Holiday Greetings!

Merry Christmas!

I had considered writing a Christmas letter and posting it here... but I figured that this blog serves as a letter of it's own. It provides most of the details of our lives, some of which are TMI (Too Much Information)!

We're staying in Natchitoches for the holidays. We are sad that we didn't see family, but with all the excitement lately, it's nice to have some time to just breathe. Christmas was great - We attended Christmas Eve service at church and ate what has become our traditional Christmas Eve meal (which started some time in the afternoon)... appetizers. Lots of appetizers. Shrimp, Spinach Artichoke Dip, chips & salsa, Lil' Smokies, veggies, etc. Plus pie & cookies. It wasn't intentional, but we realized that we've eaten these delights on Christmas Eve more often than not.

Christmas morning was a delight, watching the kids open their gifts. Nolan received his coveted garbage truck (ask him what he wants to be when he grows up - yes, a garbage truck driver), as well as other fun gifts. Claire tested out her new Razor scooter right away. We stayed in our jammies, drank coffee and ate cinnamon rolls, and had a blissful morning. Kelly spent 2 hours putting together a Lego Star Wars battle air ship-thingy, which grandma gave to Nolan, which is now in pieces, but he loves it, so no matter!

Later in the day we ate some more (surprise), a roast with all the good stuff. I do enjoy cooking, but in a tiny kitchen, it's a bit different. Not to mention that fact that most of my baking dishes are in storage... let's just say I had to be creative. It was a great day, though, all around.

Christmas day we had beautiful weather. Crisp, cool air and the warmth of sunshine. Yesterday it rained all day which was a good excuse to stay inside and watch movies. Today we are getting out of the house. Kelly left yesterday afternoon for Tulane University in New Orleans, where he is working a baseball camp until Saturday. The kids have 17 total days off from school. Seventeen! They don't go back until the week after next... The walls are starting to close in. We're headed to Alexandria today, about an hour away. It has the closest Target - and we may take in a movie.

I begin my new job on Wednesday. Everything has worked out so well: I quit at the department store, and Kelly got the camp gig. I begin work before the kids return to school, but Kelly's schedule allows him to be at home with them. I am so thankful for God's faithfulness!

May the spirit of the season remain with you & yours, and may you see the Lord's faithfulness in even the smallest of instances. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!