's just say that green frosting stains! 

All of  Noah's cousins & friends

Sophie wanted to grab the clip out of this little girls hair so bad...

My little princess

 Happy Birthday Noah! 

Thank you to the Ellenburg family for including us. We had lots of fun! 

Holiday Fun

I love my Jake. He's so much fun. He got this gingerbread train kit and was dying to put it together. Didn't come out exactly like the picture on the box...which, if you ask me...some artist did. But, we were very proud of it nonetheless. Sophie wanted to help too...but she ate more of the pieces than anything. So, we put her to bed and finished. 

Handsome Boy...always ready to pose for a picture.

Our Gingerbread Train! 

Putting the finishing touches on...

Jake & Sophie's tree

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...how I love your branches...

Christmas Parade

We went to the Christmas Parade this weekend too. Our friends, The Chimenti's invited us to watch it with them out in front of Insight (Damian's office building right on Central). It was perfect. They had it catered, had some beers for the adults and yummy treats for the kids. They were all ready to watch. We could hear the sounds of the parade coming down the street and we were getting excited! 

Sophie had to have her own chair...she was ready. 

Jake was yelling for Santa to come down the street already

 Jake's 2 favorite things in the parade. A crane and a helicopter! 

Here's the 3 stooges; Jake, Hunington & Alana

I felt so bad...Sophie saw them taking a picture and ran over to be a part of it. But, I didn't see her until after I snapped it. See her little head there! 

Sophie...LEAVE THE TREE ALONE! 

Jake was singing Patty Cake to Memphis and Sophie was trying to wrestle him. 

So, who knew a tin of popcorn would keep kids so occupied. They couldn't get enough. 

Sophie & Layla were the last ones standing...still eating popcorn after all the big kids got out of the way.

It was a very fun night. Weather was nice. But, once it got cold we had the option of going back into the office. That worked out perfectly. Plus, the potty for the kids...nice too.
Thanks to the Chimenti's...now that's the way to watch a parade!
Merry Christmas!