Joy to the World....

So, if you have read my blog even once...you know that I am a big fan of "tradition". I like to know what is coming. The irony of that is, I don't like making plans. I like to be able to wake up and kind of figure out where my day is going. Feeling tied down to a "plan" has never been my thing.  This bugs a lot of people, not to mention any names..... but her initials are A.N.G.E.L.A. ( my sweet and dear sister). Love you, Ang! =) This only bugs her because she is just the opposite, and I love this about her.

Anyway, traditions are different for me. I like my children to look forward to doing something that we have done before. Christmas time is a big tradition-ey time for us.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do when the calendar turns to this Wintry December month. Oh, how we look forward to these times together....

~Watching Polar Express and drinking hot chocolate
~decorating the house, every inch of it
~lighting up our trees, and lighting up our home
~presley and I making peppermint bark together...she loves to help with the smashing of the candy canes.
~wearing our new Christmas p.j's....everyone but Lem. he prefers his old fave  J. Crew sweat pants.
~Christmas with the Cannon's (Lem's cousins from NC)--so much fun. we play Dirty Santa and it gets really funny!
~addressing Christmas cards...yes, I love it. so much fun. i think about each person and family as i address them, and it makes me smile.
~receiving Christmas cards..the BEST.
~the Still Lumber Christmas party--which i hosted this year.  so much fun.
~My cookie swap...I didn't host it this year...see above. =) they were a day apart..couldn't manage both.
~no school!! need i elaborate?
~the Christmas eve service at FBC...this year we will be attending the one at our church, Eastridge.
~Waffle House every December 23rd..the eve before Christmas Eve. The kids wear their pajamas. We sit in the same booth at the Waffle House on 441 in Madison. This always is the best--plus i don't have to cook!
~Sushi at Momma Jane's on Christmas Eve...then opening presents. Chaotic and FUN.
~Christmas morning. Early rising and yelps of joy and happiness from the children. me, downing my coffee and trying to clear my blood-shot eyes. my camera is always in my hand and i am trying to catch each and every shot...of both kids faces.
~breakfast at MawMaw and PawPaw's house. yummy. then opening presents for days it seems...this can truly last until early afternoon. but, we love it.

Perhaps, these traditions will change over the years. Even if they do, new traditions will take their places.

As I was cleaning my kitchen this evening after dinner, I just kept thinking how good God is. How He sent His Son for me..for you. I feel so unworthy, because I am. The joy of Christmas is a gift. A gift from God. Thank you, Lord for the gift of joy.

my cup overflows,

Jill