Feeling Festive

Sleigh bells ring... Are you listenin'?

In the lane, snow is glistenin'...A beautiful sight... We're happy tonight... Walkin' in a winter wonderland.

Now that we're up in Colorado, Aaron and I are really enjoying getting to experience the seasons -- particularly Christmas! With all the deer in our neighborhood and the piles of snow we've been getting lately, it definitely feels festive. Aaron took the first photo of the deer over our back fence, and the second photo shows the trees in front of our house naturally decorated with icicles. The third photo is our Christmas tree. We opted for a real tree again and were lucky to find a 10-footer. Transporting it home, getting it into the house, and finally putting it up was a huge project, and I'm not sure if we'll be up for it again next year, but I'm sure enjoying the house smelling of pine. Other recent adventures have included hanging Christmas lights outside and installing a new doggie door for Max. The trees in front of our house (the ones pictured above with icicles) are probably about 30 feet tall, and Aaron decided to string lights around them, which involved a wire clothes hanger, PVC pipe, duct tape, chicken wire, patience, and a sense of humor. They look beautiful, though, and we're planning to buy even more for next year at the after-Christmas sales. The dog door was almost a full-day project, too, and now Max won't even use it without a great deal of encouragement (tips, anyone?). I hope he catches on soon, or we're going to be very frustrated!

Even though trying to balance work, Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, decorating, cleaning, shopping, etc. has been stressful at times, this is still my favorite time of the year. I am so thankful that God sent Jesus to the earth to walk among us and ultimately bear the punishment for our sins -- the most precious gift anyone could ever hope to receive!

Wishing you a Christmas season filled with joy!

With much love,

the Whites