Collins' First Christmas!

Because of the outrageous amount of pics I could post, I am going to pick my faves. :) Totally hard for me, but totally worth it for you blog readers. :) Trust me. Here's my top 10 Christmas moments :).

1. We stayed in Lexington for Christmas Eve. We always go to the candlelight service together and my favorite part is singing Silent Night amongst the glow of the candles. I had tears in my eyes this year as Trent held the sleeping baby and I held Collins' candle. I know just how full Mary's heart felt. Mine was overflowing with love and joy for my new little family...what a precious gift from God.

Sitting like a big boy before church! :) He's never sat on the pew before...he's normally a lap sitter!

2. After dinner, we headed home for presents! (My family has always done presents on Christmas Eve and Santa gifts are always Christmas morning.) We had a birthday party for Jesus too with a Pinterest (I'm obsessed) peppermint ice cream cake. This is my favorite pic of him by the tree, just trying so hard to get that silly ribbon off. :)

3. Family pics! I just love how our family is growing. I LOVE loud and crazy homes! Christmas was way more fun with a little one around. Is it weird that I enjoyed opening his gifts more than mine?

4. A few of the special gifts. :) It was a crafty Christmas for us girls and I'm thinking of doing the same next year! I had a lot of fun making the gifts and was very impressed with my sister's craftiness. :)

A sign that I made for my momma to hold all of her love letters from Collins and future grandkiddos!

Aunt Sis made this for our home. It's incredible. First you see Collins' sweet little face and behind it, is music from our wedding, "The Prayer." Such a thoughtful gift...tears were flowing!

Sissy made this for me!! I LOVE!!! :)

 

I made this for my sissy. We are doing the ACTS bible study together at BSF. I wrote my favorite verse along the edges.

5. A couple pics of some other fun gifts. :) 

For Collins' trips to BeeBee's!

The boys will each have a golf set at their home for teaching Collins how to play!

:) When Collins was baptized Aunt Sis gave him a beautiful monogrammed bell. She had scripture attached to it that spoke about being 'loud' for Jesus. She got him a bell ornament to go with the theme and said that someday he can have him own little 'bell' tree. So sweet.

6. Santa came!! :) Collins woke up right on time and even though he has no clue what's going on, I was so excited to show him the fireplace!! The carrots and cookies were gone and there were more gifts for the little guy. He crawled right over to his new little green bike. :)



Finally got around to doing this! Finding the time was hard, but mom and I got there a few days before Christmas. It's not fired yet...since it was so last minute...but I wanted him to have a special little Santa and reindeer plate. Collins didn't seem to mind the paint too much....thanks Mom for helping wash his feet and little hands. Definitely a two person trip!





Inside of his actvity tent...no girls allowed. :)



In our Kelly's Kids clothes. :) You will always be my baby boy!

Our lil family of 3!

7. We traveled to Bloomington Christmas Day and had a wonderful time celebrating with Trent's family. Trent's family is always so warm and welcoming. Collins is so blessed to have 4 grandparents that love him dearly! ....and a 6 year old who could be his mom!

Kennedi and Collins! Kissing cousins!

Sweet Vicki. Thank you for everything!!



Papaw Doug with his little ones.



8. Snow!!! Yes, I LOVE snow. We got a couple inches while we were in Bloomington and I was so excited. Collins watched it fall to the ground for a good 15 minutes. It was beautiful.



Their little hands :)



9. My very special grandparents from Michigan drove in to celebrate Christmas with us. They hadn't seen Collins since the summer Kiawah trip, so they were amazed by how big he's gotten! He warmed up to them quickly and had fun showing them his wild man tendencies. ;)



Too cute!! My Aunt Lisa got this for my mom. He kind of is a BIG deal around here. hehe




We love to match. :)




Thank you Mamie and Papa for the wagon!! We can't wait to go on walks!



 10. As 2011 comes to a close, I just wanted to mention how thankful I am for my friends and my family. They have shown so much love to Collins and as a parent, nothing means more. Everyone enjoy the last day in 2011 and I'll see you in 2012! :)

Thank you God for all you've given us...especially your Son!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your families a beautiful Christmas! Enjoy your family traditions, time with loved ones, and have fun making new memories!

