Day 2

Who am I kidding when I saying "baking Christmas goodies?" Most were consumed by my family. :)

25 Days of Christmas

I thought this sounded fun, so thought I'd play along. Got some catching up to do and goodness knows if I'll be able to keep up. :)

Day 1:

Found this idea on Pinterest. Take their Christmas books and wrap individually for each day in December. Every day your child gets to pick one to open and then read together. Arilynn has really enjoyed doing this and I think itwill become a tradition.

6 Months

Wow, time flies!

We took Weston in for his 6 month checkup today, only to be rewarded with a double ear infection. Yay!

Weight: 16 lbs 10 oz (26%)

Length: 27 1/4 (71%)

His favorite pastime is to watch his older sister. He thinks she's just it!

He's Loved

 Everyone rushing to see Weston wake up! :)

(You can see his tooth popped through).

"What's all these crazy people looking at?"

Gift Giving

I may get shot in the head for this one, but it's my blog and I can voice my opinion. :) 

Everyone say, "Bless her heart!" :)

I am not a writer, so I'll do my best to word this right.

We get carried away with GIFTS at Christmas!! I hear so many people tell all they're getting for their children  and I can't help but think...what a waste! I can just about guarantee everyone who reads my blog is not lacking in material possessions. (My husband said a guy at his work had to take a break opening presents because their kids got bored). 

We put our credit cards to use and pay all year on "stuff." Most of that "stuff" ends up being discarded and forgotten about a couple weeks after Christmas and eventually thrown into a yard sale down the road. 

It floors me the amount of money some spend on things we absolutely DO. NOT. NEED. Toys, games, clothes,etc are outgrown so fast. Why does everyone think they or their children need every new fangled gadget that's out there?

We set a budget in our family and most people would think it's absolutely laughable. My children are not in want! There are several "Christmases" that they have with grandparents, other relatives, and friends. They come home with more than enough. 

We have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas in our homes, I'm afraid. And, yes, this includes the church people. God commands us in His word to be a good steward with His money. I think this applies with gift-giving. If we have to borrow from Visa, Discover, etc, is that being a true steward? 

(Now, I want you to know I'm preaching to the choir here. :) I have many areas and ways I need to improve upon this myself).

I found this and it really got me to thinking:

What if we focused more on giving things like:

Time playing with our children

Baking cookies for someone

Making traditions

Visiting family

Pondering the Christmas story and the details we don't normally think about

Making handmade gifts

Lending a listening ear

Helping our neighbor

Buying for a needy family

And I'm sure you could think of many other things!

Christmas isn't about the presents.

Edited to Add: These thoughts are just that...thoughts. I am not saying you have to do this. It was something I ran across that got me to thinking. I shop all year long to get the most for my $, but that's just me. Goodness knows...do what you wanna. :)

5 Months

What?!?! 

Say it isn't so...next month marks 1/2 a year!

Weston is such a sweetheart. He is so laid back at home ( I say home b/c he somehow has discovered he needs to be heard in church). He is teething, but is still in a good mood for most of the time. (Drool remains a constant on the front of his shirt). When he wants fed, he means NOW! He's discovering new foods and so far doesn't seem overly impressed. Who can blame him? I don't like eating mush either.