25 Days of Christmas!!

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

We are entering one of my favorite times of year... Christmas! Last year we started a new family tradition. We decided to pick something fun to do as a family each day leading up to Christmas. Before I get to the first three days in December, I realized that I never posted the last two days of thanks for November. Here are two more things I am thankful for in life:

1. My sisters. I'm so thankful that God decided to give me two sisters. Each one has a special place in my heart. My sisters have always been there for me. When Wayne had brain surgery in March, both of my sisters came to support me and be with me. It was a bitter-sweet time. I was thrilled that they were there with me, but I wish it was under different circumstances. My sisters are the best. About five years ago we took a sister trip to Hawaii where my dream of running a half marathon in every state was born. My sister Rachel has helped that dream become true. We have run many races together and traveled to some fun locations (Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California). My sister Sarah is always there for me as well. We see her family the most since they are the closest family we have living in the Midwest. I'm also thankful that my sister Sarah introduced me to essential oils. God was so gracious in giving me two amazing sisters.

Taking a break from hours at the hospital!

Trip to Hawaii

Running in SF (one of my favorite races-we got to run across the Golden Gate Bridge)!

Seeing some sights while in Vegas for a run in Vegas (probably one of my least favorite races - the race was at night through the Vegas strip, but lighting was poor, no water, and it was cold).

2. I'm just overall thankful for everything God has done for me and how He has blessed our lives (house, clothes, food, etc). God is so good to us!!

25 Days of Christmas:

Day 1: We went and packed meals at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. Micaela was thrilled because she finally got to go since she just turned 5. It was a fun afternoon and something the girls always enjoy doing. 

One of my favorite parts is praying over the food and for the kids it is going to feed overseas!!

Day 2: We decided to have a dance party last night. We played Wii Just Dance for Kids. The girls all had a blast and so did I (Wayne was at a dinner for work).

Day 3: We bought donuts for breakfast from Doughguys. The girls love special treats like this, so I surprised them with donuts for breakfast. We are going to sit down today and write down all the fun things we want to do each day leading up to Christmas.

Another family tradition is to have a Hershey kiss from our advent calendar each day counting down. What kind of family traditions do you do in your family? Christmas is a great time of year for all of us to slow down and enjoy the family around us. Don't allow Pinterest and what others are doing distract you from the true meaning of Christmas.

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Update on Wayne: he is getting over his second cold in two weeks. His immune system is not back yet and he has caught two bugs (one from the girls, which I avoided, and one from work, which I did not avoid). Please pray that his body returns to it's normal strength as we head deep into the cold/flu season.