Tis the Season

It has been a busy six weeks! Time has seemed to fly and stand still all at the same time. Just yesterday I realized that since Sophie's birthday in early Nov, I haven't taken a single photo of my kiddos (excluding phone pictures) which is saying a lot. I feel a little sad about that since Henry has changed quite a bit in the last few weeks. He seems to have lost his baby look and is full speed ahead as a toddler.

Last weekend was FULL. Four parties in three days. Patrick's firm holiday dinner on Friday night (which wasn't nearly as awkward as I was expecting it to be!), a birthday party for a neighbor then a cocktail supper with a dear group of friends Saturday night, and the Downing House Christmas open house Sunday night. I also got to spend some great time with two friends (Ginger and Byranie) who were visiting from out of state this weekend. The couple of hours alone with each of them was such a treat and a wonderful break from the constantness of motherhood. I'm wishing I had more pictures but just managed to get a few on Sunday night at the Downing House...








The next few weeks slow way down for us. We'll take a few weeks off from school and just prepare for Christmas. Then, the weekend after we'll drive down to New Mexico to spend some time with my side of the family. I haven't seen my brother Matt and his sweet wife and kiddos in over 3 years. The longest stretch of time for sure. Looking forward to meeting my niece Maisie and for them to meet Henry. Also, let's not forget the massive amounts of green chile we'll consume.

I must now muster up the energy to stand in line at the post office for stamps.

Merry Christmas!

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

We've been listening to Fernando Ortega's Christmas Songs pretty much all day every day for several weeks. He has some beautiful renditions of classic Christmas hymns as well as several songs of his own. My favorite this year...

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Such a beautiful reminder of our sweet Saviour's birth and the JOY, PEACE, REST and HOPE that comes from knowing Him.

http://www.fernandoortega.com