:: Christmas ::

I can't believe that another Christmas has come and gone! Seems like we look forward to it for so long and put so much time and effort into making it happen... then in the blink of an eye, it's over!
This was a special Christmas for Josh and I - our first one as a married couple!! We created some great memories - setting up/decorating our tree, watching Christmas movies, spoiling each other with tons of fun stocking stuffers and gifts! Gift highlights are a sparkly Guess watch for me, an iPod for Josh and a camcorder for us!

It has snowed WAY more than usual in our area this December. It made things a little "interesting" as far as getting around but we only got stuck a few times :) It's sure pretty but I'm glad it's melting now.

As with every year we find it far too easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season and try to take time to remember what it's really all about. I am so in awe of God sending us His Son and the way He chose to do it - as a precious baby. What an enormous sacrifice and act of love and selflessness. Thank you Lord for blessing us more than we could ever imagine or deserve and for the incredible gift of JESUS!
I also love how it's undeniable that we're celebrating something special - when else does the entire world pause together? For the one true King of Kings.

Here are some pics from our holidays!

:: Our tree! ::

:: Snowy view off our balconey ::

:: Christmas morning! Sans makeup... ::

:: Presents at my parent's house Christmas Day ::
:: Sisters! ::

:: So in love! ::
:: Barb and Amy opening presents ::
:: Art being Art ::
:: The sign Art made for Josh when he missed a family get together for work ::

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas season, ate lots of good food and spent time with your loved ones.

:: "Blog Appropriate" ::

So I've been pondering a question lately - what is "blog appropriate?" I suppose the answer to this question is going to be different for everyone, and I'm still trying to define what this means for me. To be honest, I started my blog because I had a lot of free time and thought it would be fun. That season of free time has ended and I realize that I never gave me blog much thought as to what I wanted it to be all about. I know that I don't want it to be all fluff and only the "good" stuff of life... that seems so unrealistic and untrue! And yet do I want to pour out my heart and deepest struggles for the world to see? Not necessarily! So I'm trying to find a happy medium. I try to have a positive outlook on life and see the cup "half full" but I also value authenticity and integrity.
So that's what brings me here, finally writing after a few weeks of silence. I haven't forgotten about my blog and have enjoyed reading yours when I can. The past few weeks have been the toughest in my entire life to this point... walking the roughest road I've ever been on. When something in your life is that consuming it's tough to sit down and write about anything else. So I chose to not write at all. Maybe one day I'll share on my blog... I haven't decided yet. But for those of you who know Jesus, I'd like to ask for you to remember Josh and me in your prayers. He knows all and we know He is good! Thank you.
But I'm interested to know... what do you think is "Blog Appropriate?"