We have always known about the Advent season, but I don't think we really understood it until this year. The month of December was one of brokenness for us. Steve got very ill with the flu and pneumonia for 2 weeks which put me on complete overdrive for most of the month. This season was a culmination of a sweet and sorrowful 2013 - a year in which we came to a new and deeper understanding of God's goodness, our depravity, and the sacrifice of Christ more than any other year. A year in which we came to understand and love the Gospel more.
We are thankful - oh so thankful for the memories we had, the people we befriended, the life lessons we learned, and most of all, for the love of God expressed through His Son Jesus that we experienced in 2013. Here is how we spent this Advent - celebrating the arrival and promised second arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Loving REAL community with GOOD friends. At the Hunter Farm on a horse-drawn hay ride!
Typical night after eats.
Hannah singing to the Lord in her Christmas musical!
A sick daddy and two sweet girls laughing at mommy while she puts up the Christmas lights. Sure, you guys go ahead and sip your hot cocoa while I STRUGGLE in the freezing cold rain. I see how it is :)
NOt sure if you can tell, but one column is a different color than the rest (second one in from the left). Basically summarizes our month. We left it for laughs! Life's too short...right?
Tradition. Year #4.
They did this on their own. So sweet. They are besties.
True Child's pose. This is Hope's MO.
Daddy time. GREAT pic!
24 days of knock-knock (our elf). He is so fun :)
Flu. Homemade chicken noodle soup seemed to warm his soul, at least.
Somehow he finished the chest...he is so gifted.
Celebrating early with cousins!
Priceless.
Delivering gifts to neighbors!
I. Love. Christmas. Cards!
Starting our celebration of Jesus' birthday with awesome cookies from a good friend. Old school Justice Panther jersey inspired :)
Oh Christmas tree oh Christmas tree!
The stocking are set by the chimney with care. Is that the Star above :)??
First big Christmas present for the chitlins!
The morning of. After the big presents were seen it is time for breakfast!
Baby doll from sweet friend.
I think they like their chairs, no? This is what the do when we say "smile"!!
Shes a cowgirl, ya'll!
Leather Jacket for Daddy :)
Lulu for Mommy :)
So sitnkin cute. Playing doctor on the baby!
Bob run after an unforgettable morning.
Puppet show from Aunt Jasmine! Playtime in the afternoon...no naps of course bc they slept on the run!
Mommy's "gift" to daddy...
Dusk drive to deliver a few more presents to friends. My favorite street in all of Charlotte.
Shake time to end the day with my best friend.
We celebrate you Lord.
Maranatha.
Come, Jesus. Come.