Traditions

I am so thankful this year for so many things. I have witnessed a great many hardships over a short time. Hardships in my own family, and so many others. Most of the hardships I see in other families make mine seem small, I have SO much to be thankful for. God has given me so much more than I deserve. When I think of what I actually might truly deserve, it makes me tremble, for it is not much. But although we may have a very meager lifestyle to some, I think to others we may seem like kings and queens! I have four beautiful children. All alive and living very rich and full lives. All awesome human beings and wonderful creations of my Lord. I have an awesome home...filled to the brim with every kind of trinket and lovely thing you could think of. I have a wonderful husband that has been good and faithful to me for 28 years. He has loved me and provided for me and our children without fail. We have never had alot of luxuries, but we have never done without neccesities either. From time to time I have had selfish seasons when I thought only of myself and how much easier my life would be if I had only myself to worry about. But by the grace of God, He has always drawn me back to Him and helped me to see just how blessed I am to have this crazy, busy, imperfect life. I hope He NEVER lets me out of His hand for even one moment, for I fear I would make some terrible, tragic choice on my own. Thank you Father for all you have done for me. Most of all, thank you for your precious son, Jesus.
For many years we have had a few sweet traditions that are very special to our family. Here is a small sample of our lives here in TN. Since my children are classical violinists, they always play Christmas carols at nursing homes and retirement centers during the holidays....oh...and at the Fantasy of Trees!

     We also love to make ginger bread houses as a family. When the children were younger, we would have lots of kids and moms over for decorating and fun. Now that my children are getting older, we love to just have a family day and decorate and have a meal. My future daughter-in-law always says "It just doesn't feel like Christmas till we do gingerbread houses!" I always beging baking in Oct. (I have to make 8-10 houses!)
Here are a few pictures from the last couple of years....SO much fun!

Just beginning.

Doesn't take long to get them together, however, the magic doesn't happen till the candy comes out!

Hubby is the Master at gingerbread house decorating!

ALL the kids LOVE this tradition...old and young!

Looking better:)

After ten years of this tradition, I finally tried my hand at one!

Anna's is always such a happy house.

Ms. Kenley is also a master decorator.

Carolina and Coy have an AWESOME house, thanks to Carolina's sensibility:)))

Zeb and Amanda's house is always unique and super cool....just like them!

Even Ben has fun....and his house is super cute!!



Anna getting ready for the crowd.

So these are just a couple of our traditions...what are some of yours?
Have a lovely evening dear friends.