Christmas tree.

We got our Christmas tree the other night.  I thought for a second we weren't going to get a night to work for us to go for this but we decided to go without Hadassah and Jeremiah.  Between their plans and events, it just wasn't working to go as a family this year.  We also bought a precut tree this year instead of doing the whole tree farm experience.  I can't believe we went back to just picking a tree out and then bringing it home but it gets dark so fast and Saturdays were not open for us to do this event.  Hopefully, we can go back to the farms next holiday season!

It was a fresh, chilly night so it didn't take us too long to pick out a tree.

I love these people so much!!!!!

And this man is the best gift God ever gave to me!!!!

We left the littles put on the ornaments and the star on top.  All we need are some gifts yet and we are ready for Christmas!

I love the smell of fresh pines in the house and this is so cozy to have in the living room!

Happy holiday preparing!  Christmas Day is coming!!!

December is here!

When we came back from the cabin, we spent the next day at sister Jody's house making sand tarts and chocolate covered peanut butter crackers. 

So fun making these!

Ashlyn was not feeling the best but had to help out for a little while.  I don't like flu season and I'm praying we will stay healthier with having to wear masks and washing our hands extra much this holiday season.  I am much more aware of how germs can spread so quickly with all the coronavirus talk and so it it means to use some santitizers now and then, that's what we will do!  I'm sure this will help prevent the common cold and flu too!!!

Then the next day, while most of the men were still at the cabin hunting, we took the day to go shopping.  Jody couldnt go along because one of girls were now not feeling.  Mike was so kind to stay home with Ashlyn so I could go.  She did seem much better but I'm trying to be extra careful with sending the kids out of the house if they are not well.  If we all do our part, school will remain a healthier place to learn too this winter!!!

We had a real trip going to stores in Exton.  We love that HomeGoods and Marshalls down there!

Now we get to wrapping up the gifts and put under the Christmas tree!

And just like I figured, Mike and Ashlyn were hanging out doing the puzzle!  I'm so glad Ashlyn is on the mend and ready for school the next day!

With Christmas being around the corner, we are counting down the days!  Advent is a fun way of preparing our hearts for Christmas Day!

These are my favorite reads for devotionals over the Christmas holiday. The Countdown to Christmas is a new one and we are enjoying it!

There's lots to do before Christmas but my heart really wants to remember the real reason for the season more than ever.  We've had quite the year in 2020 and so to pray for God's extra peace and love and joy over this season in my life, is a high request!

Happy holiday planning!

Thanksgiving gatherings!

 November came and went but we made some wonderful memories that I want to share!!!!

Austin learned much about Indians and Pilgrims at school over thanksgiving and one day at home, he asked to make a teepee.  We gathered some sticks from outside and made this.  

We topped each garden bed with mushroom mulch.  There's still carrots out there and the herbs are still growing!

Yep, this is me in November and getting all the Christmas tunes going!

School parties are always fun!  This year they said to dress in Camo or like Indians and Pilgrims.  The children chose the Camo theme.

Look at this cute Kindergarten class!!!!

Mike's family gathered around Moms table!  It was such a good day together!  The weather was so nice and we played games until late in the night.  Much laughter was shared and we really had a good time!

Cousin friends!!!!

Steve got the pony out and gave rides!

The next day, we headed to the cabin to be with my family!

The girls played games in the hallway.

So many little ones makes for a noisy busy cabin life but it's all so sweet and fun!

Mike took the little boys on a hike in the woods and they came back with a snake skin.

Thanksgiving was a time where we thanked God again for the many blessings He gave to us!  It was a time with family where we played Scum and Four Up and Four Down and made more memories.