A Very, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

The Excitement is Mounting

It may be a white Christmas after all!

Your Boots, Aunt Amanda!

You'll be glad to know Aunt Amanda, we're getting plenty of use out of these boots!

Maddie Lion: 8 months 

We are so blessed by our little Lion and couldn't imagine not having her.

Smile Train

As parents, John and I had a really tender moment when Piper practically moved us to tears. The girls have been going through my magazines and cutting pictures out of things they like or want for Christmas. Piper came up to me after she found this picture with little tears in her eyes. She didn't say anything, but looked desperately at me for an explanation. Afterward, she put the picture down and ran off for her piggy bank. She collected $5 worth of quarters to help this beautiful baby get surgery. It's moments like these when you understand why Jesus tells us, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). Precious Piper. 

Christmas Cookie Exchange with Aunt Jess

Party Prep! My entire kitchen and nook was covered with Double Chocolate Linzer Cookies (with a Dark Chocolate Raspberry filling).

Of course we have to taste test. Yum. Notice they're at the little table. Mine was covered in cookies!!

Turtles. Thanks Nana Bethie for this yummy recipe!

Picking up Aunt Jess from the airport.

Chocolate Peppermint Martinis and champagne.

Some of the delicious treats included Cocunut Pecan Shortbread Cookies with Caramel filling, Chocolate Peppermint Thumprints, Peanut Butter Chocolate "Struw" balls, Coconut Macaroons, Frosted Sugar Cookies, Cranberry Pecan Bars. Of course I forgot to take a picture of my girlfriends and myself dressed up. Typical. As you can see, John's going to win some major points with his boss when his cookie tray is delivered Monday. Can you say pay raise? :)

Christmas with Aunt J. Maddie's first ornament. Jess always buys the girls an ornament. But they're a little bummed they have to wait til Christmas day to open the big gifts.

Saying goodbye to Aunt Jessica. We had such a nice time!! You're a lifesaver. You've done it all including being an aunt. "Now you can die!" in the words of Piper. xo

Puffs

Feeding herself banana flavored Puffs today!

Look What My Piper Just Wrote!

M.O.M!!!! Makes my heart happy!