Expectancy of Christmas...4 days.

So 4 days til Christmas... and I've got a cold! Hope that means it will be gone for Christmas. Nothing like some rain and not feeling well to convince me to SLOW DOWN! Thank you Lord.

This note by Jill Savage reminded me of how much I want to enjoy these precious days... and Christmas isn't about buying things from the store.

Thankfully I don't have teenagers yet... but I have visions of snuggling and reading stories, singing songs, making a few SIMPLE treats with the family: our traditional treats- my moms birthday cake (for Dec 23rd), German coffee cake in honor of my Grandpa's swiss roots, spiced cider in the crock pot, quiche for Christmas morning and jello (a kid favorite from both my grandma's)for dinner. It's funny some people get all excited about the meat and side dishes but my heart is for my kids and keeping it special for our family to build traditions. But we hold everything loosely... cause it's the time together that matters. We use paper plates with holiday napkins for most meals (besides Christmas dinner) so we can be more present to each other.

I'm SO excited to wrap presents WITH my family... special 1:1 time each of us and talk about how much we LOVE GOD's gift and share love for each other. I'm delighted that I'm going green with most of my wrapping- it saves money, time and waste! Decorative reusable boxes and gift bags MOSTLY (the hubby still loves paper!)

I want to capture their precious faces on film or video talking about the Christmas story and what it means to them! And maybe even a family photo--- we only seem to capture a few a year.

We do have some gifts to hand deliver to neighbors and friends; it's one of our favorite ways of spreading a bit of cheer but again, we hold it loosely for when it works best. And one of my favorite traditions is Christmas Eve church service at CV High @5pm with our family singing praise together.

And since I'm a little behind on updating our address list, the family photo and holiday greetings... I'm envisioning a green e-card that links to my blog...that's the best way to see what's up with us. Of course some folks who aren't on email will get a written note-- but I'll enjoy personalizing those over the next week or so instead of writing 150 cards! And calling a few friends via phone that I've missed talking with...cause somethings can't be shared in a letter.

Oh and the house is what it is... lived in...hopefully comfy & cozy to all who enter.

When we went to see lights just on Sunday for our Hastings Ranch visit (this time in the car due to the rain) and it said, "Glory to God in the Highest" in front of one house... Cade said that's what the angel Gabriel said! : ) We were so blessed by his heart and desire to understand what CHRISTmas is all about- thank you Lord for the gift of family.

Merry CHRISTmas season precious friends. With Love, Janine