Christmas cheer

I want to just start off by saying....Merry Christmas to you and your family.

This post may be a long time comin', but I can honestly say everything about this year has been a little bit different. All in good ways, mind you, but I've definitely felt off my Christmas "game" this year. 

Well...life says, game on.

We traveled to the "home-land" last week. Kansas. I may prefer our beautiful tall pines, and gorgeous warm weather here in Georgia. But I definitely prefer being around our wonderful family and friends this time of year. It wouldn't be a Christmas without it.

The great part...a lot of celebration was in order. And did it ever deliver. 

a picture's worth a 1000 words :)

one of the best gifts I was fortunate to receive....a new lens for the ole camera.
this is my look that screams "how do ya work this..."

I started to figure it out...

After the Hain Christmas, we drove up to Newton for the morning. Katelynn and I helped Amy and Mama Church with some Christmas cookies. Well, I think we helped...

we enjoyed taste-testing!

Then down to Mom's to celebrate with the Kindt side. 

Which one's the angel?? (above or below)

The next day we celebrated with the Rowe side.

Over and over again, we were reminded of the love we have in all of those wonderful people we call our family and friends.

This morning, Santa finally came to our house. And we had a great day enjoying our time together. 

our new Christmas tradition...holiday-cakes

And tonight, as I reflect, sipping on my last cup of "holiday cheer", I can't help but feel entirely content. 

Joyful, for the year that we have had. The progress made, the ways in which we have learned more about ourselves.

Love, for those who we miss and think of often. Who are always in our hearts, no matter how many miles are between us.

And all the other mixed and meshed feelings that Christmas brings us all this time of year. 

The way we can be taken back to a Christmas past, with tokens in which we surround ourselves.

If I remember right, I believe I was in third grade when I heard about the the legend of the Christmas Spider.
My little hands made this trinket to hang on my tree then. And it still hangs now.

And in my personal belief, it doesn't matter who you are, and what you believe. Every day is an opportunity to come together and appreciate the joy life brings. 

In our household we love this tradition. Celebrating His birth, and our love for each other.

We hope each and every one of you have a wonderful Holiday Season!!