Since becoming a mother, Christmas has taken on a new meaning for me. For the past two years, I find myself thinking of mother Mary often throughout the day.

I can’t imagine what she went through that night. Traveling by camel while laboring and giving birth in a manger surrounded by animals! You go Mary!

While her birth was slightly different than mine … we do share one moment. Like me, and every other mother in the world, this is the day long ago that Mary finally got to hold her sweet new baby. To smell his milky skin, press his warm body to hers and feel the absolute joy that comes with loving something with every bit of your heart.

What a special moment that must have been for her.

I often wonder what Jesus was like as a baby or child. You don’t often hear about that portion of his life. Was he mischievous? Reserved? Did he adore his mother? Did he climb trees?

I also wonder about Mary. Did she get to cherish her role as a mother before her son set out into the world to change it forever?

I’m grateful for the shift of focus motherhood has given me around Christmas. Being able to connect to this sweet moment between mother and son has helped me break through the stress and clutter of the day and remember what it’s all about … the birth of a baby boy who would someday make his mother proud.

Merry Christmas!

Yikes – has it really been almost a month since I’ve blogged? I try to keep this corner of my life updated at least once a week, but I guess after the busyness of the month of November, I just needed a mental break.

Lila’s birthday went well and I was able to keep it together for the most part. I didn’t shed a tear until the night of her birthday party after everyone had left. Its hard to put into words why I was crying exactly. I am overjoyed that she is healthy & happy, but there is a pang in my heart knowing she won’t be my little baby for much longer. Having her in my life has shown me just how quickly time can go by, which at times can be an overwhelming thought.

I didn’t have much time to feel sad though, because soon Luke’s family was here for Thanksgiving. This is our third year in a row hosting, so we had things under control I like to think. The keys to a successful Thanksgiving? Planning and delegation. Thankfully Luke’s mom and sister are wonderful cooks and I have a hubby who is happy to do his part to host a good holiday.

Since then, we’ve just tried to settle back into our routine for a few weeks. Lila and I have gone to Gymboree, the Discovery museum and to the mall for some Christmas shopping. On the weekends, we’ve mostly been lounging at home, enjoying each other’s company, while doing one excursion for fun.

Last weekend it was sledding with Lila. She loved it!

Starting Tuesday, our hectic world picks back up again as we head to Florida for Christmas with my family. We will be Naples for two weeks. TWO WEEKS of sun, swimming and time together. I can’t wait to spend some down time with Luke. He’s been very busy at work, and so needs this break.

I love this time of year … packed schedules and all. There’s just something magical about twinkling lights, giving that perfect present and spending time with family.

Since I don’t have all your addresses, here’s our Christmas card. I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season!