He is BORN! Merry Christmas 2021

Where did the year go? Well, I will tell you I am overjoyed that Christmas was quiet this year and there was not a lot of pre-pomp and circumstance. Just mellow and MEANINGFUL!
First, we celebrated Advent this year properly. Each day, we made it real with our Advent Blocks.

Emmanuel! God With US! And the ending message? The star is HERE! Now, go and tell.

Let’s be a light.

Ok, now did Santa come? We still like to celebrate the meaning of what St. Nick stands for. Generosity, sacrifice, and kindness. Looks like he enjoyed the cookies!

Now, we have a few hours before mom would come, so as tradition, she gets to open one gift before breakfast. This morning, before our little walk. Mr. Sketchers smelly crayons!

and now our “ADVENT”ure! Lil walk in the 52 degree weather.

Perfectly wonderful. Crisp, not too cold, and refreshing. We got back in time for me to get the waffles and such ready for mom!

And she came just in time for us to have our coffee and top our fruit with an overwhelming amount of whipped cream. Makes every meal better, right?

Beautiful mama. WE love you so much. Coopy can’t get enough of you too.

Ok, let’s manga!

Tot told us stories at the table of Baby Jesus. And, she made her food more fun. Why not!?

So nice to just enjoy each other. Of course we know what happens next? Hmm….what do you think!?

Let’s celebrate now. Who will be first? Mama. Blog book and planner for her!

And she got some lovely stuff from Connie….and Tot loves to spoil her!

And vice versa! Tot LOVES her Grandmama so much.

A Tree of Life Charm! And Tatum gave her a mini-Bible. (I got her a bunch of them to give away).

Now, Daddy!? How can we love on you!
The Cardinal tweets to say “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!”

Tatum gave him a magnetic flashlight tool. It’s magnetic like him, and it lights up like he does for us. (and sheds light on things…like he does for us too!)

I got him an engraved wallet so every time it opens, he knows how cherished he is!

Mom got him a Ruth Chris Gift card for us to go out and have a date. Hooray!

Now, the Tot. Well, let’s just say she got lots of fun little things this year. More for her set.

The sweetest charm bracelet from mama.

Marker maker! Now that looks fun!

She got many more little things, but she was more interested in what she gave. Like for Coopy. This little piggy…..went to…..Never never land of squeaking again after he got a hold of him!

Now, Tot? She spoiled me. Yes, the MOMY. (?)

Charms, feet warmer (for my Montana trip…and a few little notes)

The joy.

Oh, and Daddy got me an immersion blender! Now, I am loving this…romantic, yes, because I make so many foods that make him swoon! Mama warmed my feet too.

Before dinner…. Isn’t he cute?

Later, we would have Austin over. He’s like Santa Claus…bearing MANY gifts and a lovely smile. Coopy is even warming up to him!

First, din.din. Turkey and the fixins’!

I worried that I didn’t have enough food, but we did! Thank you, Jesus!

Happy bellies was my goal.

Now Tatum shared the story of the candy cane! (taken from this website)

Shepherd’s Staff: He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. After all, Jesus is the shepherd to his followers and the Bible notes that the “sheep” would hear His voice and follow him (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11, John 10:27-30, Isaiah 40:11).
The Letter J for Jesus:Not only was the candy cane in the shape of a staff, but when held upside down, it formed a “J,” which stood for Jesus (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21).
He is A Rock: The candy maker chose hard candy for the candy cane, which was done to remind children that Jesus was our “rock,” dependable and strong (Psalm 31:3).
By His Stripes: Wide red stripes were added to the candy cane, representative of the crucifixion and the blood Jesus shed for our sins.
Red-His Shed Blood: Through his blood, we are given salvation and life (Revelation 1:5, John 3:16, Luke 22:20).
White-Purification from Sin: There are also white stripes on the candy cane, which represents the holiness, and purity of Jesus, who was sinless (I John 1:7).
Sweet Fragrance of Christ: Peppermint was the flavor that the candy maker chose for the candy cane. Peppermint was very similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament, reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. It also reminds us of the spices brought by the Wise Men when they came to visit Jesus (Psalm 51:7, John 10:29, Matthew 2:11).
Broken For Us: Of course, when the candy cane is eaten, it is often broken, which the candy maker meant as a reminder that when Jesus was crucified, his body was broken (I Cor. 11:24).
Love of Christ: The candy cane was also made to be given as a gift, representing the love of Jesus when he gave us the gift of salvation.