It's the most wonderful time of the year, and it's only just begun!

   Every year I forget, but it only takes a few days into December for me to remember again. My daughter LOVES Christmas! She spends the entire month of December in a constant state of "so excited she can't stand it" or "so full of anticipation it hurts". She exhausts herself, and us! But it is oh so much fun to watch her throw herself into the season with abandon.
   As soon as Thanksgiving is over it starts. She has seen the Christmas decor that is out way too early in the stores but when we are heading home from Thanksgiving in Austin, we are heading home to Christmastime!

 We went to visit Santa on Tuesday after school. Summer and I took Caitlin and Samantha together. I'm sure they annoyed their teachers and friends all day talking of their upcoming afternoon event. We lucked out, no line, no fuss. The girls told Santa what they wished for. Samantha changed her original, "a surprise" to share Caitlin's wish of "a squishy horse". Then they had their photos taken. It was a fun day.

  Three days later, Daddy brought home a tree on Friday night. He picked the perfect one! Probably the biggest we've ever had but we are also in the biggest house we have ever had. It's beautiful! So we spent Friday night and Saturday afternoon decorating it. We broke only two ornaments, which is a feat considering we are on tile floors.

   Then Monday came. It was Santa's Workshop at St. James Preschool. I took the day off to help. The students come up to the fellowship hall by class and they participate in crafts, a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, story time, and cookies. They have so much fun! It's fun for us moms too, but exhausting as well!

Samantha was thrilled that I was going to spend the day at her school. We got ready quickly and headed off early in the morning. I helped with the set up and each child as they came through working on their crafts. Samantha had a great time. She completed each craft, talked Santa's ear off for about 10 minutes or so, and sat mesmerized during story time. We both had fun today. I love seeing her teachers and hearing the nice things they have to say about her. And I love watching her as she enjoys (with JOY) her friends, school, and experiences. She is such a happy child!

   When we got home, she took out her nativity figurines to play. After dinner we sat on the living room rug and played with Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. She had Mary rock the baby Jesus while she sang Silent Night. His favorite lullaby according to Samantha. As we played she said, "Mama, do you know what my favorite thing about Christmas is?" I replied that I didn't. "It's Baby Jesus!" Gosh this kid can be the cutest and sweetest thing ever! My heart swells with pride and joy that she feels so close to God and loves, loves, loves her Jesus!

So a week into December and already we have enjoyed so much that Christmastime has to offer. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!