Family traditions

The other night I had busy stuff to get done, and Daddy and the girls sat down to watch Kung Fu Panda 2. I came into the living room to find this cozy little scene. 

 Then we woke up to find so much snow outside that the dog didn't know what to do. Jo stayed home for a while in the morning until he couldn't remote into work and we got the joy of shoveling him out. Less than fun! He went into work, got what he needed, rebooted the computer and headed back home as the snow was still falling.

The girls and I had much more fun and interrupted Daddy's work long enough to get pictures. It has always been my family's tradition to have ham and homemade noodles on Christmas. Buttered and pan fried. So delicious. This year as it is just us for Christmas we were talking about having things much easier. But honestly ham is so easy to cook and is on sale so we are going to have one. With the just kicking around the house yesterday I thought it would be fun to make noodles. It was so much fun. I am usually so stressed this time of year that the noodle making can be a burden. Not this time. Watching the girls get all starch covered faces reminded me of being a little girl.

 This year I have been feeling a great excitement and anticipation for Christmas. Preparing, advent, Christmas songs and trying to teach my girls what Christmas is really all about, has fostered in my heart a greater feel of Christmas. I can't explain the joy and love that has been growing. The excitement and gratitude for a God who came to earth as such an innocent baby. To be singing and praising him for coming to save us. Learning about the hope and longing the Israelites had for a Savior. But to have one that was so much more than ever expected. Just incomprehensible. 

So I look forward to Christmas morning with the girls. Celebrating his birth day. Making it a celebration that is so much more than presents and greed. But joy and rapture.