I am feeling the effects of the Holiday rush. Rushing to get things checked off my list, gifts purchased, wrapped, cookies made, plans finalized- PHEW! It’s exhausting, and with two kids in the mix, I am really struggling to keep my head above water.

However, I LOVE this time of year. I love making Christmas cookies and candies, spending time with my family, buying gifts, having the Christmas tree up, listening to Christmas music, etc. I went to church this past weekend for the first time in a LONG time (hello crazy anxiety about leaving Brayden in Sunday School) and it was incredible. I love singing Christmas songs with an entire group. It’s truly moving. (Oh, and yes, just K and I went to church. Brandon stayed home with a sick Brayden. This coming weekend, I will face my fear and introduce him to Sunday School. HOLD ME!)

I am trying to stop in the midst of our plans and be truly thankful for what Christmas means- the birth of Jesus Christ. I will never tire of the story of baby Jesus, the glory, and the pure love that this season brings around. I hope you are all surviving in the midst of the holiday craziness, no matter how you celebrate.

And with that, I have some cookies to tend to!

I have to admit, this year, Mother’s Day was pretty great.

We made breakfast (waffles with strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate chips, turkey bacon), played outside, and cooked out with Brandon’s mom and brother’s. The boys got me a very nice 12 inch skillet with a lid (POTS WITH LIDS!) which I was more than thrilled with. My pots and pans collection leaves much to be desired, so this was a very nice addition! I am also pretty sure that I didn’t have to change a diaper at all on Sunday- so that was also a bonus. It was nice to have my boys home all day since Brandon is now working in the field 16 hours a day!

What a blessed Christmas we have this year. As I sit here on the morning after Christmas reliving the past couple days, I can truly say my family of 3 is blessed beyond measure. Brayden is playing on the floor with his new toys, the hubby is still asleep after being out until 3am plowing snow, and I am sitting here calmly, wondering how different the house will look after we take down all of the decorations!

Christmas Eve night was spent hosting my family. We always have chili, hot chicken sandwiches, and this year I made hot artichoke dip, veggie tray, meat and cheese tray, plus all of the cookies and candy we made recently! We ate and ate and ate some more, and it was delicious. This is the same meal that my dad always had Christmas Eve when he was growing up- so definitely a stone set tradition. We did gifts as well, and that did not go like I thought it would! Brayden got really excited when we started moving the gifts from the front porch into the living room but when it was time to open? He didn’t really take any interest. We had to start unwrapping, show him what might be inside, and THEN he wanted to help. He was very patient as we untangled, snipped wires, etc to get the toys out.

Brandon and I usually do gifts on Christmas morning with each other, but my family knew what we were getting each other, and got accessories for our new items, so we had no choice but to open in front of everyone. Brandon totally caught me off guard and surprised me with the Nook Color- the gadget I have been dreaming about since I heard of it’s release! It is incredible, and I love reading in bed at night with it backlit so it’s not bothering Brandon while he is trying to sleep. I surprised Brandon with the iPhone 4, knowing that he wouldn’t get it for himself. I look forward to getting it up and going for him today! Now we can FaceTime when he is in Costa Rica this March! Also? We generally don’t spend this much on each other and now I know why he told me not to get him a new phone- because I think he went over his budget on the Nook. (He bought the protection plan because of Brayden-wise man, that one!)

From my parents we received a Keurig, I got new pots and pans, Brandon got a new saw- we are definitely spoiled. Brayden got some great new toys that he is LOVING, some new clothes, and the cutest winter hat from BabyGap from my brother’s girlfriend and her parents.

We spent Christmas Day with Brandon’s family and by the end of it, we looked like Santa’s sleigh had broken down and we were the chosen ones to take what was left home! Brayden definitely is spoiled rotten (or as I call it, blessed!) and now we have new toys and trucks and pillow pets and tractors. He is loving it.

Someone posted this on Facebook the other day and I couldn’t help but pass this along. Very, very interesting!

We are having our family pictures taken Wednesday by my good friend Laura, and to be honest, I can’t WAIT to get the photos back and get started on my holiday cards. I look forward to doing them every year! Since about 95% of my side of the family lives out of state, I know that getting our Christmas card helps them recap what our year was like, and of course, gives them updated photos! It is a lot of work to send them out, but I like receiving cards as well, so I figure it is well worth it.

Last year, we had pictures taken about this same time and I got my cards through Shutterfly. Their selection was amazing, the quality is great, and the shipping was fast. I always have great luck with Shutterfly- here are some of my favorite cards for this season. I really like the idea of doing a short letter just as a recap- I didn’t do that last year, but I really like it when others send me letters!

I know, I am behind on my posts. Most of you have moved on from fall festivities, but I couldn’t NOT share our Halloween with you! We had such a fun time trick or treating with Brayden on vacation.