Christmas #2 2012

Christmas with the Jordan's

We did Christmas #2 in 2 parts. Christmas Eve we went over to my aunt's house in Stanley, LA. It was a good time because all the cousins were there and my grandparents were able to make it, too (after a 2 hour detour...in other words, they got lost!) Really, being real, my grandparents aren't getting any younger, and it's tough to watch them grow old. I know we're all going to be there (well, we all probably hope to grow old with our families as opposed to the opposite), but it's hard to watch the circle of life sometimes. I have to watch it though, knowing they've lived a good life, and that they will someday be much better off in Heaven than we are here on Earth! ok, enough...here are some pics from Christmas Eve.

Not sure where she learned this?!?

Then Christmas day came and we had a blast!!! We had my family (mom, dad, ty and steph) over for "Brunch after lunch." We cooked a brunch, but ate at more like lunch time since some folks went to church (we didn't make it!). Then we opened presents! It was SO. MUCH. FUN! Really. I had no idea that it could be this fun! Ruby Belle loved it all and got a ridiculous amount of gifts. Truly, it's a good thing she won't remember the amount of gifts she got for years to come because it may not ever happen this bountifully again!!! Family read: DO NOT spoil her with such amounts of gifts next year!!! ;-) Beckett enjoyed the fun, too, even though he had no idea. he's a happy baby, so he at least Looked like he was having fun!! All in all, it was fairly the most special Christmas to date for me! I cannot wait for next year!!!

Ruby Belle and her cool new house from Aunt Sep-an-ie and Uncle Ty

opening the mounds of gifts!!!

more opening the mounds...Ruby Belle helping show Beckett how it's done!

our 2nd Christmas!!

and Ruby Belle's 1st Christmas in Shreveport!!

Since we weren't able to celebrate Christmas with my family on Christmas, we celebrated on New Year's day. the day after we moved in. it was small, sweet, and fun! I think we all had fun, but as you can see...Uncle Ty and Aunt Stephanie stole the show (and this little one's heart!) with this great present!! (and how precious is that cute little crown from Aunt Stephanie!!!)

Road warrior!!!

Yes, that's my daughter...texting while driving and carrying a baby in the front seat!!

Overall it was a great 2nd Christmas!!! and better that we were all setteled into our new place!...now to adjust to our new life!!!

our 1st Christmas this year

Our 1st Christmas this year was a little crazy. the weekend before Christmas we went to Branson to visit Justin's parents and for his dad's side of the family Christmas. It was nice to see that side of the family and our brother and sister-in-law, Brandon and Jamie and their 2 kids, Mason and Mallory. Ruby Belle had such a good time playing with them, and I think they had a great time playing with her!

the cousins at a nativity display in Branson

Then Justin and Ruby Belle went back for Christmas weekend (while I was working) and had more fun with the cousins and playing!

And apparently she LOVED sitting here and watching the fishy screen saver! it is pretty fun to watch, I must admit!

the Magic of Christmas

i woke up alone this morning...Christmas morning.

first because i couldn't sleep at 4:30 (pregnancy insomnia), then at 6:30 because work called, then just on my own. As i lay there, deciding on whether to get up or not, i couldn't stop thinking about how i missed being there to see my sweet 15 month old daughter's reaction to Santa Claus. and, of course, i was sad. but i knew she was in good hands and having a great time. She and my husband went to Branson to stay with his parents, brother and sister-in-law (Brandon and Jamie), and their 2 kids (Mason and Mallory) because i'm on call and have to work.

i worked all day yesterday and will be working from noon until 6:30 or so tonight. sad about this because i missed my favorite church service of every year...the candlelight Christmas Eve service. But, all of that is ok with me because i DO love work (well, it's kind of a love/hate relationship), and i do love my staff. so, spending Christmas with them isn't so bad. it's quiet, easy and someone's got to spend Christmas serving those who are in the hospital on Christmas! I've tried to remind them over the last several days, that although they may not want to be at work during the holidays when everyone else seems to be off, neither do the patients. and that's who we're here to serve and the least we can do is smile and make their day a little brighter. not sure how much that worked, but most of them seem to be in good spirits.

again, i'm sad...because it's the last Christmas i'll be spending with them. yep, the move is SO upon us. T-6 days and counting. you think i need to be packing? um, yep, but instead i'm sitting her reminiscing, listening to Christmas music, and blogging! (and just finished the huge pancake i cooked for myself!)

as i was also laying in bed, thinking about the reason for the season and thanking God for his Son, i opened my eyes and saw white! ... just a little bit of white, but enough to call it snow flurries, and have a dusting on the ground! a nice, and seemingly magicaly, treat for my last (lonely) Christmas in NW Arkansas.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season! Merry Christmas!!

(Ruby Belle is!! enjoying an Oreo at her daycare Christmas party!)