Our hearts are overflowing with love for Jesus and we are so thankful that our Savior has come!

I found this poem online and just want to share. :) What an awesome reminder for me to celebrate Jesus everyday!

Not Only Christmas Day

Lord, this is my prayer
Not only on Christmas Day
But until I see You face to face
May I live my life this way:

Just like the baby Jesus
I ever hope to be,
Resting in Your loving arms
Trusting in Your sovereingty.

And like the growing Christ child
In wisdom daily learning,
May I ever seek to know You
With my mind and spirit yearning.

Like the Son so faithful
Let me follow in Your light,
Meek and bold, humble and strong
Not afraid to face the night.

Nor cowardly to suffer
And stand for truth alone,
Knowing that Your kingdom
Awaits my going home.

Not afraid to sacrifice
Though great may be the cost,
Mindful how You rescued me
From broken-hearted loss.

Like my risen Savior
The babe, the child, the Son,
May my life forever speak
Of who You are and all You've done.

So while this world rejoices
And celebrates Your birth,
I treasure You, the greatest gift
Unequaled in Your worth.

I long to hear the same words
That welcomed home Your Son,
"Come, good and faithful servant,"
Your Master says, "Well done."

And may heaven welcome others
Who will join with me in praise
Because I lived for Jesus Christ
Not only Christmas Day

-- Mary Fairchild

Jesus' Birthday Pie

I just know Jesus would love this. :)

I've been making the Christmas Eve dessert for a couple years now and can't wait to make this little yummy. My family LOVES peppermint ice cream, caramel, and chocolate (I guess, who doesn't?!)....so I thought this was perfect!

 

Thanks TASTE of HOME and PINTEREST for this find!

• 1 package fudge brownie mix (8-inch square pan size)
• 1/2 cup vanilla or white chips
• 1/2 cup 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips
• 1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
• 1 pint peppermint ice cream, softened
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 
  

  • Prepare brownie batter according to package directions; stir in vanilla and bittersweet chips. Spread onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. pie plate.
  • Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes. Gently press down center of crust if necessary. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Drizzle caramel topping over crust; spread evenly with ice cream. Cover and freeze for 4 hours or until firm.
  • Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream, confectioners' sugar and extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over ice cream; sprinkle with crushed peppermints. 

 No nutritional info. needed. :) Enjoy!



Are You There God? It's Me Maegan...

I always thought that was a cute book title. If you've never read the book, it's titled, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. It's a book my elementary students would have read and one that I know I must have read growing up. This title describles every ounce of my being right now.

Are you there God? It's ME AGAIN! Are you sick of me? :) I feel like the past week has been so incredibly trying and I'm not entirely and completely sure why! That's the best part. ha I just feel like I can't get ahead and when I take two steps forward, I fall back three. Maybe it's just me being sad because Trenty is traveling again. Or me being way too sensitive on a lot of things. Or the fact that I haven't been filled up at my weekly bible study gas pump. Am I on empty? Maybe I'm just tired. Or, the fact that we've added car shopping into the Christmas mix, because we have a dud of a car. So, I'm sorry God that I've called in every couple minutes, but you truly listen and I know you know my heart! Anyone else feel like this? I'm so excited for Trent to get home tomorrow and for the week to slow down. These earthly 'things' are nothing in comparison to the birth of my Savior. RE-FOCUS Maegan. :)

So, thank you God for being there and for loving me unconditionally. You are ALWAYS there.

Some sweet pics of my baby boy and the past week or so. :)

Must have gotten sleepy pulling that sock off!

Waiting on Daddy at the dentist :)

My lil sweetie pie

He doesn't mind the antlers!

GO CATS!

A new favorite. He is obsessed with doors, dish washers, washing machines, and gates!

Thanks BeeBee for my early Christmas gift!!!

Kristin and I made cookie gifts. So fun!!

We were busy!!

Daddy, why did you lock the gate?!

Puppy love xo

Collins' letter from the NORTH POLE!!!

Seriously Mom??? It's from Santa????

Cuddling. :)

Loving the firehouse light show!

Big boy sitting up in the tub!!

 :),
Maegan