Christmas in America

Chris and I have had so many conversations about Christmas in America - perhaps you have recently as well. You know the conversation that goes something like this:
"Oooh, I saw ______ in the store today, and I know exactly where I would put it, . . . if I got it!"
"Oh, yeah, and just how much was ___________?
"Well, the price was kinda high, but it was definately worth it . . . . plus, it's Christmas!"
"Oh, so Christmas is about the presents?"
"Well, no. And yes!"
"Um, maybe you should go back to Sunday school."
"Okay, no, it's not about the presents, but it's nice to know I have something under the tree that you got me besides new socks and some slippers."
"What about what we've been praying about lately? The poor, the needy, those who can't afford any of this stuff, and not to mention most of the rest of the world - Christmas to them is hardly about presents!"
"Fine. But if all we do is read the Christmas story on Christmas morning . . . then I'm not making pancakes & bacon! Just oatmeal!"
"Well, at least we have something to eat!"
"Aghhh!"

I don't know if you've had a conversation like this or not, but both my husband and I have been on both sides of this one this year. We're trying not to buy into the American Christmas - which honestly is hard to do - we've bought some gifts! So, how's your view of Christmas this year? Jesus is really why we celebrate. So let's celebrate Him!

Merry CHRISTmas! Blessings to you.

Oh, yeah, and mom, I found one of Abby's gifts in our dumpster - seriously, I did - it's one of those fold up fabric playhouses (almost fills up the floor of our kitchen) - nothing wrong with it - someone just got tired of it. Don't worry, I sanitized it - Go Lysol and stuff people throw away!

I can't believe she's 2

wow . . . doesn't time just seem to fly. If it keeps getting faster every year, as "they" say it does, then by the time I'm 65, I'll sneeze, and it'll be the next year. Regardless, these 2 years with our little Abby have been amazing! She is a blessing and we have loved watching her grow. All day today we celebrated Abigail and her life. We even managed to get 2 naps in for her, since I knew her party would go past bedtime. So it was a day of 2's. She had about 15 people/kids show up for her party at Starbucks, and she was given some great gifts (even though we requested no gifts). She loved it. The kids got to color and play with the toys, and the adults stood around and talked over coffee and the noisy children. It was great! I wish you could have been there. Here's a video and some pictures of our happy birthday party to Abby. Enjoy!