The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thanksgiving is certainly a nice way to start the Christmas season. Thanksgiving was particularly special for me this year. We visited Joe’s paternal family for lunch, my family in the afternoon, and his maternal family for dinner. Danica said the blessing for both meals. I can’t believe she isn’t three yet, and is already leading our families in prayer. Her blessing was given in song- God our Father, we thank you, for our many blessings, Amen. It was precious and yes, I shed tears.  She also impressed Joe’s Aunt Brenda and Uncle Bob later with all of her favorite songs. She even sang, Oh Beautiful. She really loves to sing. I certainly hope she is blessed with a beautiful singing voice and will use it to glorify God one day. I’m so glad she is already interested in Him and loves him as much as he loves her. I hope their relationship will continue and grow stronger. That is my Christmas wish for my little family- that we draw closer to God and walk faithfully by his side.

Since Thanksgiving, we traveled to Wilmington to help our cousins celebrate Addies’ first birthday. It was a beautifully done milk and cookies themed party. Danica especially liked the “decorate your own cookie” station. I loved watching Addie get messy eating the “huge” birthday cupcake her mommy made her. It was precious. Addie is such sweet baby. Danica is still a little jealous, but I hope as time goes on, Danica and Addie will grow close.

Since Thanksgiving, we had our Christmas pictures taken. We got them back last week and I’m eager to create a Christmas card to send to our wonderful family and friends. I’ve also been Christmas shopping and am almost done shopping for Danica. Joe and I went to the house to clean this past Saturday and we stopped by Crabtree Valley Mall before we headed home. I bought Danica some clothes and some ideas for Joe. Last night, we put up our Christmas tree. It was a little stressful since it was the first time Danica wanted to be really involved. She played with the lights and the beads, broke an ornament, hid other ornaments, and jumped on me when I was on the floor adjust the tree skirt. It was stressful, but it was fun. The alternative would have been to do it without her and that’s not happening! I know she is hyper because she is excited. And she is SO excited about Christmas. Her favorite Christmas song (and she sings it over and over and over) is “Santa Claus is coming to town”. You should have seen the delight on her face when we came home with a Christmas tree last night. And what it was like to drive her around looking at Christmas tree lights (She insisted that we get out of the car when we came across a house whose lights were synchronized with Christmas music). I’m even considering taking her to Mike’s Farm this coming weekend.  Christmas is so much fun, but it’s even better with children!

Christmas brings even more excitement to the Sutton Household- Travis and Chelsea are coming home from Arizona! They will be here around December 15. Danica pretends to talk to Travis every time she plays with her toy cell phone. She says, “Uncle Travis, you come home for Christmas, ok?” It’s been six months since we’ve seen him! This really will be a Christmas to remember.