It is the most wonderful time of the year. I love Christmas...the carols, the decorations, the excitement in the kid's eyes, the Christmas programs at school and church and the cold weather that makes you want to snuggle when you come inside! This year we decided to get brave and take Brea to the Chrismon service at church last weekend. I knew that it was going to be music, the handbells, the reading of the Christmas story for the kids and the decorating of the tree with the chrismons. Well, things started out just fine. She was so interested in the stained glass windows, the candles on the ends of the pews and the Christmas decorations but once the service began she became a chatterbox! When the handbell choir began to play she loudly pointed and asked what the big bells were. She also commented (loudly) about the pipes for the organ when the organ began to play. She also decided to parade around the front of the church during story time and bless her heart, she decided that she wanted to sing the carols (even though she doesn't know the words) and she sang at the top of her lungs!!! The folks seated around us were so sweet and when we apologized to them for being disruptive they all told us that they had enjoyed watching her and they were glad that we brought her to the service.
This week has been super busy. It was parent's week at dance so I was able to be in each of the girls classes. Brea has really progressed in her classes. She wasn't able to stand on one foot when dance started at the beginning of September but now she is doing tap steps with no problems! I'm very impressed with Brooke's dance classes. They danced to "Jingle Bells" in jazz and to songs from the Nutcracker in ballet. I'm always amazed at how graceful she is in class because she can be quite clumsy at home! It was also Brea's Christmas program at preschool. Her class wore reindeer shirts that they made and they sang "Up on the house top", "Go tell it on the mountain" and "Glory, glory, glory". She did a great job singing (at the top of her lungs) and she even blew kisses to us from the stage! This month also kicked off basketball season so in between all the running with the girls we have been at basketball practices with Baker! Usually he complains about his 9:00 PM bedtime but not now...he is usually out by 8:00 PM!!!
I can't help but think of Bailey who is still waiting for us in China. Next year at Christmas there will be one more stocking hanging from the mantle. There will be a few more gifts under the tree and there will be one more child in the world who will know the true meaning of Christmas. I wish she could be here with us now but I know without a doubt that God's timing is always perfect.
Enjoy your holidays. Savor each and every moment with your families and remember the reason for the season. The greatest gift has already been given...Christ our Lord!
I'm adding some photos from our Thanksgiving trip to Charlotte, the girl's dance classes this week and Brea's preschool program this morning. Enjoy!
