Let the celebration begin...or continue anyways:)

Even though we are now officially on Christmas break, I guess we've really been celebrating for awhile.  I didn't have my camera close by this week, so phone pictures it is.


At preschool they did a performance of the Christmas miracle...telling the Christmas story and having the various classes dress up as angels, shephards, and as you see below, Wisemen (or girl as the case is here). Nothing like some toddlers in costume singing about Jesus to make you feel the Christmas spirit.

If you remember during the Thanksgiving performance, Tinley had some stage fright, so we've been talking about her being on the stage (never minds being the center of attention anywhere else;). For the first two songs she just stood with her finger in her mouth, but no panic. Once they handed her a jingle bell, she was good to go! The video below not such good quality, but at least you see the jingle belling:) I don't know if it will actually work because I've never posted a video but thought I'd try.

Here is Parker at his first gradeChristmas party. I snuck down the hall just to catch a picture and say hi for a few minutes. He was so busy dancing, it was hard to get him to stand still for this picture.

We also got together with our neighbors this week. So blessed to live beside this family.

And what's Brandon been doing? Apparently the beard growing in November turned into mustache for a day in December with his friends at work. He didn't like it (thank goodness) but fun for the day. Parker wanted him to keep it, but I think he's going to lose the facial hair for a while!

Looking forward to seeing and celebrating with lots more people we love over the coming week!

Tidings of Comfort...

This morning during church, we sang God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman...A popular line struck me a little more distinct today..."Good Tidings of Comfort (and Joy)". The recent school tragedy is heavy on our hearts and we are all holding dear to what brings comfort in our life...and thinking of ways to send comfort to the brokenhearted.  We pray. We talk. We love on our loved ones...and your loved ones. We squeeze our kids a little longer and a little tighter even if they're not aware. We will smile and tell our students good morning tomorrow and countdown the days to Christmas like we are supposed to this week. And all the while bringing comfort to anyone around us, we think of those who will not find comfort this easily. I've seen some beautiful acts of love as people surround this community with anything they have...time, prayer, counseling, money,...We will send our tidings of comfort as best we can.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

I was glad to be with some great friends who have been a source of comfort and joy for a long while in my life. We headed to to the Cooke's for our annual Christmas gathering.
Oh what fun it is to have good friends and happy kids all together in one house! There was wrestling ... dancing ... laughing... talking ... eating... all the good essential things of life!

There were also some extra special gifts...

Merry Christmas!

Today we made Gingerbread Houses (or candy heaven) at the Clarke household!

Love these sweet and snuggly friends:)

Weekend Adventure...

We had a fun and adventurous weekend with new experiences, new places, and lots of jolly folks... Warning- way too many pictures following, but just know that I did trim down from several hundred....maybe that will make this seem less lengthy!

Friday night we had 3 parties we needed to/wanted to attend. We made it to two:) Brandon's work party was at the bowling alley this year. First time it's been a family party and the kids took full advantage of the free bowling and arcade:)

This is my prayer group...and our 4th annual Christmas party with our hubbies. Every year we exchange unwanted decorations...and lots of reasons to laugh. Love sharing life and prayer with these ladies!

Saturday morning we loaded up full of Christmas cheer...destination Bryson City.

We found a sweet little town.

They even had their Christmas parade just for us (at least that's what it seemed like). Parker and Tinley got to attend 2 parades this week (courtesy of Matthew and Meagan earlier in the week). They will forever be spoiled by parades because both of these involved candy throwing.

We stayed here...and I think it's beauty speaks for itself.

And FINALLY- it was time for pjs, but instead of bed we headed to the Polar Express!

Tinley warmed up to this Jolly Santa.

So thankful Ganny and Grandaddy wanted to take us for this special time.

There was dancing, singing...

Hot, hot, hot chocolate...

 And the special bell...

We had a great night! 

Today we decided while we were in the mountains, we would take in some of that beautiful mountain scenery.

We went to Chimney Rock and explored a little...but made sure to keep the kids close as advised by their grandparents:)

Busy little elves...

What a wonderful time of the year...what a busy time of the year! Here are a few pictures from our past week.

Trying something new...making our own wrapping paper!

We turned on the Christmas tunes and let the creativity flow. 

Where there's paint, you'll always find excited little children.

Parker says maybe we'll become famous wrapping paper designers...aim high son, aim high!

Saturday was one of those days where the little square on the calendar was quite filled.

Preschool breakfast with Santa.. and some friends.

Yes that's Parker showing his list on the iphone...maybe he should just send Santa a text:)

Tinley loves Santa as long as she's close...but not too close!

 And Parker's first karate tournament!

So proud of this little ninja.

We also had the Children's  Program at Church Sunday....A Rockin' Royal Christmas...complete with birthday cake for Jesus. Nothing like that celebration to top off the weekend:) Hope you are wonderfully busy as well...or just wonderful...but not just busy!