Catchin' Up

Oh, how I have neglected my little blog.  Two months have passed and not a single word about my ever-exciting life-ha!  Here are some of the highlights and happenings over the last couple of months.  

 Family photo session

 Christmas!

 I am a collector of nativities.  As the years progress, my girls like to be increasingly involved in the holiday decorating process.  Raychel was in charge of this nativity set up.  I thought it was so sweet how she placed Joseph's hand protectively over the Baby Jesus.  It reminded me of a Trisha Yearwood song, It Wasn't His Child.

He was her man, she was his wife

And late one winter night

He knelt by her

As she gave birth

But it wasn't his child,

It wasn't his child

Yet still he took him as his own

And as he watched him grow

It brought him joy

But it wasn't his child

It wasn't his child

But like a father he was strong and kind

And I believe he did his best

It wasn't easy for him

But he did all could

His son was different from the rest

It wasn't his child

It wasn't his child

And when the boy became a man

He took his father's hand

And soon the world

Would all know why

It wasn't his child

It wasn't his child

But like a father he was strong and kind

And I believe he did his best

It wasn't easy for him

But he did all could

He grew up with his hands in wood

And he died with his hands in wood

He was God's child,

He was God's child

He was her man

She was his wife

And late one night

He knelt by her

As she gave birth

But it wasn't his child

It was God's child

Just the simple way she placed the pieces reminded me of the goodness and gentleness Joseph possessed.  What a stalwart man he must have been to be trusted with the Son of God.

 Santa Train with friends.

This man really, really, REALLY liked trains. ;-)  I watched him for a good 5 minutes and this smile never left his face.

 Gumdrop trees and hot chocolate (with a long straw).

 Festive nails

 Leah's infamous "angry turtle face"

 We could sing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" and really mean it!

 Piano recitals

 My stylish girl HAD to have THIS outfit.  Yes, that is a blazer.  After her recital, I told her she needed to get back to work at her real estate office.  She looked like a mini professional. 

 Baking delicious goodies.

 From start to finish, these were done by the girls.

Majestic snowfall

Taste testing

 How could you not love this face?  Mimi has the cutest personality!

 Communal Diet Coke cup at Nana's house.

And finally, talking to our favorite North Carolina Missionary!  Grant is doing great!  Loves the area, loves the people, loves the work.  And may I be so bold to say they LOVE him too!  (Notice Mimi sprawled on the couch.  Yeah, she's a brat).