It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!!

it's become a tradition for us to put the tree up the day after thanksgiving. we have so many decorations and stuff that we try and make the most of it by putting it up and keeping it up a while :-) bless nate's heart, he got EVERYTHING down from the attic and put the tree up, fixed all the lights, and decorated half of it by himself. he was a man on a mission! i love him :-) and i really do love christmas but was so tired from thanksgiving traveling and being sick that i was not looking forward to decorating! nate was such a trooper, and trace was all up0 in the middle of the chaos! he was amazed by all the lights and ornaments, i LOVE the look on his face, such a look of wonder, so excited by the tree. and that was before there were even presents underneath :) since nate did so much, all i basically did was finish decorating the rest of the tree and then nate transformed the rest of the house into a winter wonderland while i was wrapping a few presents! so christmastime is officially here. and i love it!!! i've done most of my shopping but still have a few more gifts to buy. i knew that this big belly would really keep me tired and i am so thankful i started shopping early! i tend to do things way ahead of time, and i am very glad i have already braved a lot of the crazy crowds, parking lots and shopping malls. so starting monday, we already have a busy busy busy december lined up... christmas parties, zoolight safari, pictures with santa (if trace cooperates!!) all sorts of family get togethers, i can't wait! i'm sure there will be more christmas pictures and updates soon. hope you are having fun with the beginning of all the christmas festivities as well! and may we all remember the real reason for the season... i write this to remind myself as well. too many times i get caught up in all the gifts and parties and whatnot and i get so stressed out. but i doubt that is what god wants! so may we give to those who are in need, spend quality time with family and friends, and truly find joy in the small things this christmas season.