Christmas, 2015

A sweet lady told me recently that happiness would look a little different this year. She said it takes on a new form, and it just may not be as intense as before. I liked that. I liked the realization that it's okay to be happy even when there is a lot of sadness in your heart. I love Christmas, and I know my love for this season comes from my dad. It was his favorite time of the year. It was always the time that I saw him the most joyful. We have old videos of Dad filming us as we opened the plethora of gifts he and mom had gotten us each year. I feel like he loved that look we got...you know the one of happiness and surprise when we got something we'd really been wanting? He always had a shocker up his sleeve that no one knew about, and he almost always had some special gift for my mom (usually jewelry). He liked hearing Mom say, "Sid!" At least I think he did any way.
As the grandchildren came along, I saw a whole new side to my dad's enjoyment of Christmas. Whether he was putting up the village he'd collected or hanging tons of lights in the yard, he always had something to make Christmas a little more fun for the kids. His face always lit up as they opened their gifts, and he thoroughly enjoyed the payment for all of his hard work when they looked at all the lights outside. Because of all of these things, I knew this holiday would be the most difficult to face this year. It was the first time Dad wasn't around, and it was the first time we'd have to find our new normal at Christmas. It was especially challenging because my brothers both live at quite a distance, and mom was visiting Mitch until right after Christmas Day. I had some figuring out to do. Since I wasn't quite sure how I'd feel that day, Jake and I decided to do the normal Christmas Eve at his mom's, and our Christmas Day was spent at home.
We had our own little Christmas this year. It ended up being pretty nice. We didn't have to run off after the kids opened gifts to make it to lunch, and honestly, we didn't even have to get out of our PJ's! We had a good breakfast (apple fritter casserole) with our coffee and presents, and for lunch we had things I worked ahead to prepare. It wasn't stressful, and I found myself completely present. I took it all in. I felt my heart beat harder and happily as my kids were surprised and excited about their gifts. I found myself laughing when they opened clothes and weren't too enthused. It was nice. It wasn't the same, but it was our new normal. Our new normal wasn't so bad.
I still found moments of intense sadness. Of course, I did. I was supposed to be extremely pregnant at that point, and my dad was supposed to have beaten cancer again. It wasn't how it was supposed to be. That is my reality. But regardless, our new normal wasn't so bad. My kids are my lifeline, and my husband, he's my strongest ally. We have a home, a family, our health, good jobs, cars to drive, food on the table, friends, freedom.....and that's just the beginning of our blessings. Who can sit around and feel sorry when they have all of that? We continued several traditions this year, and of course with staying home, we began some new ones. We had a great time together as a family, and we made some precious memories that will help fill the hole that was left with the losses I've experienced this year.
And even though it was different, it was still a Merry Christmas.

Our tree...



The Advent Tree my dad made...





I love the SuperPhoto App!

Christmas Card Pictures....

homemade ornaments...

Christmas Open House at Crossway...

We love Mrs. Cindy!

Cookie Decorating...











A trip downtown...




Our puppy, Cocoa, is so sweet and cute!


Ready for church...

Christmas PJ's...

Polar Express Night...


More pics of the cuties...
































Avery's School Christmas Party...

Jackson's Most Incredible Christmas Fest 2015...







Um, we weren't supposed to get on the sleigh. What I didn't get a picture of was Avery climbing on then jumping on top of an elf when she saw Santa coming! It was a Hallmark moment for sure.





The best Santa picture ever....


















Laurelwood Lights...new for us this year...






Pop's House...


Bass Pro...




















Bryce decided he wanted to talk to Santa this year, so we took him. He needed a tractor, so he asked the big guy!







Avery shot stuff. lol

my fortune at dinner that night...


So this happened. After taking Bryce, Avery decided she wanted to see Santa! I can't believe I am writing this! We went by one evening, and they weren't taking any more passes, so I got up and took her when they opened the next day. She was a little hesitant, and then she went for it! With her heart pounding, she jumped from the line and gave him a hug as he was walking to his chair. She wanted Bryce to sit with her, so he did. I was very proud!






This kid...like father like son.


Sugar Cone Tree Decorating...






My favorite...Canton Lights...


































Richardson Light Show...






Shiloh Live Nativity....

We missed this last year living in Vicksburg, but we were so excited to see that it was even bigger and better!

These are our angel wings in honor of Dad. I couldn't bring myself to get one for the baby yet, but next year it will happen.

Jake dressed for the weather on Christmas Eve! The whole warm Christmas thing is just weird! 

Christmas Eve at Grammy's and Papaw M's...

This year, Avery went to the "Santa Store" at school and got her daddy, brother, and me a gift. Grammy took her after their breakfast at school. It was so funny to see what she picked out and how excited she was to give us gifts! 

Mommy got a Santa mug...

Daddy got a polar bear mug...

Bryce got a Paw Patrol night light. 

After coming home, the kids put out their reindeer food, set out the cookies and milk, and headed to bed. 

They were so excited it was Christmas Day! Avery asked Santa for a tablet, and Bryce asked for a tractor. They got what they asked for, so I guess they were good enough! 

 breakfast...

lunch...

Christmas at GiGi's House...

Miscellaneous...








Right after Christmas, Pop Newman turned 60. We love this man! He's been there for us through thick and thin, and he's been a dad to Jake since he was a kid. We enjoyed getting to surprise him on his big day!


































A little after Christmas girl-time shopping...



































Happy 2016 from HOME!

On the first Sunday of the new year, Kali got baptized. We were so glad we were able to be there for her on this special day. We're very proud of the young woman she's becoming, and what a great way to start 2016!