Christmas 2015

I'm just going to let these pictures speak for themselves.

Our Christmas!

Wait...December's almost over?

There are a few things that are hard to believe today as I tried to jam these pictures in here.... December's almost over, how many pictures I actually took in December, how many HUGE things actually happened in December, how things seem like they happened a long ago but only yesterday....

However, if I've learned anything from the past month, it's that there are much bigger plans that God has than can fit in my tiny little brain (maybe its average size- I hope). Unbelievable things do happen. In the form of New Years Resolutionish...I think I'm going with- "have faith." Really so many things that could go under that subtitle...worry less, anticipate less, believe in miracles, don't try to understand things that don't make sense on Earth, believe you are where you are doing what you are doing for a reason...etc.etc..... Have Faith.

The single most exciting thing that happened in December...a miracle. A new kidney for Cassie! 

An ugly sweater party for our reunion group in our new house...Whew!

 Some of my prayer warriors!

 Guitar concert- electric style.

Lots of audiences for Camden this month.

 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

The best tech booth ever!

The angels.

A first time for our new neighborhood breakfast with Santa- Camden not a fan!

 School Christmas parties!

Christmas in Greensboro with our buddies!

Soon much fun for the little kids...and the big kids!

 Baby's First Christmas...our little elf on the shelf!

Ms. Joys Christmas party and Camden still not a fan! of Santa...but I always am!

Christmas Eve delivery service!

Christmas part two coming up... 

A big dose of THANKFULNESS

 

The lovely illustration above is a little bit of an indicator of our last few weeks. There have been germs, urgent cares and even hospital visits. It hasn't been fun but mostly this last month has taught me that I need a big dose of thankfulness... Most things we've gone through have been temporary and fixable (and need much lengthier conversations than blogging allows)...but this is not everyone's reality. Some of the people we love dearly don't get to walk away from hospitals and medicines so quickly...and would be thankful for only the small bumps in the road we've encountered. I'm thankful that we have medical care, that we have helpers supporting us, and that even amongst our "challenging" times, we have had so many things to enjoy. Praying this Thanksgiving for humble hearts and perspective that lasts beyond November.

Speaking of thankful, we loved another wonderful Veterans Day. I feel proud my children are growing up with a good understanding of people who sacrifice for them.

 

I mean....thankful doesn't quite describe what happens when I see this smile. Melt a Mama's heart...even in the laundry basket.
 

Another exciting thing: a Butterbean visit (not even over a holiday or vacation!)

 

A Happy birthday to this nine year old and Tinley's BFF. She is such a reminder of thankfulness.
 

The boys joined in for the Build A Bear fun. Love how these cousins love each other.

 

 Cousins gone wild. All these kiddos first limo ride!

 

Crazy hair day bows... I knew I bought all those bows for a reason.

 

 Don't tell but our Christmas decorations are out!

 

Operation Christmas Child continues to be one of the best ways I've seen for the kids to connect and participate in ministering to the world in a real tangible way.

Fun with our "old" neighbors and good friends. We miss them!

 The Christmas tree crew.  

 

Yep, I think a big dose of thankfulness is in order for the Bullis family..."Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."- 1 Thessalonians 5:18