Twas the Day before Christmas
And I've slacked on my blog
So I'm posting pictures from the season
And one of my dog.
I had never been to the Christmas Eve Barn Service until Chris and I got married. That is one of the traditions he has brought into the marriage and it has turned out to be my FAVORITE one. I love the service. There is one at 4:00 and one at 10:00. Growing up, Chris and his family always went to the 10:00 service so that is what we do. People gather in Vernon's barn and there is a live nativity. Chris' Dad usually plays a Wiseman. There is a message and singing, all serving as a reminder to the true meaning of Christmas. They have hay bales to sit on but we usually end up standing (because of the huge crowd and to keep warmer too.). I love this barn. I love this service. I can't wait until tonight. After the service, Chris and I will come home and have some hot chocolate to warm up and some wine and open our presents to each other. In the morning, we will go to my mom's, then Chris' Dads and this year we are very excited to spend Christmas evening with Chris' mom.
This year is Kailey's second Christmas. Sometime last year, my friend Carrie Courtney told me about a tradition that her aunt did for her and her brother. Her aunt would buy her an ornament each year to symbolize something that took place in their lives that year. If Carrie took a trip to New York, her aunt would get her an ornament of the Empire State Building or a NY Cab or something like that. I loved the idea and started doing it with my neice Kailey. Last year I got her a little pig on a present (because it was her first Christmas and she was such a chunky thing). Man, I love BABY CHUBBY ROLLS! This year, Maranda and I were looking at ornaments and when Maranda pointed out this one, we knew it was the one. It is a Cheerios ornament to symbolize learning to eat REAL food and she has little Cheerios snacks packed in that diaper bag at all times.
I can't wait for years to come to see how she grows and changes and what kind of personality she will have and who she will become. I wonder sometimes what kind of ornaments will I be buying for her. Will she be into soccer, basketball, princesses, Disney? Hmmm...
Here is the Jolly Old Man himself making an appearance in the Rural Retreat Christmas parade. Man that was a cold parade!
And here I am with my girls at the Bank's Christmas party at Holston Hills Country Club.
And as promised, a picture of Brady. He is hanging in there. He's a fighter. He isn't himself but he doesn't seem to be in pain and is very cuddly these days. We are so thankful to have him here for Christmas and I'm pretty sure he has more presents under the tree than anyone. 
