Merry Christmas!

Baking Cookies

Last weekend my Dad and Kathy came up for a couple days.  We had a real nice time.  They let Dustin and I go out and do some Christmas shopping and they watched Lucy.  The next day we did some Christmas baking.  Here are some pics. 

Little Brother and Big Sister

I must call him that a lot because Lucy often refers to him as Baby or little brother.  It’s pretty cute.

Christmas Traditions

My favorite Christmas tradition that Dustin established when we were engaged is the Shramek Family Christmas Celebration.  Basically he makes a bulliten and we have our own little Christmas service.  We usually have candles glowing and a fire burning (if possible).  Then we sing songs, pray and read some Scriptures together.  Lucy’s first Christmas (she was 9 months old)- she applauded the Savior’s birth- that was all she could do!  Last year she read a verse.   I’m not sure what we will do this year but I am looking forward to it. 

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Advent Candles

I wanted to share more about some of our Christmas traditions.  One thing we started doing a few years ago was Advent Candles.  I really love doing it. 

Every year we do something a little bit different with them.  Usually we read a little devotion one evening of the week and then light the candle or candles, depending on the week, that are to be lit.  This year we are doing it nightly.  

I love my candle holders they each are different- one is Mary and Joseph, one is some shepherds, one and angel and one the wise men.  I wanted to post a pic but can’t find my camera!  Maybe I will get one posted when it shows up!

Chubbers!

Little Buds is Smiling

I don’t have a pic of him doing it yet but he’s so cute.  It’s really fun to start seeing more of him!  He also is making cute little goo sounds now too.

Here are some pics from Thanksgiving.

 

I needed to hear this

I heard this on a blog I regulary read and it was very timely for us. We have had a lot of hospital bills that our insurance deems unnecessary or experimental.  I’m still trying to figure out how anesteshia or staying at the hosptial when you have a baby falls into these categories!  Anyway through it all I have been battling to believe that God works all things for my good (Ro. 8:28) even huge hospital bills! 

Advent

I love the advent season. I am really trying to dwell on what it’s really about – He came! God sent His son to redeem mankind. What an awesome gift. It’s very easy to forget who we are celebrating with the busyness that goes along with this time of year.  I hope to share some of the ways we celebrate in upcoming posts but for now I will direct you to this great resource.