Graham and I stayed in Birmingham this year so I just loved being able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day with my family...such a blessing and sweet times. We were planning on going to Oklahoma today, but a little over 2 weeks ago Graham had surgery on his shoulder (a surgery I would not wish on ANYONE) and due to his therapy schedule we had to stay here in town. We will most definitely miss seeing all of our friends and family in Oklahoma this Christmas season, but we are very thankful for the long amount of time we were able to spend there over Thanksgiving!
This is the first year in I don't know how long that I have not made Christmas cookies...that will NOT become a trend! My sister and I did, however, make gingerbread houses one night. It was a lot of fun...for me...but I'm not so sure how much Mel ended up enjoying it. Let's just say her house had a few unfortunate run-ins...resulting in what Dad said looked like a crime scene. Take a look for yourself...
{Mel's is on the left...}
I was able to take Abby's Christmas card pictures this year...I had so much fun doing so! Here are some of my favorites...
For Christmas Eve, Graham and I had everyone over to our house for lunch. I loved being able to host my family on such a special day! We had my family, my grandfather, Graham's grandmother, and her nephew join us. Here are some pictures from that day...
...Have you picked up on who the most photographed person in our family is?! Yes, our lives revolve around that precious little girl these days!
Christmas Eve night we went to the Christmas Eve service at church then all came back to mom and dad's to spend the night (yet another tradition that I love). We spent some time with Abby, then after she went to bed mom, dad, Mel, Reynolds, Graham and I played the game Wits and Wagers...if you haven't played it I recommend it...it was pretty fun! We ended the night the same way we do each year...with Dad reading the Christmas story to us and spending time reflecting on the one and only reason that we celebrate this special day.
Christmas day was perfect...we finally, after all of my dreaming this would happen in Alabama...had a WHITE Christmas! It snowed off an on all day...although it did not stick, it was beautiful to watch and enjoy! We spent the day at mom and dad's and enjoyed a late lunch with mom's side of the family. I only have a few pictures from Christmas morning on my camera and they are all of Abby enjoying her Santa gifts :)
{I think it is safe to say that this chair was Abby's favorite gift! Once she sat in it she would not get up. The rest of her gifts were enjoyed from the chair only!}
So there is a quick recap from our Christmas! I just realized Graham and I did not get a single picture together...sad! It was a wonderful time, though, celebrating the birth of our Savior, and reflecting on what that means in my life. I think the thing that has astounded me so much more this year than ever before is the fact that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, for ME. Christ put Himself where only I should be...beaten, mocked, ridiculed, and brutally crucified...so that I can one day be with Him for eternity. Praise Him for His grace and mercy....oh Praise Him!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
